WHAT’S THE REST OF PSA UP TO?
For Peugeot, 2019 is an electrification offensive. As well as the electric 208 (see below), there will be PHEV versions of the 508 hatch and 3008 SUV. Citroën and DS plan new SUV action in 2019, too.
CITROEN C5 AIRCROSS
Citroën’s long-overdue rival to the Nissan Qashqai, the C5 Aircross, is intended to attract customers with its unique focus on comfort in the family SUV market. New progressive hydraulic suspension claims to recreate the magic carpet ride from Citroëns of old. Our early impressions show that it’s a bit more cosseting than rivals, although it is not ground-breaking or blessed with much handling poise. Petrol engine choices are a 128bhp 1.2-litre three-pot and a 181bhp 1.6-litre. There are also 128bhp 1.5-litre and 178bhp 2.0-litre diesels.
DS 3 CROSSBACK AND DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE
DS went some way to shake off its reputation as a maker of outmoded rebadged Citroëns with the 7 Crossback, and now the new 3 Crossback SUV shows the firm is back at the cutting edge. An indirect replacement for the DS 3, the Crossback sports a bold exterior look and a cabin that mixes comfort and high-end individuality. Sharing the CMP platform with the new Corsa and 208, it will beat both those cars to market and be the first PSA model to be on sale with petrol, diesel and fully electric variants.
PEUGEOT 208 AND 208 ELECTRIC
The current 208 has been on sale for six years, and other than the captivating 208 GTI, we never rated it above average. The public bought it anyway, and the 208 remained a popular choice for several years. So imagine how successful the new version could be if it challenges for class honours. Peugeot will hope it can do just that. A more striking design mixed with a roomier and better-quality interior are expected. The CMP platform strikes again, allowing petrol, diesel and electric variants. Insiders suggest the 208 GTI will appear in pure-electric form, too.