As in South Africa, the world market for all-terrain SUVs has been growing strongly since 2005. In Russia, for example, all-terrain vehicles have long been predominant and currently account for about 20% of the market, the majority being vehicles in the compact SUV segment. In China and Western Europe, the market share of the SUVs has reached 10% and covers a variety of expectations. In Europe, according to Peugeot, the market share of the SUVs in segments C and D is increasing to the detriment of the SUVs of the E segment.
In China, one of Peugeot’s largest new markets, it is the attraction of the vehicle’s status that is sought after. In Europe, it fulfils the desire for distinctive multipurpose vehicles, compact and with an environmental impact comparable to that of a conventional saloon. The new Pug 4008 is subsequently an ideal response to the changes in these markets that’s not only competitive in its approach, but also serves the marque’s ambition in the international market. Presented as a world première at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, 4008 will initially only go on sale in international markets (from 2012 second quarter), but will hopefully make its way to South Africa as well, unlike the first generation that was jointly developed by PSA Peugeot Citroën and Mitsubishi.
With the new 4008 4×4 SUV, Peugeot completes its range of vehicles suited to the various expectations of all-terrain customers. With its strong personality, for the international destinations, the 4008 is aimed both at customers who already own an all-terrain vehicle and at those looking for an alternative to saloons or MPVs, a vehicle synonymous with leisure. In Europe, it is targeted more specifically at customers who appreciate a strong and dynamic ability, with dimensions suited to multi-purpose use and efficient fuel economy. In addition to the 4007, but also the 3008 and its recent HYbrid4 version, the 4008 fulfils the expectations of the different markets showing strong growth in the compact SUV segment.
The new stylistic codes of the marque, such as the floating grille and the feline design of the lamp units with visual signature are judiciously adapted: at the front, a line of LED daylight running lamps that complement the headlamps and three red claws sculpted rear lamps. The off-road character has been emphasised by adopting a vertical design of grille, inclusion of body sill protectors and prominent wheel arch protection trims to accommodate large wheels enhanced by the sophisticated design of the wheel rims. The almost-horizontal bonnet grooves and the style line – which extends to the rear wing where it descends again crossing the lamp – are a distinctive feature and appear to hollow out along the body side, accentuating the strong and dynamic aspect of the 4008.
The work carried out by the design style team, down to the smallest detail, gives the 4008 a high class elegance in line with its positioning. The exterior is, among other things, set off with chromed components and the interior ambiance is enhanced by the choice of materials, like the soft texture fascia, to the instrument panel visor and the lacquered black decoration of the centre console. A glass panoramic roof provides extensive light for the occupants in the passenger compartment and is supplemented with side LEDs for night/dark light illumination for reading. With its particular style, strong and distinctive, the 4008 is firmly rooted in the world of the compact SUV. Its features and its equipment – like the Open & Go system, 18″ alloy wheels, a touch screen navigation system and reversing camera – are a result of the brand’s modernity and upmarket vision of all-terrain vehicles.
The platform of the 4008, taken in part from the 4007, has been reduced in length by shorter front and rear overhangs (-30cm in length). Its long wheelbase and its wide tracks have been retained to guarantee good occupant space in the front and rear. These characteristics and its exterior dimensions – 4.34m long, 1.80m wide with a height of 1.63m – make the 4008 particularly versatile. Its compactness and occupant space make it a vehicle suitable for everyday use, including in town and for leisure journeys or holidays.
In the four-wheel drive version, the driver can select three transmission modes: “2WD” two-wheel drive, “4WD” four-wheel drive and “LOCK”, locking of the four-wheel drive. In the two four-wheel drive modes – 4WD and LOCK – the distribution of the torque between the front and the rear is managed electronically. In LOCK mode, the four-wheel drive transmission becomes permanent, with even greater distribution of torque to the rear wheels. This type of transmission will represent more than 80% of sales of the 4008. Peugeot’s new 4×4 SUV will in fact only be offered in a 4×4 version in certain countries, including Europe.
There will be four engines in the 4008 range, comprising an 85 kW, 152 Nm 1.6-litre petrol (mated to a 5-speed manual transmission), a 113 kW/ 198 Nm 2.0-litre petrol (mated to a 5-speed manual or CVT), a 1.6-litre HDi FAP engine with 82 kW and 270 to 280 Nm with overboost (mated to a 6-speed manual) and a 1.8-litre HDi FAP with 110 kW and 300 Nm (also mated to a 6-speed manual). In countries outside Europe, the 4008 will be marketed with the most appropriate power trains.
- Christo Valentyn
