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NEWS
Style a winner for 2008
Peugeot mini-SUV will avoid Juke looks in search of successStyling less confronting than the Nissan Juke will help make the forthcoming 2008 mini-SUV a sales success for Peugeot predicts local boss Bill Gillespie.
The chunky 2008, still officially a concept, will be shown at the Paris motor show next week before going into production early in 2012 and making its way to Australia by the end of the year.
Likely rivals include the Holden Trax, Ford EcoSport and the Juke, the latter yet to be confirmed for Australia but looking very likely. The goggle-eyed mini-Nissan has proved a surprise hit in Europe, is now also sold in North America and is headed for China.
“The 2008 is aimed in a similar direction to Nissan Juke,” Mr Gillespie, general manager/director of Peugeot Automobiles Australia, told motoring.com.au at this week’s local launch of the 208 mini, upon which the 2008 is technically based.
“But it’s toned back a little from a Juke because that car isn’t necessarily one that will appeal to everyone. The 2008 is more mainstream but still a really good looking car ... with a great interior very much like the 208.”
Mr Gillespie believes the 2008 can play a volume role in lifting Peugeot Automobiles Australia towards a record beyond 9000 sales. It will arrive toward the end of model rush that kicked off with the 208.
“I think 2008 really has the ability to make a difference,” he predicted. “There is obviously a market in Europe for it. Is there a market here? I think there is.”
So far the only engine that’s been confirmed for the 2008 is a turbocharged version of PSA’s new ‘EB’ 1.2-litre triple-cylinder engine. Other petrol and diesel engines are expected to be revealed over time.
“We don’t know what spec or engine capacity we would take in this market because we are still a fair way out from it,” Mr Gillespie explained. “But you have to look all of the options at this stage because the way the market is moving there are niches forming and appearing before you even know it.
“If there is an opportunity to sell a 1.2-litre fuel efficient version of that then you’d have to look at it.”
The 2008 will give Peugeot a third small cross-over option alongside the 3008 and 4008, while the larger Mitsubishi Outlander-based 4007 is phased out early in 2013.
“I am not particularly worried about not being in the medium SUV segment to be honest,” Mr Gillespie said. “Small SUV right now is the place to be.”
According to official VFACTS figures, small SUV sales are up 65.4 per cent in 2012. Medium SUV sales are up 20.9 per cent.
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Written byBruce Newton
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