Peugeot mulls range expansion for 2023
The next new Peugeot will be the new 308, rendered above
French firm to reveal 10-year-plan soon which could outline a new premium model and flagship
Peugeot is considering expanding its range in 2023, with a small, premium model and a larger flagship among the options being considered by boss Jean-Philippe Imparato.
“We are obviously looking at the next steps for the Peugeot line-up in 2023, yes,” said Imparato.
He added: “Do we add on top, or below? That depends on studies and discussions on this. It’s not a question of dimensions but positioning. You can go below in dimensions but up in terms of content. That’s one direction we could choose.”
Peugeot’s line-up has been much improved in recent years, as the firm has shifted its image and made its models more desirable. Indeed, one third of sales of all Peugeot models are now of the top-spec models in any given range, while almost half are sold with automatic gearboxes. “I would not have believed that two or three years ago,” said Imparato.
The Peugeot range now includes the 108. 208, 2008, 308, 3008, 508 and 5008, which all compete in more traditional segments. The new addition to the Peugeot would likely not sit in a traditional segment to act as a bold design and technology flagship for the brand, be it as a smaller, likely electric small car to rival the likes of the Fiat 500 and reborn Renault 5, or a larger flagship.
The next new Peugeot to be launched will be the new 308, which Peugeot will reveal in March. It will come with petrol and diesel versions and also an electrified one, but whether or not that is fully electric or a plug-in hybrid is not yet known. Peugeot is also prepping to reveal a 10-year plan in the coming weeks, too.
A new 308 will mean that the 2018 508 will be the oldest car in the Peugeot range, aside from the 108 city car. Imparato was non-committal on the future for that car, as electrifying it was not an option at the moment due to the added cost it would bring. “Add in electrification, connectivity, 5G, NCAP, and a €10,000 car becomes a €30,000 one,” said Imparato.
*READ MORE*
*New Peugeot 308 due in 2022 with radical design overhaul *
*Peugeot 2022 Le Mans hypercar to use 670bhp hybrid V6 *
*2021 Peugeot 3008: Updated SUV goes on sale from £27,160*