The Peugeot 2008 has enjoyed continuous sales growth worldwide since its launch in mid-2013. With 500,000 units sold up to the end of 2015, it has retained a podium place in its segment in Europe for two years and is today Peugeot’s best-selling car model in Ireland.

The Geneva Motor Show in March will host the public unveiling of the new-look Peugeot 2008. A more robust SUV appearance, new colour options, new GT trim, increased connectivity solutions and extra driver assist options add to the desirability of the Peugeot 2008.

Powered by a range of Euro6 PureTech petrol and BlueHDi diesel engines, four best-in-class engines are on offer. The new-look Peugeot 2008 arrives in Ireland this August / September.

Wheel arch extensions, a new vertical front grille and scuff plates that protect the bodywork, give the new Peugeot 2008 an even more assertive SUV look.

It retains the now-familiar Peugeot lighting signature at the front, whilst the rear lamps feature a new 3D lion claw effect.

A new Ultimate Red colour, first seen on the 308 GTi by PEUGEOT Sport, and the new Emerald Crystal colour epitomise the desirability of the new 2008.

Access, Active and Allure levels are now crowned by the new superior GT Line trim. The GT Line trim delivers a sporty, chic look with a red / black colour theme inside and out, complemented by new 17” alloy wheels finished in a gloss black treatment.

Inside, the 2008 retains the unique Peugeot iCockpit, to offer maximum driver control. With its ergonomic controls, touchscreen technology from level 2, small steering wheel and heads up instrument display, the Peugeot iCockpit offering is intuitive and safer to driver.

Standard depending on the trim level chosen, a panoramic glass sunroof with illuminated edging is rare in this sector. The ⅓ – ⅔ modular back seats means the boot volume can vary from 410 to 1400 litres in an instant.

The on-board technologies of the new Peugeot 2008 make everyday life easier. MirrorLinkTM and Apple Carplay® connectivity are now both available, to guarantee a wider range of compatible smartphones.

Through this technology, the driver can directly access applications from their phone on the touch screen, intuitively and safely.

The Peugeot 2008 makes travel easier and safer, thanks to a range of driver assist options, including Active City Brake technology, Park Assist and Grip Control. Active City Brake technology reduces the severity of accidents and even helps avoid them altogether.

To do this, a short-range laser sensor (LIDAR technology) is installed on the upper part of the windscreen, to detect obstacles such as a moving or stationary vehicle, travelling in the same direction and in the same lane.

If the driver fails to take action, the Active City Brake engages full auto-braking to reduce the speed between the 2008 and the obstacle.

Park Assist technology automates the parking process and uses the reversing camera to facilitate manoeuvring. The driver selects the type of manoeuvre required on the touch screen (parallel parking or exiting the parking space), after which the ultrasonic sensors measure the dimensions of the available spaces to notify the driver of a suitable location.

Park Assist then guides the vehicle via the electric power steering system. All the driver has to do is view their surroundings and control the car’s progress.

Pulling out of a parking space is very easy by using the intelligence of Park Assist again, even on a sloping street thanks to the Hill Assist feature.

The Peugeot Grip Control option gives the 2008 even more versatility on all types of terrain and in all weather conditions. Peugeot’s patented system works with the 2008’s generous 16cm ground clearance and is combined with Mud & Snow tyres to optimise traction no matter what the conditions, by enhancing the operational efficiency of the front wheels.

The driver selects from Standard mode (low slippage conditions), Snow mode, All-Terrain mode, Sand mode or ESP-Off mode, via a central dial.

The engine range on offer is composed of Euro 6 PureTech petrol and BlueHDi diesel engines, in manual and automatic. Offering power ratings of 82 to 130bhp, CO2 emissions are kept between 90 to 114g/km, to deliver four Best-in-Class engines in their segment.

Entirely designed by the PSA Group, Peugeot’s PureTech petrol engine won an International Engine of the Year award in 2015. This versatile 1.2 litre (82bhp, 110bhp or 130bhp) 3-cylinder engine can be combined with a 5-speed manual gearbox, 6-speed manual gearbox or the new, highly efficient EAT6 6-speed automatic gearbox with Quickshift technology to guarantee fluid, rapid gear changes.

Consumption for the PureTech petrol line up ranges from 4.4 litres/100km – 4.9 litres, with CO2 emission from 102g – 114g.

The 1.6 BlueHDi engines (75bhp, 100bhp or 120bhp) exclusively combine Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).

It the most effective technology on the market in terms of post-treatment of nitrogen oxides (NOx), as it is the only one to reduce NOx by up to 90%. This excellent NOx reduction in turn optimises both CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. The DPF removes 99.9% of all particles.

Consumption for the BlueHDi line-up ranges from 3.5 litres/100km to 3.7 litres, with CO2 emissions from 90g – 97g.

The new-look Peugeot 2008 will reach Irish shores in August / September. Pricing and specifications will be announced closer to launch.