Peugeot facelifts 2008 SUV

Peugeot has facelifted its 2008 SUV.

Launched in 2013, the new frontal appearance now takes on an even more ‘assertive, powerful and appealing SUV design’ according to the French company. Its wheel arch extensions (from Allure level), new vertical front grille and scuff plates (from Allure level) ‘confirm its robustness’. The new vertical multi-faceted front grille features the Peugeot lion at the centre which Peugeot says gives a dynamic and attractive appearance. This style approach continues from the grille over the bonnet and onto the roof with roof bars and spoiler completing the new profile. Black and chrome headlamps and 3D LED rear lights with 3-claw design 'illustrate the embedded technology from the outside'.

The new Ultimate Red colour further ‘epitomises the power and desirability’ of the new 2008. The Access, Active and Allure levels are complemented by the new ‘GT Line’ model. This trim level is already popular on other Peugeot models (208, 308 and 508), and adds a sporty theme with a red/black coloured interior theme and is consistent with the brand's move up market strategy.

The Peugeot i-Cockpit is unique to Peugeot and ‘embodies the driving characteristics of the Peugeot 2008’ - being ‘agile, intuitive and safe’. The compact sports steering wheel offers precise steering and improved manoeuvrability while the 7” multifunction colour touch screen puts all the functionality at your fingertips. In addition, the head-up instrument panel allows driver information to be accessed without taking the eyes off the road.

Grip Control - an adapted traction system - gives the 2008 its versatility on all types of terrain. It is combined with Mud & Snow (all-Season) certified winter tyres. Peugeot 2008 is equipped with MirrorScreen, based on MirrorLink and Apple Carplay, along with the reversing camera, Active City Brake and Park Assist - a rarity in this segment.

The petrol range of the new 2008 includes a choice of five engines while the Diesel line-up includes three engines, all of them with CO2 emissions at less than 100g/km.

Pricing has yet to be confirmed for the faceifted model, with the revamped 2008 set to go on sale this summer.

Peugeot wins 2016 Dakar Rally

Peugeot has won the 2016 Dakar Rally.

The Peugeot 2008 DKRs claimed nine stage wins out of a possible 12, including seven one-twos and two one-two-threes.

This French marque triumphed at only its second participation in South America with a total of three Peugeot 2008 DKRs reaching the finish ramp. The duo of Stephane Peterhansel and Jean-Paul Cottret in the number 302 Peugeot 2008 DKR called upon all of their experience to seal another win at the finish ramp in Rosario. This is not only their sixth win together, but the 12th win in total for Peterhansel – a six-time Dakar motorbike winner – 25 years after his debut triumph.

With a 9500-kilometre route in two weeks through Argentina and Bolivia, taking in extremes of weather and altitudes that peaked at 4800 metres, Team Peugeot Total took on a challenge with a rather accomplished line-up. The crews of Stephane Peterhansel/Jean-Paul Cottret, Carlos Sainz/Lucas Cruz and Cyril Despres/David Castera have 17 Dakar victories between them and were joined by nine-time world rally champions Sebastien Loeb and Daniel Elena, making their debut on the event.

Peugeot says its engineers learned several valuable lessons during their first participation in South America last year, and worked non-stop ever since to improve the car. Lower, wider, longer and more powerful, the new 2008 DKR kept faith with its two-wheel drive configuration against the traditional 4x4s.

During the first week Peugeot occupied the top three places, thanks to six one-twos and two one-two-threes on the six stages run. The second week of the rally offered a more varied route, taking in an increased amount of off-piste action and an itinerary through the dunes. Through this hazard-strewn terrain, both Sebastien Loeb and Carlos Sainz bid farewell to their hopes of victory, because of a roll and a mechanical breakage on stage 10 respectively. Cyril Despres had already been delayed on stage five with a turbo problem, so it was Stephane Peterhansel who emerged as Team Peugeot Total’s main contender for victory.

The Frenchman won a crucial stage through the famous Fiambala dunes, and then seized the advantage on the 10th of 13 stages, with a cushion of one hour at the head of the field. He then just had to manage that advantage all the way to the finish.

Stephane Peterhansel (driver of the winning Peugeot 2008 DKR) said: “This is a huge satisfaction for us. Before the start, a result like this was far from guaranteed. My feeling was that the team was still a bit young, but in fact everything came together extremely well. We had the nice surprise of seeing that our car was extremely competitive throughout the WRC-style stages. I just tried to stay in touch during those days, knowing that Carlos and Seb were quicker than me. We drove a clean rally with one day of maximum attack, and then we found ourselves in the lead with a very comfortable margin: 50 minutes with just three days to go. After that, it was just a question of looking after that gap as intelligently as possible. When I was competing on my very first Dakars as a bike rider, I dreamed of one day driving for Peugeot. To have joined the team and won with them is a massive source of satisfaction for me. “

Jean-Paul Cottret (co-driver of the winning Peugeot 2008 DKR) added: “We’re delighted to have brought this Peugeot 2008 DKR to the top step of the podium. It’s a great reward for the whole team, which has worked so hard for two years. After a year of learning, we’ve now achieved victory. It’s a great result, so a massive thanks to everyone.”

Peugeot reveals new 2008 Urban Cross edition

Peugeot reveals new 2008 Urban Cross edition

Peugeot reveals new 2008 Urban Cross edition

Peugeot reveals new 2008 Urban Cross edition

Peugeot reveals new 2008 Urban Cross edition

Peugeot reveals new 2008 Urban Cross edition

Peugeot reveals new 2008 Urban Cross edition

Peugeot reveals new 2008 Urban Cross edition

Peugeot reveals new 2008 Urban Cross edition

Peugeot has added a new special edition to its 2008 Crossover line-up - the 2008 Urban Cross.

Based on the Active badge level, but benefitting from an enhanced specification, the Urban Cross is available in either the 1.2-litre PureTech 110hp S&S with 108g/km of CO2 or 1.6-litre BlueHDi 100hp S&S with 95g/km of CO2 emissions.

The main features on the special edition are the exterior and interior styling; noticeably a new and 'exclusive' metallic Emerald paint colour. The Urban Cross also features 17" alloy wheels and Grip Control as standard, along with rear Parking Aid and electric, heated and black, folding door mirrors. The premium trim, with emerald stitching, is complemented by the leather steering wheel and gearknob, with emerald contrast stitching.

The Peugeot 2008 Urban Cross is available to order now, priced from £16,495 OTR.