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Spyshots: 2018 Peugeot 2008 Spy Photo Debut or Opel C-SUV?

UPDATE: Some of our readers have pointed out that this might not be the next-gen Peugeot 2008. In fact, this might be the Opel/Vauxhall C-SUV, otherwise known as the Peugeot 3008 in German disguise. This would explain why it looks bigger than the current generation of the 2008 and why development is happening sooner than expected. With or without the help of PSA Peugeot Citroen, Opel/Vauxhall plans to launch three new SUVs all bearing the "X" suffix. This will culminate with a coupe-inspired flagship model that will feature up to seven seats and should arrive towards the end of the decade. Peugeot didn't get anything in particular wrong with the current generation of the 2008 subcompact. We say that because it's one of the most popular models the French have. However, for this all-new 2018 model, it looks like they are going to change everything.
2018 Peugeot 2008 10 photos
Photo: SB-Medien
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2008 was a bad year for everybody in the financial business. Folks lost homes, money, and hope. But for Peugeot, the number has been incredibly lucky, not only in Europe but also in Asia.

As such, an all-new generation is being planned and should come out in the mid-to-late part of 2017. Peugeot likes to do all the lab testing first, so when its prototypes hit the road, they look like they are ready for production. By contrast, the VW Group gives a constant barrage of awkward mules.

But enough of the history lesson. Let's examine the first spy photos ever taken of the second-gen 2008. The first thing we noticed is that it's a heck of a lot bigger. This could come as a response to the upcoming Dacia Duster, which is not a direct competitor yet overlaps regarding price.

A bigger trunk might be the reason why the rear overhang is longer. Just like the current 2008, this prototype appears to have front-wheel-drive and a semi-rigid rear axle. So the trunk will not only be long but also deep.

Yet we are most surprised by the design changes. The current 2008 has roof racks on top of a stepped roof, similar to the Land Rover Discovery. But this 2018 model is as smooth as a baby's bottom... or a hatchback, whichever you prefer.

Only a bit of the design is visible from underneath the camouflage. But we can make out the shape of the grille and some sort of indentations on the sides of the bumper. Looking at it from the front, we notice the 2008's body curves inwards right from the shoulder line, which is very unusual and makes it look taller, more off-roady. It's every bit the baby brother of the new 3008 and recently unveiled 5008.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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