Following months of postponements due to Covid-19 and international regulations, the new second-generation 2008 compact SUV was unveiled to throng of members of the press at the leafy Monate Lodge, Limpopo province.
In my culture when it rains, it’s a sign of good things- and it did as we took cover at the lodge’s spectacular tourist hot spot: the Cave. Yes, it was epic (after months indoors) as the name of the lodge depicts.
Excited was Ramsoomar, because the world and SA market have been eagerly awaiting the new 2008 SUV and “push that envelope as the world and economy evolves”.
The French firm also confirmed that the line-up starts with the Active 1.2T 74kW six-speed manual model. Next up is the Active 1.2T six-speed automatic that muscles out a more substantial 96kW.
Those seeking improved luxury and features can opt for either the Allure or flagship GT 1.2T derivatives, both of which are available exclusively with the six-speed automatic transmission and high-output motor.
“For now we shall be concentrating on automatic and fuel derivatives,” he said at the presentation, following concerns that the international market is shifting to electronic derivatives.
But his major concern is the pandemic and could hamper growth and other business opportunities worldwide.
Powerful and distinctive in style, the 2008 SUV is a sculptural and desirable object. It fulfils the ambition to turn over a new and remarkable page in the history of SUVs and is fully in line with the current style of the range while displaying its own personality.
Yes, the power it has, as we took it for a long haul to the lodge, dodging potholes, incessant rain and animals from Mpumalanga to Limpopo. It stood its ground but at times the mud showed us a thing or two.
Locals went gaga at its exterior designs. As we enjoyed the interior that boast leather, 7-inch touch screen, I-Cockpit and 3D heads up receiver.
It shows that technology and pleasure are not incompatible and that a car has the power to amaze. It turns a trip into a journey and offers everyone the mobility they need.
In line with the latest Euro 6 standards, the internal combustion engines feature the latest technological advances of the Peugeot brand and are all equipped with Stop & Start and a particle filter.
For even more ease and driving comfort, some of these engines can be linked with the latest 8-speed automatic gearbox (EAT8).
The petrol engines are structured around the 3 cylinder-engine, a 1.2L engine size and adherence to the Euro 6d standard:
- PureTech 100 S&S BVM6,
- PureTech 130 S&S BVM6 or EAT8,
An optional sunroof can be fitted for R21,750.
Pricing includes a three-year/60,000km service plan.
Pricing for the 2021 Peugeot 2008 range is as follows:
Active 1.2T 74kW manual: R359,900
Active 1.2T 96kW auto: R399,900
Allure 1.2T 96kW auto: R429,900
GT 1.2T 96kW auto: R479,000.
It is available in various colours.
With its 210 years of history, the Peugeot brand is pursuing its commitment in the era of the energy transition.
Well, its up to one to pronounce it as two-thousand and eight or simply 2008- whatever makes you sleep at night!
To wrap-up the launch, we experienced a Lion kill in the morning. So there you have it Peugeot’s badge and a Lion: same WhatsApp group…
Meanwhile, Ramsoomar also confirmed they will be taking over Opel after it was ditched by GMSA in 2017.
Peugeot’s international parent company PSA purchased Opel from General Motors in 2017.
PSA has also merged with Fiat Chrysler Automotives (FCA) to form a new company called Stellantis, and while there are expected collaborations between Peugeot Citroen South Africa (PCSA) and FCA, it is not confirmed whether the brands will fall under the same umbrella in South Africa.
Opel is the third brand to be distributed by PCSA in South Africa, along with Peugeot and Citroen.
Image SLM (The all new Peugeot 2008 SUV that comes with a badge-code was unveiled at Monate Lodge, Limpopo)
