Peugeot Reveals 2008 Urban Crossover Ahead of Geneva [Photo Gallery]

In 2008, Barack Obama won the presidential race, the housing market went bust and needed to be bailed out, together with the US car industry. Overall, it went down as one of the worst years for people’s wallets, but that isn’t stopping Peugeot from naming their smallest crossover yet the “2008”.

Previewed by who knows how many concepts, ending with a more accurate one at last year’s Paris Motor Show, the 2008 addresses needs such as utilitarian transport, urban mobility and compact motoring.

The B-segment vehicle is based on the same platform as the 208 supermini and will be offered exclusively as a four-door following its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Peugeot UK says that order books will be opened in June this year and is anticipating a successful debut.

The 2008 is just 4.16 meters long, making it about just a tad longer than most supermini. However, it offers the higher driving position that crossover users want and can be fitted with large 17-inch alloy wheels. Reminding us of Audi’s Allroad series, the 2008 also features black bumpers and body sills that “serve to protect it from abrasions with the addition of front and rear body protection and side mouldings in stainless steel.”

"In the 2008, the Marque has the vehicle that will secure its leadership in the segment in Europe and which will win new customers in Asia and Latin America," said Maxime Picat, Director General of Peugeot.

❐ Check out the 2013 Peugeot 2008 photo gallery