It was rather expected, but today, at a press conference, Peugeot launched the 408 Saloon on the Russian market. It will be made in Russia and sold under the price tag of 549,000 rubles which is roughly around 18,559 US dollars. The range will be moderately flexible with three trim levels: Access, Active and Allure.
The thing is, anything above the Access (the entry one) would be pretentious. As standard features, you get electronic brake force distribution, airbags for the front, central locking, heated door mirrors with power adjustment, an engine pan guard and ABS.
The whole power train range consists of 1.6 engines – one diesel and three petrol units. The pressure is on the diesel one as it is supposed to do 5 liters per 100 km on the mixed cycle and yet it has to develop 112 hp and 254 Nm at just 1750 rpm. The petrol ones range from 110 hp to 150 hp and have a figure of consumption at around 7.5 l per 100 km on average. A choice between a five-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission will be available.
As a well rounded saloon, the Peugeot 408 sounds like the perfect car for a reasonably large family in Russia. In fact, it’s big enough to pass as an executive vehicle. Why would they put an Allure trim otherwise?
Peugeot has announced the new 208 R2 rally car, which will make its official debut at the Tour de Corse on May 10th.
“With the 208, Peugeot has given itself the means to create a new motoring icon,” commented Peugeot’s Range Director Laurent Blanchet at the model’s launch.
“The 208 carries over the successful spirit of the 205 and the 206, plus the functionality of the 207 in a thoroughly modern package,” added Xavier Peugeot, the Brand’s Product Director.
The racing car comes with a lot of upgrades including a new sport suspension with adjustable Ohlins dampers and a rally-specific hydraulic steering system. The brake system has been also revised by installing Alcon big brake kit. The interior received a roll cage and a pair of Sparco bucket seats.
208 R2 is powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.6-liter engine with 188HP (138 kW) and 190Nm (140 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 5-speed sequential transmission which sends power to the ground via a limited slip differential on the front wheels.
The price for this toy is starts at €37 500 and the fully-built models will be €57 500.
Ever considered what would come out from a relationship between a Peugeot 208 and a 3008? Neither have we. But at the moment, in Beijing something just like that is sharing the Peugeot stand . It’s the Urban Crossover Concept – a vehicle that “mixes the elegance and refinement of a saloon, the cheekiness and the mischievousness of an SUV with multi-role capability and unusal spaciousness for this market segment”. We always thought that the mischievousness and cheekiness are qualities best reserved for small cars but what do we know?
Peugeot say that because of the ever growing urbanization momentum, the Urban Crossover Concept fits perfectly into our worldview. Apparently, it somehow stays small on the outside and versatile and spacious on the inside.
The Concept is also the barer of Peugeot’s future styling cues. The front end for example is said to be refined yet full of power. A carefully styled hood and front wings add to the picture. The “smiling” grille with its metallic teeth underpins the new Peugeot badge.
From the side, the Urban Crossover is rather steep thanks to the raked windscreen which overlays with the rooftop and continues the silhouette all the way back to the spoiler. The raised body stance and wide wheels uncover its SUVishness. Peugeot say that it will be mulch-purposeful and yet kind to the environment. No word on any engine lineups though, Nothing technological has been discussed so far. It still is a concept so that’s understandable.
At the back we have a double bubble design an aluminum spoiler that bring the RCZ Sports Coupe to mind. Then we have LED tail lights that bare the signature Peugeot clawed design.
Peugeot Urban Crossover Concept
The Urban Crossover Concept will make its European debut at the Paris Motor Show in September 2012. Until then, our guess is that the urban turf will still be dominated by the Nissan Juke and Ford B-Max.
The greatly anticipated Peugeot208 is ready for ordering. Shipments are expected to start at June the 28th. There’s a wide range for you to choose from (3 or 5 doors, petrol or diesel, grunty or frugal Prices start at just under £10,000 ($16,031).
The cheapest one, the one bellow 10,000 pounds, has 3 doors and a 3-cylinder petrol Vti engine that develops 63 bhp and returns just 99 g/km in CO2. Every diesel engine out there remains sub-100 g/km. The most powerful of which is the 1.6 e-HDi Stop & Start Feline edition – 115 bhp. Did we mention that there are 6 editions? Because there are. Access, Access+, Active, Allure, Feline and the special edition Ice Velvet. The engines make up a total eight – 5 petrol and 3 diesel.
