The SUV boom in recent years has been unstoppable. These types of vehicles, simple “dressed” cars with bulky bodies similar to those of an off-road vehicle (but without their off-road capabilities), have become one of the main bastions of manufacturers. Because of their higher sale price, they have an exciting profit margin.
These models’ success is such that some brands are unfolding their offer in the B-SUV segment, one of the fastest-growing in the market. Thus, brands such as Opel or Volkswagen offer a small B-SUV (Mokka, T-Cross) and a larger one (Crossland X, T-Roc) that straddles the B-SUV and C-SUV segments (Grandland X, Tiguan).
The latest brand to join this trend will be Peugeot: the new 2008 generation is notably more massive than the previous one (4.30 meters long), yet still a considerable distance from the 3008 (4.45 meters). Therefore, Peugeot has scope to launch a smaller SUV: 1008, which will arrive in late 2021 or early 2022.
Sitting on the same CMP modular platform used by the second-generation 2008, the new 1008 will be a clone of the DS 3 Crossback (4.12 meters long) and Opel Mokka (4.15 meters long). Like these models, Peugeot’s smallest SUV will have a 100% electric variant called the e-1008.
At a mechanical level, we will find the same proposal as in the rest of PSA’s electric models: a continental engine with 136 hp (100 kW) and 260 Nm of torque and 50 kWh capacity batteries with liquid cooling and CATL cells. The autonomy will be around 290 miles. In alternating mode, it will be able to charge a maximum of 11 kW, while in continuous, it will reach 100 kW, recovering 80% of its range in just 30 minutes.
Compared to the e-2008, the e-1008 will bet on a more youthful and carefree style to compete against the Hyundai Kona Electric. It will also be one of the first models to feature the new Peugeot corporate logo, a reinterpretation of the brand’s insignia in 1960. Of course, there will be no lack of signature details such as the tusk-shaped LED daytime running lights, the i-Cockpit, or 3D digital instrumentation.