The most affordable SUV from the Lion brand would be called Peugeot 1008

The arrival of SUVs on the market has made models more expensive, so manufacturers are trying to expand their ranges in other ways, including exploring new body styles. You may have read that the Lion brand is developing an SUV much smaller and more affordable than the Peugeot 2008. It would be the Peugeot 1008. Following the discontinuation of the Peugeot 108, the Peugeot 1008 could become the new entry point into the Peugeot range, sitting below the larger SUVs such as the Peugeot 3008 and Peugeot 5008.

The Peugeot 1008 could be an SUV with a short bonnet, a high driving position and compact dimensions, with enough interior space for five passengers. The front would be dominated by the brand’s new emblem. The LED headlights would extend down to the bumper. In 2010, the brand came very close to the A-SUV segment with the HR-1 concept, but it never reached production. Between 2018 and 2019, some prototypes were spotted on the road, which means the project and the idea remained alive within the brand.

Everything we know about the possible Peugeot 1008

The latest rumours about the 1008, circulating in French media, suggest it could share the CMP architecture with the Citroën C3, a 3.98-metre SUV developed for India and South America. The Peugeot 208 and Opel Corsa also use the same platform, while larger SUVs such as the Peugeot 2008, the Opel Mokka and the DS 3 Crossback are based on a stretched version of it.

In terms of dimensions, the Peugeot 1008 could measure between 4.00 and 4.15 metres in length, keeping a safe margin below the 2008, which measures 4.30 metres long. Despite its compact size, the tall five-door body would still offer a great deal of practicality for the segment, aimed at buyers who want more space and capability than a normal city car provides. Since the 1008 is most likely to be a price-driven proposition, a natural choice for its powertrains would be the 1.2-litre Puretech three-cylinder engine, especially for emerging markets. For Europe, Peugeot could offer a fully electric e-1008 variant as its most affordable electric car. In terms of market positioning, the Peugeot 1008 could sit between the Toyota Aygo X and the Yaris Cross in Europe.