Peugeot 2008 at Paris 2012

Peugeot 2008 at the 2012 Paris Motor Show

Peugeot is on the offensive big time here at Paris - there's the Onyx supercar concept, the updated RCZ, the hot RCZ R concept and the production-ready 208 GTi. And now this: the 2008 crossover concept.

Paris Motor Show 2012 - live

What is it?

This is the vehicle that Peugeot hopes will challenge the quirky Nissan Juke for its crossover crown. The 2008 certainly seems to have enough ammo to succeed, with sharp styling and efficient power.

What's hot?

Under the bonnet lies a compact 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, turbocharged to 110hp. Sounds modest, but then this crossover is relatively small at just over 4m long, so it hasn't got much to haul. It should be economical, too, though Peugeot hasn't yet released any efficiency data.

What's not?

Be prepared for a more mundane wheel, bodykit and - thank goodness - colour combination once the 2008 makes it to production. That said, the car's inherent style, driven by those chunky proportions, should remain.

How much and when?

Expect the entry-level 2008 to cost around £15,500 when it goes on sale in the UK at the end of June next year, giving the base-spec £15,595 Nissan Juke a run for its money.

Anything else I should know?

Peugeot hasn't confirmed the car's full engine line-up, but expect a selection of turbodiesels to feature, including a stop-start equipped 115hp 1.6-litre. A Hybrid4 version with the firm's 163hp 2.0-litre turbodiesel and 37hp electric motor combination is also a possibility.

On Bing: see images of the Peugeot 2008
Review: Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 (2011 onwards)

Paris Motor Show 2012 - live