Photo: Peugeot
Crossovers have long been upgraded from a simple mode of transportation to a lifestyle choice, a "look at me" from literally millions of people who buy them. Going against the grain of logic, some models have even gone for a less practical 3-door look in the search for new market share, and it looks like Peugeot wants a pice of the action.
After the 5-door 2008, the French company plans to launch a shorter, more attractive 3-door version measuring just 3.9 meters, making it not only 300mm shorter (almost a foot) than the regular 5-door, but also one of the smallest crossovers around.
It could either be called the 2008 RX or the 1008. The latter is a name which we think is best avoided. A small MPV with sliding doors called the 1007 is widely considered one of the least inspiring Peugeot models of recent times and is best forgotten.
A- and B-segment buyers rarely have 4 people in their car at one time. However, getting a baby seat in the back can prove to be a real hustle without easy access. This means the 2008 RX should be more of a niche char, like the MINI Paceman.
In the run-up to the unveiling of the 2008 production crossover, Peugeot showed as a huge variety of concepts. The first was the HR1, which best fits the description of the 2008 RX. It was a 3-door car "that blends together a number of genres (city run-around, coupé and SUV)." After that, a longer 5-door version called the SxC came out, which then transitioned into the 2012 Peugeot 2008 Concept you see in the photo above.
Any one of these can be considered a preview for the 2008 RX. We honestly hope that Peugeot will give us a much better design than its current smallest crossover, which we honestly think falls a bit short of its main rival, the Renault Captur, in the looks department.
It could either be called the 2008 RX or the 1008. The latter is a name which we think is best avoided. A small MPV with sliding doors called the 1007 is widely considered one of the least inspiring Peugeot models of recent times and is best forgotten.
Does it Make Sense?
At first glance, the idea of a 3-door crossover is not a good one. Renault has ditched such configurations for its new Twingo and Clio models because, if given a choice, most people would rather go for the more practical 5-door if it cost the same. However, bespoke 3-door models are a different story. If you create beautiful coupe lines and jack them up a bit so they can mount a curb, it could be very successful. Just take BMW's X6 as an example!A- and B-segment buyers rarely have 4 people in their car at one time. However, getting a baby seat in the back can prove to be a real hustle without easy access. This means the 2008 RX should be more of a niche char, like the MINI Paceman.
No Shortage of Concepts
Any one of these can be considered a preview for the 2008 RX. We honestly hope that Peugeot will give us a much better design than its current smallest crossover, which we honestly think falls a bit short of its main rival, the Renault Captur, in the looks department.
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