Peugeot's display at the Geneva Motor Show comes courtesy of the numbers two, zero and eight; with the big news centring on the 208 and 2008. The 2008 crossover makes its world debut and the 208 GTi brings back an iconic badge to the marque.
Described as 'an urban crossover like no other' the 2008 is a global car developed by Peugeot's engineers in Europe, China and Latin America. The target market is young urban dwellers who like to escape the city, apparently. Details of the engine line-up will be confirmed before the order books open in June but a range of three-cylinder petrol and e-HDi diesels will be offered with CO2 emissions from 98g/km.
Peugeot's steps to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide output are showcased in the 2008 HYbrid Air. The drive system combines a three-cylinder petrol engine with a hydraulic motor and compressed air tanks providing energy storage. Although new to the automotive sector the technology is said to be widely tested in other industries, including aeronautics.
A more conventional petrol-electric hybrid approach has been taken for the 208 HYbrid FE concept. In addition it features low-drag aerodynamics, a 200kg weight reduction and a cut in friction thanks to special lubricants. The result is a CO2 emissions figure of 49g/km combined with a claimed 0-100km/h time of 8.0 seconds.
Similar performance is available from the 208 GTi. Power comes from a 203hp, 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and the GTi gets its own styling and 17-inch wheels. One other new 208 variant will be launched in Geneva; the XY is an upmarket model with a choice of petrol and diesel engines.
As well as the 208 and 2008 Peugeot will show the RCZ R concept, which previews a production model coming later this year. Billed as the brand's most powerful car to date it uses a 263hp version of the 1.6 THP motor and also gets a Torsen limited-slip differential and bespoke suspension set-up. The show car is painted the same colour as the Peugeot Onyx concept car also on display in Geneva.