First look: Peugeot's flexible 3008 set to roll

PEUGEOT has released images and details of its 3008 crossover wagon to go on sale in Europe from March.

It will also become the company’s first hybrid model by 2011.

The spacious wagon – initially only available as a front-wheel drive – has been added to the wish-list of Peugeot Australia.

A 2010 Australian arrival date is the most likely, given the 3008 will not go on sale in Britain until the end of this year.

The 3008 is a light crossover built off the same base as the 308 hatch/wagon, but blurs the line between a hatchback and mini people-mover.

It has minimal ground clearance, which indicates it was never designed to go off-road, and seats five people.

Initially, the European 3008s are available with two 2.0-litre diesel engines, with 112kW and 120kW, as well as a 1.6-litre diesel with 80kW.

There is also a 1.6-litre turbo petrol with 112kW and naturally aspirated 1.6-litre with 90kW.

The petrol and diesel 1.6-litre engines are derived from the BMW Group joint development that produced engines for the 207, 308 and Mini models.

Peugeot has also announced the 3008 will run the upcoming diesel electric hybrid powertrain, which it is still developing, but has not specified when the green machine will be introduced.

The Hybrid 4 powertrain uses a traditional engine along with an additional electric motor under the load floor adjacent to the rear suspension.

While the traditional engine powers the front wheels, the electric motor sends its power to the rear wheels. Peugeot says the technology will result in a 35 per cent reduction in fuel consumption.

The 3008 uses the same front MacPherson strut and torsion beam rear suspension as the 308 range.

It measures 4365mm from nose to tail, is 1837mm wide and is 1639mm tall.

Standard wheels are 16-inch, rising to 17-inch and 18-inches.

The 3008 uses a split tailgate hatch which allows the top section to lift up like a regular hatch and the bottom-hinged lower section to fold down like a ute. Peugeot says the tailgate can take 200kg.

The cargo area has a modest capacity of 512 litres with the rear seats in place, but opens up a 1604 litre area when they are folded down.

Peugeot will offer a top-end 3008 model which will include a heads-up display which projects relevant information on to the inside of the windscreen.