Peugeot 508 RXH

This is the Peugeot 508 RXH – a range-topping version of the 508 SW estate, combining Audi Allroad-style jacked-up suspension, rugged bodywork and the same 200bhp diesel-electric HYbrid4 powertrain recently fitted to the 3008.

Higher and wider than a 508 SW, the newcomer is a car that Peugeot says raises the brand's profile and "reinforces its technological and environmental leadership". It's not just the raised ride height, scuff plates and plastic sills that mark it our either - two sets of three LED running lights flank the central floating grille.

Under the skin, power comes from the 2.0-litre HDi HYbrid4 drivetrain which will soon go on sale in the 3008 HYbrid4. It uses a diesel engine to drive the front tyres and an electric motor to turn the rears - resulting in four-wheel drive and a total power output of 200bhp with 450Nm of torque. There's also an all-electric zero-emissions mode which contributes towards the combined fuel economy of 67.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 109g/km.

In keeping with the car's positioning at the top of the 508 range, equipment levels are generous. Electric front seats, a head-up display, 18-inch alloys and a panoramic glass roof make up just a handful of the standard kit.

Peugeot SXC

Peugeot is thinking big, and here is the proof! The French firm has unveiled its brand new large crossover concept at this year's Shanghai Motor Show, the SXC.

Designed at Peugeot's China Tech Centre in Shanghai, the show car measures 4.87m long, 1.61m high and 2.04m wide - that's a few millimetres shorter, but wider and lower than BMW's X6 - the model the coupe-like SXC is gunning for.

The brave exterior design sticks closely to the themes introduced on Peugeot's most recent concept cars, including the SR1 Roadster, BB1 city car and smaller HR1 crossover. It features the same floating grille, wafer thin headlights and sculpted bodywork as those other show cars, as well as the boomerang rear lights.

Despite its sloping roofline and high waist, the SXC features a spacious cabin, thanks to its generous dimensions, and it's accessed via Rolls-Royce Phantom-style reverse-hinged doors. A two-part panoramic roof floods the cabin with light.

As its looks suggest, the SXC benefits from four-wheel-drive traction, but the powertrain incorporates Peugeot's HYbrid4 technology. A 218bhp 1.6-litre THP petrol engine drives the front wheels, while a 95bhp electric motor sends power to the back. That gives a maximum output of 313bhp with a combined fuel consumption of 48.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 143g/km.

Peugeot 508

The 508 range comprises a five-model line-up – ranging from Access, through SR, Active, Allure up to top-spec GT.  Prices for the Access saloon start at £18,150, while the SW estate kicks off at £19,175. The top-spec GT models cost £28,750 and £29,975 respectively. The entry prices undercut the Passat saloon by £725 and estate by £1,000.

Six engines will be available on the 508 at launch – two petrols and four diesels. The 120bhp entry-level 1.6-litre petrol comes with Peugeot’s robotized manual gearbox, while the 156bhp version comes with a six-speed manual.

The oil burners kick off with the 112bhp 1.6-litre, available with either a five-speed manual or robotized manual gearbox. The latter car also features stop start, helping cut emissions to 109 g/km of CO2 in the saloon and 110 g/km in the SW version.

There are three 2.0-litre diesels – the 140bhp version is manual only, while the 163bhp and 200bhp versions are connected to six-speed automatics.

Completing the myriad choices are two different front suspension setups. Lesser cars get conventional McPherson struts, while the 508 GT model features a double wishbone front suspension aimed at improving road holding and steering accuracy.

Peugeot New Pride 2012

Coupé

After the conventional

three-door and five-door 208 hatches are launched, the

firm will introduce a dramatic coupé that will slot into the range as a baby brother to

the Audi TT-rivalling RCZ.

The new car continues

the trend set by the 508 and 208 in establishing Peugeot’s

latest design language. It’s the work of styling chief Gilles Vidal and PSA Peugeot-Citroen design boss Jean-Pierre Ploué, who have sought to bring back simple, elegant lines

to the brand’s cars.

The idea is to replace the swollen metalwork and gaping grilles of current Peugeots, and re-establish the firm as

a design leader. The Coupé will feature the rakish, feline design cues of the SR1

concept seen at last year’s Geneva Motor Show. Swept-back headlights, sculpted flanks and an elegant tail will be incorporated into the shape.

