[GTO]

Peugeot's second attempt in the Indian market is certainly not going to be an easy one. There's still a lot of bad blood between potential 309 owners who haven't even gotten their deposits back!

That Peugeot will be launching the 508 & 207 is no secret to BHPians (Link to Scoop Thread). Peugeot is also setting up a manufacturing facility in Gujarat.

The relevant-to-India 207 hatchback was conspicuous by its absence at the Peugeot stall:


The 508 will initially be imported as a CBU, hence expect pricing in the region of mid-20s. It's one solid European car, and that has looks to match. I never really cared much about it, until I saw it in person. The lines are extremely proportionate & the luxo-sedan does look like a million bucks. This car was globally launched at the 2010 Paris Motor Show while China will soon be its single largest market:


Unless Peugeot does something really different with the price & positioning, this car will end up as another "has been" in the 20+ lakh segment. There is no real differentiator or stand-out factor:


5-star safety rating in the NCAP:




I absolutely love the clean, tight rear:


Bling alloy wheels:


Interior quality is outstanding, and easily on par with the Cs & 3s of the world:




Limited leg-room at the back. Plus, the seat is placed really low too. This is a poor choice of car for the chauffeur-driven:


204 BHP 2.2L turbo-diesel mated to a conventional (no dual-clutch) 6 speed automatic transmission. Engine has 450 Nm of torque!

[GTO]

Peugeot showcased its Hybrid4 system. The Hybrid4 is a diesel engine + electric motor, mated to a 4WD platform. The Peugeot 3008 is the world's first production diesel-hybrid on sale:




The Hybrid4 can deliver fuel economy of up to 3.8L / 100 kms:


A 163 BHP diesel engine & a 37 BHP electric motor:


It can also run in full-electric mode for a couple of kms & upto 50 kph:


The Le Mans 908 HDi race car. In 2011, this car had 5 pole positions and 6 wins of 7 total races!


Power comes from a 3.7 liter common-rail diesel with 550 BHP on tap:


Weighs lesser than a Maruti Swift. 900 kilos only:

[GTO]

Peugeot's budget sports car, the RCZ, has been on sale since 2010. It was never meant to go into production, but the concept received such a good response that Peugeot changed plan. It's available with a 2 liter diesel or 1.6 liter petrol engine, and has been an unexpected success for the French company. The base RCZ starts at a mere GBP 17,000 in the UK. Peugeot India should definitely launch the RCZ at ~30 lakhs at the time of the 508's introduction; it will bring the company the attention it badly needs:

[GTO]

The awkward looking 3008 is Peugeot's 5-seater crossover. The crowds were attracted to its MPV-like stance, but disappointed at the lack of a 3rd row of seats. Rear legroom is surprisingly limited. The 3008 ought to give India a pass:

[GTO]

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Auto Expo 2012 Section!

[Rudra Sen]

After a long time there are something not ME TOO design.
508 has one of the smoothest rear design according to me. In dark shade this car will look stunning. Yes, wheel is too bling for this super smooth design.

Not only 508 but both RCZ and 3008 sporting extremely well balanced rear design. Nice feel for a change.

[SankalpDesai]

The French seem to have picked up the design talent from the Italians. The cars are so drool-worthy. I would love to drive the 508 anyday. Its just so unique and so non-japanese.

The RCZ resembles the Audi TT at times, but comes out way better due to those curves at all the right/wrong places. I'm sure they would have been a treat to look at in-person.

Can't wait to see them on Indian roads soon.

[iceman7]

Love the rear and the neatly set dual exhausts on the 508

A 2.2 turbo diesel with 204 BHP and 450 Nm of torque sounds sweet too!!

But with a 20+ lac price tag, don't you think it's priced on the wrong side of 20L?

Also, does Peugeot have any plans to manufacture this in India in the future. This would reduce the price. No?

Edit: - What is the set of 7-8 LED (i assume) behind the projectors in the headlight casing?

Th3 508 would look smoking in Red!!

[kkg]

I saw 508 yesterday in metal. It is different from almost everything on road in its class (like Fluence). They have kept the rear so clean that the 508 monogram has be stuck on bumper.

[mac187]

These cars are a well come break from the korean designs we have been subjected to till now.

The biggest test will be gaining the goodwill back. That is the hardest. They ought to toss a bait for their old customers and the one's who lost their deposits.

[Abhi_Automobile]

Interesting comment about interior quality. To me, that means that it is slightly better quality that VW/Skoda products (Passat/Superb) and infinitely better than the Japs/Koreans (Accord/Camry). No surpise that PSA/Citroen enjoys a near premium positions for a few of its products in Europe.

To my eyes, 508 is the best looking sedan in its class (assuming Passat/Superb/Accord/Camry) by a million mile. Just like you, I love the classy, understated and elegant looks,

However, India is a different market than Europe. Peugeot has no 'brand presence' or respect in India. They have to bring classy products@competetive prices to lure us Indians. Or else run after the so called 'premium positioning' and risk not selling their cars at all. If I were them, I'd try to get the products to as many people as possible, they see it, feel it and slowly start appreciating it.

Take two cases:

Case1: Skoda--> Unknown when it came to India--> sold Octavias --> People bought tons of cars--> They appreciated the cars--> Surprising 'premium' position for the brand.

Case2: Renault--> Averagely known--> Gunned for 'premium positioning' for Fluence, Koleos--> Not many cars sell--> Still an averagely known/respected brand.

Which approach would you pick?

[Swanand Inamdar]

508 sure is a looker. Once the cars become a CKD, the prices should also go down considerably. Should be a treat to drive too. I loved the clean lines on it. Very elegant sans those alloys!

Loved the RCZ. Absolute must bring to India.

[MaserQ]

Peugeot are just setting up shop in India and the 207 may not be on the immediate agenda, hence the absence.

The 508 is not just a car launch for Peugeot but an opportunity to redeem themselves for past failures. Much will depend on Peugeot's initial strategy though. They do have an extremely impressive car with which to start afresh.

[avishar]

Not thats a real french.Nice quirky(hatke!) designs!

I like the 508,and its really quite nice to see a manufacturer launching a car with a diesel engine from the word go.

However rear leg space seems to be on the lower side?Also Peugeot would do well to realise that cars like the 508 has to rear passenger-centric and not the front passenger.A bit of beige and bit of wood would whet the indian back seater's appetite!A bit more goodies at the back will do the trick.

[kartikk]

Absolutely loved the curvy designs really smooth, the tail-lamps of 3008 sweet but whats with the front, the Peugeot emblem takes most of space in between the headlamps on all their cars, its really huge