Lucky Motors recently imported a Peugeot 2008 crossover SUV in Pakistan for trials & tests, following which the vehicle in Fusion Orange color has been spotted running on the roads on multiple occasions already.
The Peugeot 2008 on our roads
The company was in talks with French automaker Peugeot to introduce a range of vehicles as first reported in 2019. And from the looks of it, the Peugeot 2008 which is a B-segment subcompact crossover SUV will be the first to appear in our market.
Related: Can an Onslaught of SUVs Outdo Conventional Sedans in Pakistan?
Crossovers are becoming increasing popular all around the world and the same can be witnessed in our market too, where most newcomers are eager to tap this segment. Many crossovers have already been introduced in the market whereas a lot more are in the pipeline including the Peugeot 2008 of course, so let’s have a look at what we can expect from the newly anticipated addition in this segment.
Peugeot 2008
The Peugeot 2008 is currently in its second generation that debuted in June 2019 and is built on company’s new lightweight Common Modular Platform (CMP). In terms of dimensions the vehicle measures 4,300mm in length, 1,770mm in width and 1,530mm in height while having a wheelbase of 2,605mm.
Related: Lucky Motors to Introduce More SUVs in Pakistan
To give an idea about its size, it is slightly shorter than the Honda BR-V we have here in terms of length and height but is wider than the BR-V, while the wheelbase is marginally shorter as well however since the Peugeot 2008 is a 5-seat crossover, it will offer better interior space for the occupants compared to the 7-seat BR-V in relatively similar dimensions.
| Honda BR-V | Peugeot 2008 | |
| Length | 4,456mm | 4,300mm |
| Width | 1,735mm | 1,770mm |
| Height | 1,666mm | 1,530mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,662mm | 2,605mm |
The Exterior
The 2008 crossover has a visually impressive exterior featuring Peugeot’s latest design language of what they call Lion Claw theme showcasing three vertical slashes in front & rear lights and large vertical LED DRLs positioned on either side of the front bumper as seen on many latest Peugeot cars.
The sharper styling, blacked-out claddings and wheel arches and silver embellishments around various areas of the exterior adds to the commanding demeanor of the 2008 crossover.
The Interior
The rather futuristic interior gets various hexagonal and octagonal elements mimicking the sharp exterior styling inside the cabin. Even the chunky steering wheel is flat from top as well as bottom to follow the design cues with similar octagonal hub & airbag housing.
There is a floating screen on top of the dashboard which is 7-inch in regular versions and 10-inch in GT versions, along with a large digital speedometer cluster with driver information display. The information that’s rendered with a 3D feel can be controlled by the driver via switches on the steering wheel. The buttons & dials are said to be inspired by fighter jets, while the overall quality as mentioned in various reviews of this car is impressive but the interior may feel a little over-complicated for some.
Under the Hood
The Peugeot 2008 that’s going to be introduced in Pakistan will be powered by 1.2 liter turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine that comes paired to either 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission.
The engine is good for delivering 128hp of power and 230Nm of torque while in GT versions, its tuned to produce an even better 152hp and 240Nm. The claimed fuel economy is 15.3km/l for standard and 16.3km/l for the more powerful GT variant.
The Success
The 2008 crossover has emerged as a very successful product for French automaker in a very short span of time and is currently Peugeot’s second bestselling model behind the 208 hatchback.
In order to meet the rising demand, Peugeot had to add a fourth shift to its plant’s assembly line, meaning that the two lines will both be working four shifts for the very first time, as reported by Autonews Europe. The vehicle has achieved impressive sales primarily in Europe and various other global markets.
Positioning in the Lineup
In Lucky Motors’ product portfolio, the Peugeot 2008 will be positioned below the hot selling Kia Sportage which has emerged as the third bestselling local assembled car in Pakistan behind Suzuki Alto and Toyota Yaris. So, one may expect the Peugeot 2008 to be priced below or around PKR 4.0 million mark.
Good Chance of Success in Pakistan?
European cars were dominant in Pakistan prior to the 1970s after which Japanese cars with their cheaper price, reliability, simpler engineering & fuel-efficient engines took over.
As a product, the Peugeot 2008 checks most of the local customers’ demands as its stylish, fuel efficient and is a crossover with an imposing stance– something that’s considered high in demand these days compared to conventional sedans & hatchbacks.
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Plus like most modern cars, the Peugeot 2008 comes rich in features, equipment & safety with panoramic sunroof, reversing camera, multimedia unit, navigation, smart entry, airbags, ABS, EBD and other safety systems. However, we will obviously have to wait to find out what’s going to be offered with the locally available versions. The car boasts a 4-star Euro-NCAP crash test rating.
It will be the first European product to be launched in Pakistan after so many years but bringing in a French product in particular, seems to be a bold move by Lucky Motors, especially considering the recent outrage on French products in Pakistan due to blasphemy issues.
Related: Will French Vehicles See Success in Pakistan?
In past we have seen brands like Telenor and KFC taking the toll when times are critical so who knows a Peugeot dealership or even a randomly parked 2008 crossover may spark someone’s anger during unfavorable situations. So, while the product itself is very impressive, there is always an undue risk associated with it due to the French connection.
What is your opinion regarding the arrival & foreseen success of Peugeot 2008 in Pakistan, let us know with your comments?
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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