Geneva Motor Show 2013: Peugeot shows off 2008

The Peugeot 2008 is a vitally important new crossover model for the embattled French car manufacturer. The Nissan Juke rival will be pitched at the heart of one of Europe's fastest-growing market sectors, and is expected to take a significant slice of it.

The 2008 is based on the 208, and as well as the usual high-technology interior features small, chic, family cars are expected to feature these days, it also incorporates the 3008's semi-off-road grip control system. Peugeot will hope that the 2008 will repeat the home-market success of its larger brother in order to stem the loss-making tide.

It's a compact car - it's 4160mm long and 1740mm wide - but Peugeot says that the 2008 has room for five, as well as a fair amount of luggage room. Certainly, the boot capacity of 360 litres (1194 litres with the rear seats folded) is class competitive.

The equipment list includes a head-up display and seven-inch touchscreen, as well as the Internet-enabled Peugeot Connect Apps, which delivers llive information such as weather and traffic conditions via 3G. In order to plumb into its youthful audience, Peugeot is offering apps such as Facebook, Twitter and Wikipedia.

The 2008 will be available with petrol 81bhp 1.2-litre VTi, and a 118bhp 1.6-litre engine; as well as a range of HDI turbodiesels spanning 67-113bhp.

The order books open in June, with deliveries begin early in the autumn.