The Peugeot stand at this year's Geneva Motor Show certainly looks to be a full one, as the manufacturer confirms it will be displaying a total of 31 different vehicles. Among these are the new 2008 crossover, variations of the 208 supermini, a hot version of the RCZ coupé and the Onyx concept supercar.
The Peugeot 2008 will be the model to take centre stage at Geneva. Combining aspects of the 3008 crossover with the new 208 the 2008 is apparently designed for 'young city-dwellers who love the urban environment, but who also enjoy escaping from it at every opportunity'. Peugeot is claiming low emissions as well as urban style for the 2008, with figures starting at 98g/km of CO2 as a result of e-HDi diesel engines and three-cylinder petrol units.
The HYbrid Air version of the 2008 will also make an appearance at Geneva. The compressed air system is said to aid or replace the petrol engine as required and it contains more than 80 patents for the Peugeot brand.
Another hybrid system is the one found in the 208 HYbrid FE Concept that debuts in Geneva. This system combined, with a new aero kit and lower weight, results in a claimed CO2 output of just 49g/km, along with and a 0-62mph time of 8.0 seconds.
Other 208s on display are the GTi and XY road cars, as well as the R2 rally racer.
Fans of the RCZ will flock to see the RCZ R Concept, the closest version of the hot RCZ we'll get before the finished production model's official unveiling. Aside from the new wheels, suspension and Onyx-inspired paintwork, Peugeot aims to achieve big things with its engine. The 1.6-litre THP petrol unit is aimed at delivering a massive 160hp/litre while managing 155g/km of CO2.
The final big name at Geneva is the Onyx Concept. A host of materials have been used to build it including copper for the wings and doors, carbon for the remainder of the body, aluminium arches, a glass roof and newspaper wood for the dashboard. A 3.7-litre V8 HDi engine, mated to a six-speed gearbox, powers the car, developing 600hp and a mountain of torque.
The Geneva Motor Show opens to the public from 7th-17th March 2013.
James Giddings - 27 Feb 2013
