Beetle

Make
Volkswagen
Segment
Hatchback

The compact crossover market is an expanding segment for the world's automakers, and the PSA Peugeot Citroen group isn't about to let the Nissan Juke, Ford Kuga/Escape, Volkswagen Tiguan, Mini Countryman and Buick Encore (aka Opel/Vauxhall Mokka) have all the fun. And so, after unveiling a fluorescent 2008 concept at the Paris show last year, Peugeot is preparing to roll out the production version. And we've just received the first images.

A taller version of the new 208 hatchback, the 2008 follows the concept's formula rather closely, but as you can see, it's ditched the show car's look-at-me detailing in favor of more production-feasible trim. Expect a variety of gasoline and diesel engines to be offered in the new 2008, driving either the front wheels or all four. Production is anticipated to take place simultaneously in France, China and Brazil for local consumption after the 2008 is unveiled for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in just a few months from now.