The most powerful petrol (and most powerful overall) is the 1.6 THP offered in the 3-door 208 – 156 Bhp at your disposal. The price? £16,895 ($27,084).
Equipment is expected to be abundant throughout the whole range with a touch screen control panel as standard on more than 80% of the models.
Peugeot RCZ Brownstone is now available to order in Europe. The manufacturer will run the special edition car in limited series of just 150 units.
As you may suggest, it features Brown exterior color as well as an exclusive interior. Outside, the RCZ Brownstone also boasts a gloss black grille and brake calipers, and a set of big Magny Cours 19” alloy wheels fitted with low profile run-on-flat tires.
The special interior features Cohiba Leather and Alcantara for the sport seats, the dashboard and door trim panels.
The RCZ Brownstone is powered by the 1.6 liter THP petrol engine with 156HP (115 kW) and 243Nm (180 lb-ft). It is very economical – 6.4 liters / 100 km and CO2 emissions are 149g/km.
The equipment of the special edition RCZ features more than €2 500 of additional goodies – WIP Com 3D telematic system, Sport package including – shorter shifter, leather sport steering wheel and Motorsound-Generator, Comfort package – front PDC (park distance control), automatic low beam switch and rain sensor, and xenon package with dynamic cornering lights and headlamp cleaning system.
A JBL premium sound system with ten-channel amplifier and 240 WATTS of power is available as an option for €500.
2012 Peugeot RCZ Brownstone is priced from €32 650 for the 1.6 THP model.
The new generation 2012 Peugeot 408 will enrich the Russian markets soon. The new model of 408 is the perfect combination of allure, reference road holding, spacious interior and a high level of passive safety. In addition, 2012 Peugeot 408 is a unique model which embodies both elegance and practicality – the main philosophy of the brand. What you need to know further about this vehicle is that it is a combination of dynamism and sportiness. Of course, this is typical fro every Peugeot model, but at the same time the new 408 delivers high level of comfort, because of its spacious interior. In fact the cabin is the most spacious one of the segment.
The new sedan has a unique set of features, which will undoubtedly satisfy any need of the owner. First of all, the new Peugeot 408 saloon benefits from Peugeot’s design expertise in the field of road holding and drivability. What is more specific here however is that in order to meet the needs of the Russian customer, Peugeot engineers took into account the Russian market and road specificities. Next, this model underwent profound climate adaptation through repeated testing in the Urals and beyond the Arctic Circle. These tests come in to ensure the ability of the car to withstand harsh weather conditions. Furthermore, Peugeot Russia aims at taking a lead position in the segment and setting new standards amongst sedans within the C-Segment car market.
2012 Peugeot 408
Production of the new 2012 Peugeot 408 will start later this year at the PCMA RUS production facilities in the Kaluga region.
Last week marked the end of the 82nd Geneva Motor Show – one of the biggest automotive exhibitions in the world.
More than 700,000 visitors feasted their eyes upon the creations of some 260 manufacturers while 11,500 media representatives channeled all there was to channel directly to your screens. It was a vibrant two week marathon of motoring nirvana.
There were ups and downs (mostly ups really), there was music, there was dancing…oh, and cars also.
The scale of the whole event does not allow to sum up everything in a single go and yet, we at Automobilesreview.com decided to give our humble opinion about some of the good, the bad and the ugly.
The Lamborghini Aventador Speedster J
HOT: It’s the lunacy that gets you. Gravely controversial, this topless model caused quite a stir among enthusiasts and observers.
Why wouldn’t it? It’s an Avenatador without a windscreen – first class go-kart experience, an Ariel Atom on steroids.
Despite the fact that any human being would look ridiculous inside (more so after a good trashing), nobody would dare to make a joke about it – the person inside should be, by all accounts, a man of steel.
Lamborghini Aventador J
Tata Megapixel
NOT: It’s got all the right features by the look of things: modern and round and crisp. But, even the name suggests, that it is essentially a big square.
Part of the reason why this is not getting too much attention might be because of the brand. Tata have yet to produce a car that has some aesthetic value.