To match the striking looks, the car will be sharp to drive. The Coupé uses the 208’s front-wheel-drive platform, but gets bespoke settings for the steering and suspension. What’s more, as with the RCZ and 508, the top-spec model will feature a more advanced front suspension set-up that tames torque steer and gives greater steering sharpness.

Power will come from a

line-up of small turbocharged engines, including the 1.6-litre petrol unit found in the RCZ. The Coupé is currently slated to arrive in summer 2013.

Roadster

Following the Coupé, Peugeot is evaluating a 208 Roadster that would take the fight to MINI’s imminent two-seater cabrio. This fabric-roofed model wouldn’t replace the folding hard-top CC – that model has been part of Peugeot’s range since the 206, and will be offered in a 208.

Instead, the Roadster will be aimed at those wanting a mix of wind-in-the-hair thrills and a purer driving experience. That will allow the 208 CC to be sold as a luxurious junior tourer, with high-spec interior, sophisticated multimedia set-up and the option of a twin-clutch gearbox.

Powering the roadster will be the 1.6-litre petrol turbo engine, allowing Peugeot to market it as a spiritual successor to the legendary 205 GTi convertible. Low weight will be central to the car’s appeal: it will get a canvas top and a more spartan interior to shave kilos and help achieve a sparkling driving experience.

The Roadster is expected to match the MINI for pace – the two will share an engine, after all – but should undercut it on price when it arrives in 2014.

SUV

Also breaking new ground for Peugeot is a junior SUV that takes its inspiration from the HR1 unveiled at last year’s Paris Motor Show.

The newcomer is set to be a rival to Nissan’s Juke, and Peugeot may co-develop the car with Mitsubishi. The 4007 was spun from the Japanese firm’s Outlander, while a new, smaller Peugeot model is currently being developed from Mitsubishi’s ASX.

As with the HR1, a hybrid drivetrain is possible, as is a three-cylinder 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine.

Peugeot Moville Eye Drop Concept

MoVille is a compact single passenger vehicle with artificial intelligence and zero-emission drive train. Once you look at this vehicle, you will feel that you have entered into Robot world. There are three magnetic wheels which are rotated with the help of electro magnets. For saving space in urban areas, MoVille can tilt up and down. It features wireless road network in order to connect to other vehicles and road network. With this feature, it can judge where it is located on the road and where other vehicles are. MoVille is also fully equipped with immediacy sensors, cameras, and GPS. Small size and Omni-directional wheels enable anyone to park it easily.

MoVille consists of a single passenger capsule over an electric drive train. Three magnetic ball wheels are rotated without frictionless through electromagnets. Passenger capsule is shaped in an aerodynamic teardrop shape for maximum efficiency. It also tilts up and down for saving space in urban streets and become more aerodynamic on highways.

MoVille’s compact size takes up less space in dense urban cities. Because it has a sliding window door, it is easy to get in and out of in tight spaces. The passenger capsule tilts vertically to save space on the road and pivots for getting in and out.

MoVille features wireless road networking that allows for it to communicate with other cars and the road network. It is aware of where it is on the road and where other cars are. This allows for reduced traffic jams since cars can accelerate/decelerate synchronously. It also reduces the possibility of accidents.

MoVille’s small size and omni-directional wheels means it is easy to park. Equipped with proximity sensors, cameras, and GPS, MoVille can drive and park automatically.

MoVille features an organic led display on the façade that allows passengers to communicate and personalize their own cars. Because MoVille doesn’t need any headlamps, the OLED “eyes” are used for displaying vehicle status (running/charging/turn signal/etc).

MoVille has an artificial intelligence which allows it to act more like a robot than a car. MoVille recognizes its owner and opens its doors when you approach it. MoVille can drive itself allowing the passenger to save time.

Although MoVille can drive itself, it can be manually controlled with your digital devices like cellphones and portable game consoles. MoVille communicates with these devices which allow the car to be driven wirelessly. The dashboard can be retracted on demand.

MoVille has an electric drive train that uses electromagnets to rotate the ball wheels. Because there is no mechanical transmission and internal combustion engine, it is more efficient, and more reliable. MoVille’s compact body is built out of unpainted biodegradable plastic.

MoVille’s unique form factor allows it to integrate a second sliding door with integrated photovoltaic solar cells which can recharge the car’s batteries.

