Peugeot is planning an all-new look for its D-segment saloon – a segment where eye-catching style is becoming vital with more car buyers switching to crossovers and SUVs.
Peugeot believes the model is vital alongside its new 5008 SUV. Back at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, product direct Laurent Blanchet said: “The positioning of our brand is to be the best high-end mainstream. What does that mean?
“It means that we don’t want to be premium; there is another [PSA] brand for that, which is DS. What we want is to be a very good generalist brand, and to be a very good generalist brand you have to be really present in the D-segment.”
The design is expected to be heavily influenced from Peugeot’s instinct concept, shown at the 2017 Mobile World Congress, changes are predicted to include a more coupe-like roofline, new LED signature lighting and sportier details. The platform will change as well, with the model moving onto PSA’s EMP2 architecture, which will support plug-in petrol hybrid technology. On the inside, the second version of Peugeot innovative i-Cockpit will be present, which has already been released on the latest 3008 and 5008 SUVs.
Engines are expected to be similar/ shared with other larger Peugeot models, 1.6 and 2.0-litre BlueHDi diesel and 1.6-litre THP petrol are likely to be available. A Peugeot 5008 plug-in hybrid is due at the end of year, with the 508 likely to see the same powertrain option.