We get that the idea behind the affordability and the fact that it is ideal for the streets of India but that’s just about it.
It’s too soulless and by looking at those side-sliding doors, original as they might be, we can’t help but thinking of a convenience store.
Tata Megapixel
Peugeot GTI Concept
HOT: You didn’t think we would miss a chance to include a hot hatch, did you? And hot it is this one. Peugeot 208 GTI – an audacious take on an almost thirty year old legend: Peugeot 205 GTI.
How do you stand up to the car that was claimed to be the embodiment of the hot hatch concept? How do you challenge Genesis?
At Peugeot think that an RCZ 200bhp 1.6 turbo engine, a wider-than-standard track and a multitude of handling smarts should do the trick.
We would really like to see that on the streets and chances are, we are not alone in this.
Peugeot GTI Concept
Carlsson Smart forTwo
NOT: Bringing a Smart to an autoshow is like bringing a knife to a gunfight.
Carlsson have made an effort to give this little critter some character but at best, they have given it an orange interior.
Power is up by a few figures – thanks to an ECU upgrade we get 110 bhp which is a lot, considering that the ForTwo weighs less than a lady’s handbag.
But unless you stick to driving it in a straight line, all is in vain we suspect as the ForTwo just doesn’t have the wheelbase for the job. It’s too short and understeery.
Carlsson ForTwo Smart
Touring Disco Volante
HOT: No. This is not hot. Hot is too much of a vulgar word to describe it.
It’s a celebration of aesthetics, a cobweb of passion and style and curves a blissful incarnation of beauty itself. It’s a history lesson as well – Conceived in the 50s, the 1900 C52 Alfa Romeo “Flying Saucer” had a profile made to last and today, the Carrozzeria Touring Disco Volante is the living proof of that.
It’s a genuine car this and not just a pretty body with no engine in it. The world would be a better place with this on the streets so peace’s sake, let’s hope the motoring future looks like this.
Touring Disco Volante
Hyundai i20
NOT: Bland, gray and consumer oriented, this ok family car, with an ok engine and ok quality inside and outside might be the right purchase to make…if one does not care about cars in general and is only interested in going from A to B safely.
You know, Hyundai have a perfectly sensible guarantee policies and… not interested?
No… Understandably you are not, because the i20 will never make your hair on your back stand up.
That is of course, you don’t find yourself driving it on the wrong side of the road with oncoming traffic…while being on fire.
Hyundai i20
The Geneva Girls
HOT:…definitely.
Let’s face it. What would the show be without some models…next to the models?
A big gear-head convention with people mooning about, calculating power-to-weight ratios and arguing over naught to sixty times.
We are not saying, that the 2012 Geneva Motor Show wasn’t like that, but at the very least, the girls were there to balance things out.
We also like how this particular model is thematically coordinated with the car represented – the Bertone Nuccio concept. All Seems legitimate.
The Geneva Girls
Mia Electric
NOT: Don’t get us wrong. It’s an interesting idea this – a tubular sort of, 3 seated van.
And anything that can offer a McLaren F1 type of driving position makes us tingle with excitement. It’s called the Mia and it looks like a Smart stretch which by itself sounds ironic.
Sadly, this is where the similarities with the F1 end. Strictly for the urban environment, this French-made “Microbus” gets its power from a 13 bhp electric, but hardly electrifying, engine that has a range of around 80 miles.
True, it weighs no more than 810 kg with the batteries on board but that’s courtesy to its plastic body. Label it “hot” and it might melt.
Mia Electric
Pininfarina Cambiano Concept
HOT: Much like the Disco Volante, this concept deserves an admirable batch of flattering adjectives.
It’s beautifully styled with clean and simple lines, it has some daring features like that roof over there – no doubt eye candy for all present at the unveiling.
But while the Disco Volante is basically an Alfa 8C Competizione underneath, the Cambiano is an ultra complex plug in hybrid that has electric motors on each wheel and a small diesel turbine that can charge the batteries or provide power by itself.
The overall maximum power output reaches 600 kW with torque being 640 Nm and constantly available. Take it out for a spin and by the time the juice runs out, you’d be 800 km away from home. So, clever and sleek – certainly a pageant winner.