Peugeot RC-Z

Let’s get straight to the point, Peugeot’s RC-Z is a revelation! Smooth riding, with sweet handing, it’s the best driver’s car Peugeot has built since the 205GTI.

That's a big statement - yet even our entry level 2.0-litre diesel-engined car stunned us with its mid corner poise and stability. No mean feat on our twisting Spanish test route.

With its distinctive double-bubble roof canopy and rear window, it also sports aluminium effect roof pillars, and has a bold, cab forward profile that instantly marks it out as a very different machine to its closest competition.

On the road, there’s really not much else to rival it for kerbside appeal, and though we felt some of the detailing lacks the upmarket finish of its German rivals, it’s a car you would never tire of looking at.

Inside, it’s a similar story. Our test car’s leather trimmed dash is neatly finished, with contrasting stitching and bright, jewel like instruments. The oversized analogue clock in the centre of a dash makes an overt statement on this car’s bold fashion credentials, while crome effect trim adds a dash of sparkle too.

But while everything in the drivers eye line looks good, we felt improvements could be made to the likes of the centre console, which is finished in hard, scratchy plastic. The same is true at the rear of the car, where some mouldings feel cheap and flimsy.

Some of this is forgiven when the diesel fires. The unit is smooth, and there’s none of the rough idle often associated with such powerplants. In gear, acceleration is smooth, with torque delivered right the way up to the 5,000rpm red line.

Gearchanges are slick, and the lever’s short throw offers a lightness we found perfectly suited the closely stacked ratios. Steering felt instantly responsive, and the front wheels offered huge amounts of grip.

The Peugeot’s trump card, however, is its chassis – which is capable of absorbing the fiercest of abuse from the road and the driver, delivering controlled and fuss free progress even under the most challenging conditions.

As an example, you can brake hard into a corner to scrub off speed without causing the car to wander away from your intended line.

Purists, however be warned, while the RC-Z offers the same beautifully composed ride as the old 205GTI, it lacks that car’s enthusiasm for mid corner oversteer, and it’s beautifully weighted steering.

That means that where the 205GTI was a delight to drive through tight hairpin bends, and occasionally frightening through fast flowing corners, the RC-Z is the reverse – revelling in high speed turns, but left scratching around for traction when the road turns more sharply.

But this is a minor criticism. Clearly, Peugeot’s chassis team has managed to rediscover some of the magic that allowed it to dominate its rivals back in the late 1980’s. In the maker’s 200th year, we can’t think of a more fitting tribute to the past.

Peugeot 2008

Peugeot has officially revealed the 2008 "urban crossover" which will get its public debut at Geneva Motor Show in March.

Set to tackle the Nissan Juke, Peugeot's new small crossover is based on the 208 supermini and measures 4160mm which makes it 25mm longer than the Juke.

Design-wise, its styling is heavily influenced by the 208 especially if we look at the front grille and front/rear lights. In typical crossover fashion, the ride height and driving position are slightly raised, while a somewhat more rugged bodykit has been applied.

Riding on 17-inch alloy wheels, the 2013 Peugeot 2008 will be sold exclusively with a FWD layout but some sort of off-road capabilities will be available via a "Grip Control" traction system, the same one found in the larger 3008.

The engine lineup will be borrowed from the 208, along with a new 3-cylinder, 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline unit. Peugeot will also offer more frugal 1.4- and 1.6-liter e-HDI diesels. The most economical version will have CO2 emissions of 99 g/km.

Full details will be available in March 2013.

Peugeot 208 GTi

Peugeot has been saving the GTi badge for something special since the underwhelming 207 GTi was discontinued in the market in 2009.

Finally, the company reckons it has produced a car worthy of the badge in the shape of this 208 GTi Concept, which is set to be unveiled at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.

There’s no doubt where the inspiration for the hot 208 has come from. The GTi badge is proudly displayed on the rear quarter panels – just as it was on the legendary 205 GTi hot hatch back in the eighties.

But the retrospective nods to one of Peugeot’s best-loved models end there. A very modern look, with beefy wheelarches, an aggressive front grille and a large rear spoiler is the order of the day. The grille looks like a chequered flag and there’s a pair of chrome exhaust pipes.

The 208 GTi’s engine has already been seen in the RCZ coupe. The 197bhp 1.6-litre turbo petrol will be mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. No performance figures have been released, but expect a 0-62mph time of less than seven seconds.

