French carmaker Peugeot has revealed its entry in the compact SUV / crossover segment, the new 4008 that will make its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show next March before it goes on sale in the second quarter of 2012.

Positioned under the larger 3008 and 4007 in Peugeot’s lineup, the 4008 (previously thought to be named 2008) is based on the Mitsubishi ASX, which you may also know as the Outlander Sport in the USA, and RVR in Japan and Canada. The PSA Peugeot-Citroën group had announced the agreement with Mitsubishi in early 2010.

Peugeot new crossover model measures 4,340mm long (295mm shorter than the 4,635 mm 4007), 1.800mm wide and 1.630mm tall, and has a 2,670mm long wheelbase.

The new Pug will be available with four engines, including two gasoline and two diesel units. The petrol range is comprised of a 1.6-liter unit delivering 116HP and 152 Nm (112 lb-ft), and a 2.0-liter with 150HP and 198Nm (146 lb-ft). Both engines are offered with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard, with a CVT auto being an option on the 2.0-liter unit.

The HDi turbodiesels are a 1.6-liter unit with 112HP and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque and a 1.8-liter with 150HP and 300Nm (221.2 lb-ft) of torque, both exclusively available with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The 4008 comes in both front- and all-wheel drive derivatives. The AWD system has three modes: 2WD, in which power is directed only to the front wheels, 4WD and LOCK. In the last two, torque is directed to all four wheels and its distribution is controlled electronically according to the road conditions.

Peugeot said the new compact crossover will be sold in Europe only with the diesel engines and four-wheel drive, while other markets around the world will have access to front-wheel drive and gasoline editions as well.

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