Pininfarina Cambiano Concept
Bentley EXP 9 F Concept
NOT: We are gravely sorry, but Bentley should stick to what they do best – making Continentals.
Just because the world has gone mad-crazy about SUV‘s does not mean that there’s a place for everybody on the market table.
Besides, its not really a looker is it? It looks like a Continental with the aerodynamics taken out – anguliar, upright and awkward.
Also, with those overcomplicated headlights and ridiculous wheels, certainly the EXP 9 F is not doing too much to win our hearts. It may appeal a footballer’s heart but that’s as far as it will go.
Bentley EXP 9 F
Gumpert Apollo Enraged
HOT: This Gumpert Apollo in particuliar is not the melt-my-heart kind of hot (the sheer size of that rear wing is hardly endearing).
It’s more like heartburn type of hot – What you are looking at is a V8 lunatic on the loose, angry and out to get you.
If underestimated, this Griffin will trample over your ego with 780 horses (from a V8!!). But you can guess that by yourself, can’t you? The clues are pretty much in how they called it – the Enraged.
What’s more, you most certainly won’t be looking too hot stuck on a speed bump, but when a ride goes that low, chances are you are going to grind over half the streets in your town. On the plus side, it’s quite probable to be an absolute hit on trackdays, leaving behind Porsches and BMW‘s trailing behind.
Peugeot UK now offers their EV – iOn with lower OTR price of just £21 216 after the Government’s £5,000 Plug-in Car Grant.
The EV range will be boosted additionally by other all-electric models along with the recently introduced world’s first diesel-electric HYbrid4. The manufacturer displays its commitment to addressing the environmental challenges facing carmakers, communities, businesses and private car owners.
Peugeot has also introduced a lot of technological solutions and services, adapted to an array of customer needs and designed to drive powerful breakthroughs in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.
These include the introduction of Stop & Start Systems, diesel-electric hybrids and zero-emission vehicles, enabling Peugeot to increase its leadership in the European low-carbon vehicle segment and extend its expertise to other markets.
The Peugeot iOn has also been included in the development of existing mobility solutions like ‘Mu by Peugeot’, a personalised mobility service, based on a new vision of mobility.
“2011 marked a return of EVs for Peugeot in the UK. We want to continue to develop our EV strategy as the technology becomes more accepted by consumers and the charging infrastructure continues to develop. Peugeot has been at the forefront of the EV market with iOn and this latest development is a key part in our low CO2 strategy.”, commented Phil Robson, Peugeot UK’s Fleet and Used Car Director.
To have Peugeot‘s latest hybrid modular technology it takes a 2.0-litre HDi engine and a 37 bhp electric motor put on a single frame. The diesel engine deals with the front axle while the electric motor operates the rear. Such a setup was fist used in the 3008 HYbrid4. Now the Peugeot 508 RXH and 508 Saloon also join the company’s hybrid fleet by succumbing to the HYbrid4 badge.
By adding such frugal technology to otherwise resourceful saloons and all-roaders (such as the RXH and Saloon), Peugeot hope to optimize the driving performance and economy and increase the model’s versatility. Lower taxation is expected too.
Both of these AWD cars will carry the same HYbrid4 gear thus delivering identical figures of power – 163 bhp from the 2.0 HDi unit plus 37 bhp from the motor at the back. That’s 200 bhp in overall power. Their combined drive cycle economy is a charm, yet the RHX is the thirstier from the two with 68.9 mpg – the Saloon can go for almost 10 more miles on a gallon. Also the Saloon has a sub-hundred figure on CO2 emissions standing at 95 g/km. The RHX manages 107 g/km. The top speed for both is around 130 mph and zero to sixty takes 9.0 seconds (9.5 for the heavier RHX).
In terms of equipment, the Saloon HYbrid4 is pretty similar to the 508 Allure – Keyless entry, an ignition button, cruise control with a speed limiter, automatic parking brake with Hill Assist, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, electric folding door mirrors, Peugeot Connect Navigation (RT6) with Bluetooth, Peugeot Connect SOS and Assistance, automatic headlamps and wipers, 18” alloy wheels and half leather seats are all included. All of that for $49,788.