A special exhaust system gives this engine a burbling note in the RCZ, and a similar set-up will likely be seen in the GTi. Sharp and agile handling should also be expected, as the 208 weighs around 110kg less than the 207.

To improve the GTi’s cornering ability even further, the front and rear tracks have been widened by 36mm and the suspension will be specially modified. The larger-diameter brakes used on the 154bhp 208 1.6 THP model will also fitted to the GTi.

Peugeot has also worked hard to ensure the GTi Concept feels special from behind the wheel. The standard car’s small steering wheel is now trimmed in leather and incorporates a GTi badge plus contrasting red stitching.

The red theme continues in the dial surrounds, the dash inserts and the centre console. The dashboard itself is finished in Alcantara, while the black rooflining and aluminium pedals also add to the classy feel.

For the moment, Peugeot is still calling the 208 GTi a concept car, but we’ve already spotted prototype models being tested on the road. That means you can expect to see the hot 208 on sale by the end of this year.

Peugeot 208 GTi

Peugeot is preparing to unleash a hot GTi version of its new 208 supermini – and the ingredients are right for it to be one of the most exciting Peugeots for years. We have all the details, and our illustrations show how the standard 208 will be transformed.

Like the 205 GTi, which was offered with 105bhp 1.6-litre and 130bhp 1.9-litre engines, the 208 will come with a choice of power outputs.

The tamer version will feature the same 181bhp 1.6-litre turbo engine as the MINI Cooper S, cover the 0-62mph sprint in less than seven seconds and still return almost 50mpg.

The interior will get sports seats and GTi badges, while the exterior will feature bigger alloys, a pumped-up bodykit and larger foglights. At the back, a roof spoiler and twin exhausts finish off the makeover.

The 208 GTi will have plenty of rivals, as the Ford Fiesta ST is due before the end of the year, and there’s an all-new Renaultsport Clio arriving in early 2013. There’s no official release date for the 208 GTi.

New Peugeot 208

In spite of Peugeot’s rich history in the small car market, the 208 is the company’s most radical reinvention of the supermini ever. 

The new car is smaller, lighter, cleaner and more stylish than the 207, bringing improvements in every possible way. And we have the first official pictures and 
all the details that matter.

Since the SR1 concept debuted at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Peugeot has set about pursuing a new design direction, improving quality and reintroducing the sporty driving experience of old back into its products. And the clean sheet approach to the 208 is the culmination of that process.

Although the three and five-door are based on the same mechanicals, they have been designed from the outset as separate entities. In profile, 
the scallop taken from the side of the three-door begins at the tail-lights and curves down along the side of the car.

The five-door uses a less dramatic feature line that runs along the sill and turns upwards behind the front wheel.

Other differences include bars in the three-door’s grille – the five-door gets mesh – and a continuation of the chrome 
window trim into the C-pillar, which is a nod to the 205. 

Both cars get the floating grille treatment already seen on the 508, as well 
as foglamps set flush into the 
front bumper and boomerang rear lights complete with 
claw-like graphics.

Inside, the revolution continues. A large central touchscreen dominates the 
interior on all but the entry-level 208. This controls the 
entertainment and navigation functions, plus the vehicle dynamics. Owners wanting to personalise their car can get the screen trimmed in different ‘skins’. 

So it’s no surprise that the 
layout and materials bear no resemblance to the past, with a glossy finish on the console and soft-touch materials throughout. The steering wheel has shrunk, too, and you view the instrument cluster over the top of it, instead of through it, which Peugeot says helps drivers focus on the road.

It’s not only the steering wheel that’s smaller, either – the whole car is. It’s 7cm shorter and 1cm lower, but the wheelbase is the same as the 207’s. Incredibly, the cabin is more spacious, with 5cm extra legroom, plus the boot is 15 litres bigger, at 285 litres – that’s still 10 litres less than in a Ford Fiesta.

The more compact dimensions mean dramatic weight savings. On average, the 208 is 110kg lighter than the 207, with the base car weighing only 975kg. Plus, the shape, optimised in the wind 
tunnel, is more aerodynamic than ever – and fuel economy 
will be impressive as a result.

Full engine details have yet to be released, but CO2 emissions have fallen by 34g/km on average compared to the 207. And none of the five diesels, which range from 89bhp to 108bhp, emits more than 99g/km.