A Year in Gestation, Peugeot Finally Unveils 2008 Crossover

That evolved into the Peugeot 2008 concept and a liquid lime paint scheme at the Paris Motor Show a few months ago, now the French firm has unveiled the production version of the B-segment crossover that's an offshoot of its 208 hatch.

At 13.6-feet long, the 2008 is about six inches longer than the 208, or two inches longer than a Mini Countryman, and it has been tuned to provide the drive of a hatchback with the stance and utility of a crossover. That stance will be set up by punched-out wheel arches covering either a set of 17-inch alloys or a "mud-and-snow" kit for the truly rugged urban animal. Utility will come via the low-loading level in back, black bumpers and side sills, and extra headroom from the double-bubble roof (there's a panorama option, too). The studios chosen to create it weren't chosen at random, the 2008's production and main markets planned as France, China and Brazil.

The engines will include three-cylinder gas units and Peugeot's e-HDi diesels. It will be shown at this year's Geneva Motor Show before it goes on sale in late summer.