The Saloon however, is trumped by the $53,343RXH which has an even vaster array of luxuries. On it, you will find 18” Attila alloy wheels, parking aid, a panoramic glass roof, an additional Colour Head Up display, an USB point and acoustic laminated side windows. It also has a higher stance that gives it an overall crossover look.
Both models are available for ordering while shipping will start in May for the RXH and in July for the Saloon.
The GTi Concept was presented by Peugeot at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.
The specially created vehicle features two chrome exhaust tips, complete aerodynamics package and some badges at the rear quarter panels.
The interior features some sport elements, too. There is a leather steering wheel, a lether gear knob and Nappa leather sporty seats. The instrument cluster features LED backlighting.
The GTi Concept is powered by a turbocharged 1.6 liter THP with 197PS (145 kW) and 275Nm (203 lb-ft). It is coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Other performance elements feature complete braking system and a revised suspension. Probably, Peugeot will put in production the GTi Concept as a top-of-range 208 model. We expect soon more information and full details about this performance hatchback.
At 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Peugeot is going to unveil five new models: the new 2012 Peugeot 208, which is expected to reaffirm its strong market positioning; three HYbrid4 diesel-electric hybrid models; and the new 2012Peugeot 4008.
Undeniably the 208 model has already become an icon. From it has been sold more than 15 million examples over 30 years. Now, the new 2012 Peugeot 208 reinvents the dynamics of its segment with the goal to regain leadership of its category in Europe. The new version is architecturally regenerated and combines compactness (length: 3.96 m), reduced weight and enhanced passenger space. In addition it is going to be offered in different body styles – with three or five doors. It is characterized by completely redefining the position of the instruments and controls, the intuitive connectivity of its large touch screen function and a refined interior. Furthermore, the car is designed to be highly-efficient, economical and yet powerful. This is achieved through the extended e-HDi range and the first applications of an all- new family of three-cylinder petrol engines. At last, due to a new roadholding combination reflecting all the expertise of the brand, in it is featured active and passive safety, and innovative equipment such as a Park Assist function. The new 208 will be launched in early spring this year.
2012 Peugeot 208
Next to the premiere of the new 2012 Peugeot 208, the brand is also going to present for the first time two concept cars: XY Concept and GTi Concept, which are based on the 2012 Peugeot 208 3-door version. The two concept vehicles carry strong but distinct personalities: the XY Concept is intended for urban citizens who appreciate versatility and refinement, whereas the GTi Concept is the remake of a legend. Both cars have distinctive body colors which are achieved through an exclusive process, perfectly integrated stylistic and aerodynamic components, with strong and richly equipped interior environments.
Peugeot 208 GTi Concept
Peugeot 208 XY Concept
HYbrid4technology is one of Peugeot’s greatest achievements in terms of innovation and environmentalism. The brand is continuing to reduce the CO2 emissions of the vehicles in its ranges. For instance, the average emissions of the Peugeot models stood at 129g/km in 2011, which is already below the target threshold of 130g/km set by the European Commission for 2015. Furthermore, Peugeot adopts a philosophy which aims the continuous improvement of the internal combustion engine (achieved through downsizing, e-HDi Stop & Start Systems), and typified by the introduction of a new generation of engines (such as the new EB family of petrol engines – three-cylinder 1.0l and 1.2l). More importantly, Peugeot’s technological innovation is the world-first diesel-electric hybrid – the HYbrid4 technology. Thus, the brand is now offering a new range reaching new levels of environmental performance and driving sensation. In details, the unique technology is a hybridation of a 2.0 HDi FAP 163 hp (120 kW) diesel engine driving the front wheels with an electric motor of 37 hp (27 kW) integrated within the rear axle. This of course, results in the combination of a new driving sensation, which offer maximum combined power output of 200 hp (147 kW), “ZEV” (Zero Emissions Vehicle) mode, and fuel consumption 35% lower than that of a vehicle fitted with an internal combustion engine of comparable power and size. In Geneva are going to be showcased three models, demonstrating the potential for application of the HYbrid4 drivetrain across the range: the Peugeot3008 HYbrid4, which is already on sale; 2012 Peugeot508 RXH, launched soon after the first mentioned, which is also a diesel-electric hybrid but with distinctive and prestige features that offer original view of the world of all-road vehicles with enhanced driving attributes; and at last the Peugeot 508 HYbrid4 saloon, which is going to debut and will be available in dealerships in the summer this year.
