SPY PICS: New Peugeot 2008 on the way

With an over-abundance of disguise cladding, only two things are certain about the Peugeot test mule snapped recently in the frigid snow-clad climes of northern Sweden: First, it's clearly the next-generation Peugeot 2008 crossover reportedly due to go on sale in European markets in 2020 and, second, it's destined to follow the themes established by the current model, which has been on sale in Australia since late 2013.

Based on the Peugeot 208 light hatch with which it shares its front-drive only configuration, the Peugeot 2008 mall SUV sits in the same segment as the Mitsubishi ASX, Mazda CX-3 and Nissan Qashqai. The new model is being developed alongside similar versions from PSA Group, which also includes Citroen and Opel brands.

From the limited cues provided by the spy shots, it's clear the second-generation 2008 SUV will be easily identifiable, certainly not a quantum change from the current model, although word is it will be bigger in all directions to bring benefits in luggage and passenger space.

In Australia, the current 2008 range has been limited to an 81kW/205Nm 1.2-litre turbo three-cylinder engine coupled to a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission, since an upgrade in 2017. In other markets, however, there is talk of the next-gen 2008 offering a new range of 1.5-litre turbo-diesels. Upper-deck variants could also be fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

In the meantime, British website Auto Express has reported that a pure-electric Peugeot 2008 with a range of around 350km will likely emerge as one of a swag of Peugeot and Citroen EVs as early as 2021.

Speculation is mounting that the 2008 will build on the lighter-weight CMP Compact Modular Platform, developed jointly by Peugeot owner PSA and Chinese partner DongFeng. That architecture is destined to underpin smaller vehicles in the Peugeot/Citroen/Opel range.

With Peugeot working to lift perceived levels of quality above the mainstream, industry observers say the 2008's interior will be the subject of much attention, lifting the overall ambience while also bringing higher levels of digital technology.

It's rumoured that the next-gen Peugeot 2008 will make its first appearance at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show in September, followed by a launch to the public early in 2020.