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Back to October 2011 Motorsports News Archive
| 05-10-2011 at 08:00: A New SUV for the World | |
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Around the world the market of all-terrain SUVs has been growing strongly since 2005. In Russia, all-terrain vehicles have long been predominant and currently account for 20% of the market, the majority being in the compact SUV segment. In China and Western Europe the market share of the SUVs has reached 10%, and covers a variety of customer demands. And in Australia, SUVs have accounted for a massive 23.5 per cent of sales for the first eight months of 2011 and to prove how popular an SUV is in Australia the Australian Rally Championship for 2012 will include an all SUV class. Peugeot’s new 4008 is the ideal response to this burgeoning demand. To be presented as a world première at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, the 4008 will go on sale initially in international markets from the second quarter of next year. With the 4008, Peugeot completes its range of vehicles suited to the variety of demands made by all-terrain customers. The 4008 is aimed both at customers who already own an all-terrain vehicle and at those looking for an alternative to sadans or MPVs. In Europe, it will be targeted specifically at customers who appreciate strong and dynamic performance, with a need for multi-purpose use and efficient fuel economy. It is born of the PSA/Mitsubishi partnership but the 4008 has a strong Peugeot identity and palpable European style. Peugeot’s unique identity is demonstrated in the floating grille and the feline design of the lamp units with the marque’s visual signature: at the front, a line of LED daylight running lamps that complement the headlamps and at the rear, three sculpted red claws making up the rear lamps. The 4008’s off-road character is emphasised with a vertical grille design, the inclusion of body sill protectors and prominent wheel arch protection trims to accommodate large 18-inch 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 dips again crossing the lamp – make for a highly distinctive and personal appearance. They seem to hollow out along the body side, accentuating the strong and dynamic aspect of the 4008. The exterior is highlighted by chromed components and the interior ambiance is enhanced by a careful choice of materials including the soft texture fascia extending to the instrument panel visor and the lacquered black detail of the centre console. A panoramic glass roof provides an airy environment with light flooding in, and is supplemented with side LED reading lamps. With its strong and distinctive style, the 4008 is firmly rooted in the world of international compact SUVs. Its features and its equipment – like the Open & Go system, 18″ alloy wheels, a touch screen navigation system and the reversing camera – are a result of Peugeot’s aim to provide a complete package for SUV buyers. The platform of the 4008, taken in part from the 4007, has been reduced in length with shorter front and rear overhangs, down by 30 cm. Its long wheelbase and its wide front and rear track have been retained to guarantee maximum occupant space.
In four-wheel-drive versions the driver can select three transmission modes: “2WD”, “4WD” and “LOCK” locking on four-wheel-drive. In both four-wheel-drive modes 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. Peugeot believes this transmission will represent more than 80% of sales and in some areas it will be the only transmission offered, including in Europe. A range of engines adapted to the market There will be four engines, Petrol: HDi Diesel: In most world markets the 4008 will be marketed with the most appropriate power train while in Europe all engine and transmission combinations will be available. Peugeot Automobiles Australia marketing manager Richard Grant says Australia will be among the first international markets to get the 4008 and he expects to launch it here in the second quarter of 2012. |
Peugeot has revealed that their new SUV is coming to Australia. With its distinctive, stylish appearance and its 4×4 capabilities, the 4008 is the modern response to the needs of all-terrain vehicle.
And yet its compact exterior dimensions – 4.34 m long, 1.80 m wide with a height of 1.63 m – make the 4008 particularly versatile. It’s truly manoeuvrable as well as being highly versatile, so it’s ideal for everyday use including in town and for leisure journeys or holidays.^ Back to top ^
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