2012 Peugeot 508 RHX
The new 2012 Peugeot 4008, is going to be another debut vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show. It carries a distinctive appearance and in addition to this its’ 4×4 SUV capabilities are make it even more attractive. It is born of the PSA Peugeot Citroёn – Mitsubishi partnership, and thus incorporates appealing, strong, identifiable Peugeot personality. The adventurous character of the vehicle is visible at first sight, due to the emphasis of the grille of vertical design, with body sill protectors and functional wheel arch extension trims. The interior of the new 4008 is improved by the choice of materials and the richness of the equipment. It includes glass panoramic roof, which gives the occupants an exclusive ambience. In addition to this it is compact (length: 4.34 m) and has good maneuverability. It is equally suited to everyday use and leisure pursuits. The 4008’s range has the choice of four engines (two diesel and two petrol) and comes with selectable electronic 4×4 transmission. More importantly, it has achieved a record of low CO2 emissions in its category, and thus is capable of operating economically and efficiently in a multitude of different environments and locations.
Responding to customer interest, Peugeot have came up with this – The 4008 4×4 SUV. A world debut is set for the 2012 Geneva Motor Show and then in April, it will be launched outside of Europe as a C segment all-terrain vehicle to meed the needs of many who are looking for just that (for the last four years, C and D segment SUV demand has doubled in Russia and tripled in Europe).
The 4008 has been designed by Peugeot in collaboration with Mitsubishi and looking at that distinctive front face and specifically the headlights, one can tell. Other eye-catching features include the LED daytime running lights that sit just under the hood and the three red claw sculptured lamps. The platform of the 4008 is partly a derivative of the 4007 one but the former stands 30 cm shorter in length because of compromised overhangs. Otherwise the wheelbase is exactly the same length, preserving the 4008 accommodating and practical – 4.34 m long, 1.80 m wide with a height of 1.63 m Off-roadishness is emphasized by the body sill protectors and the flaring wheel arch protective trimmings. There’s a stylish slash on the sides that goes across both doors and reaches out for the rear wing. It would not be of much use in a marsh pit but it does look stunning as a styling feature.
Peugeot 4008 (2012)
Whiled chromed body parts here and there account for that extra touch of luxury, inside things get even more premium – a fine choice of materials can be seen at the soft texture fascia, the instrument panel visor and the lacquered black decoration of the centre console. There’s a panoramic roof providing adequate sunlight for the occupants and an overall roomy feel. The steering wheel is padded with leather and is festooned with multimedia controls for the sake of accessibility. That said, there is an instrument panel, back-lit day and night. The knobs are round and chunky so that they can be operated even with a glove on. A 7-inch touchscreen satellite navigation is available as an option which has 30gigabytes of memory and can be used as an overall infotainment system rendering graphs of average speed, fuel consumption and vehicle condition.
Peugeot 4008 (2012)
Engine choice is relatively wide with two petrol and two diesels in stock
Petrol:
– 1.6 l 86 kW (115 hp) 152 Nm, 5-speed manual;
– 2.0 l 113 kW (150 hp) 198 Nm, 5-speed manual or CVT.
HDi Diesel:
– 1.6 l HDi PEF 84 kW (115 hp) 270/280 Nm with Overboost, 6-speed manual;
The two HDi drive trains, as well as the 1.6 petrol will be available with Stop & Start systems in the name of frugality. With the manual gearbox we also get a shift indicator so that we know when is the best time to change gear. In return, the 4008 1.6 HDi for example spews out only 119 g/km of CO2 in 4×2 mode and ten more grams in 4×4. Fuel economy figures start from 4.6 l/100 km on the Euro cycle.
Power goes trough a clever yet simple 4×4 system that has 3 modes – 2WD, 4WD and Lock. When in 2WD, the drivetrain sets in motion the front wheels, while in 4WD a computer decides where you need most toque and runs all four wheels. Lock sends power to all four wheels with the back wheels being significantly prioritized, to get out of muddy situations.
To sum up, it’s good looking, its practical, it’s functional and efficient – quite a rival for the rest of the C segment competitors. Check out the gallery. It is a real treat.