Peugeot 3008h Hybrid4 and 508 RXH testing

Australian will have to wait for Peugeot to perform hot weather testing on its two hybrid models before we get them here. Peugeot has a 3008h Hybrid4 model available overseas and is planning to release the 508 RXH diesel-hybrid.

However, Peugeot Automobiles Australia spokeswoman Jaedene Hudson says neither is yet confirmed for Australia until hot weather testing has been completed. She could not confirm where the hot weather testing is being done.

"They haven't come out here yet, but that's not to say that they won't," she says.

"Once that is completed we can decide when we can take them.

"We might take one, or both, or none."

Peugeot currently only sells the "mild hybrid" 508 and 308 which have fuel-saving auto stop-start systems. Meanwhile, she says fuel-efficient diesel models are popular, representing a large proportion of their sales.

"We were among the first with diesel technology and we continue to develop and redevelop the technology," she says.

Sales of Peugeot are down 11.8 per cent so far this year to 1744, but Hudson says they are not panicking.

"We had a lot of stuff to sort out at the start of the year with demo models," she says.

"We sold a lot of demos which are not counted in the official figures because they're not new regos. We've now refreshed our demo fleet and there are plenty of demo models available."

She says the early supply problems for the new 4008 compact SUV have been rectified and sales are on track for 900 by the end of the year. Hudson also expects the new 208 light car coming in October to finish the year off with a high.

The slightly bigger and 150kg lighter 208 features a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine, plus a new interior with touch screen, redeveloped smaller and lower steering wheel and a higher dashboard "so you don't take the eyes off the road as much", she says.

In the latest round of Euro NCAP testing, the Peugeot 208 received a maximum score as well as high pedestrian protection results. Australia will not be getting the 408 to be released in November, leaving a gap left by the departure of the 407. We also won't be getting the 301 which is only to be produced for left-hand-drive markets.

However, we may get the Urban Crossover Concept which debuted at the Beijing motor show in April. The vehicle is built off the 208 platform and is even smaller than the 4008. Hudson says it's only a concept, but if it goes into production it would be the kind of car Australians want.

"That small segment is definitely increasing in sales," she says.

"The 4008 is going well, especially in two-wheel drive.

"I guess it's the younger generation that want something bigger than a hatch but with off-road capability. It's the 30-40 age demographic that are quite affluent, like the urban lifestyle but also like the great outdoors.

"They also like the high ride height and SUV styling."

She says there is no official name for the concept vehicle at this stage, but it is likely to be 2008.