New Peugeot 2008 SUV is on its way

The upcoming Peugeot 2008 SUV replacement has been spotted testing in heavy camouflage, with a psychedelic swirl pattern to hide its design. The 2008 is a vitally important model for the French brand, with over a million built since its launch in 2013.

With the larger Peugeot 3008 and Peugeot 5008 SUVs also proving successful, the car maker will be looking to repeat its success again. The 2008 is likely to share the design language of its bigger siblings, as evidenced by the rear light clusters left partly on show, which consist of three vertical red bars against a black background.

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It's also possible to spot long daytime running lights at either side of the front grille, and high-set headlights at the front. Overall, the 2008 is likely to be less curvy and more angular for its second generation, with pronounced hips and a sharper crease along its flanks. Inside, prospective owners can expect the latest version of Peugeot's i-Cockpit instruments, which could include a digital instrument cluster. Materials are also likely to see a step up in quality.

Big changes will also be present under the skin, where all-new underpinnings will be shared with the Peugeot 208 supermini and the next Vauxhall Corsa. This should allow it to grow subtly in length for added passenger and luggage space, but also cut weight by around 40kg.

The new base for the car will also allow the 2008 to adopt the latest generation of 1.2-litre PureTech petrol and 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesels, as well as hybrid and even all-electric powertrains. Peugeot expects different technology will serve different requirements, with boss Jean-Philippe Imparto telling us: "The guys in Paris will be electric. The guys who do 100,000 miles per year will be diesel, and the average guy will be petrol. You will buy your Peugeot and you will choose your powertrain.”

The PSA Groupe, which includes Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Vauxhall and Opel, has committed to electrifying all of its models by 2025. By 2021, seven electric vehicles will be launched on the same Compact Modular Platform (CMP) building blocks as the Peugeot 2008.

When it arrives, the fully-electric Peugeot 2008 is expected to offer a driving range of around 280 miles, putting it head-to-head with the Hyundai Kona Electric.