Japanese Transvestites invade Paris - Peugeot 4008

In 2008, the PSA group (Peugeot-Citroen) was studying the possibility of acquiring part of Mitsubishi Motors, in an attempt to substantially expand its position in the automotive production market worldwide.

The deal did not materialize, but contacts with the Japanese giant led to a partnership that resulted, among others, in the construction of two French SUVs at the Okazaki factory: the C-Crosser for Citroen and the 4007 for Peugeot, genetically Japanese cars, or was it not their base the Mitsubishi Outlander.

Peugeot's entry into the compact SUV war now takes place with the 4008 , which is based on the Mitsubishi ASX. It is with a powerful lion at the front (following the trend of the brand's new models) that Peugeot enters territory dominated by the Nissan Qashqai. This brand new feline presents itself as a completely new model within the segment.

Compact and with a look that combines sportiness with the need to respond to a demanding day-to-day life, the 4008 is agile and light on the eye, as I had the opportunity and privilege to see recently in the Algarve. I say privilege because it will not be easy to see this model in Portuguese lands , much less with national registration, as Peugeot decided not to market it in Portugal as it considers that it is very close to the 3008 and believes that our small market would not absorb it properly.

The first impact was positive: the model presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year is a young, dynamic car with an aggressive front that makes its Japanese brother blush. However, it doesn't take many seconds for the feeling of wonder to fade and give way to deafening indifference. The Peugeot 4008 is a modern and easy product , originates from a poorer ASX with which it shares a Japanese heart and is “painted” with a more refined French design, chrome and low-profile tires that can accommodate shiny 16-inch wheels or more, whichever your buyer wants. look less or more ridiculous.

Inside, it took full advantage of what was already present in the Asian model, and the French brand limited itself to spreading lions around the cockpit and little else, as did Citröen for the new C4 Aircross, the other cover French from the ASX.

It is true that they are the result of a partnership, but this does not prevent them from being proof against criticism, especially when we talk about brands that have been asserting themselves in segments that compete with colossi in terms of quality and sales. A new model can't be one thing on the outside and more of the same on the inside, because fighting the competition with brightened copies might look good on the cash balance, but it could cost a lot more in the future. On the other hand, there is an understanding of the need to reduce production costs to a minimum, especially nowadays, and this may be the only argument in favor of this union of products.

for the national market only two diesel engines will be available in the C4 Aircross : a 115 hp version of the 1.6 HDi block from the PSA group and a 1.8 HDi, with 150 hp, of Mitsubishi origin, with all-wheel drive and with prices starting at €30,800 for the first. We are left with the opportunity to take the test of the nine and put one of these “fake twin brothers” face to face with the leaders of the fashion segment. Basically, both are an attempt to sell a dress by designer Coco Chanel, which does not go unnoticed in the crowd as it stands out, sewn with Japanese materials that will certainly last a long time, but whoever wears it already knows: you will feel an irritating etiquette a scratch his back.

And you know, stop by to give your opinion about the new Peugeot 4008.

Text: Diogo Teixeira