Peugeot displays its wares at the Expo

French carmaker Peugeot is set to re-enter the Indian car market soon and we got a glimpse of what is in store for us at the Expo.

While French cars are known for their quirky styling, the Peugeots at the Expo are anything but. The company showed the stylish 508 saloon which made its international debut two years ago. This will be the flagship model when it is launched and is expected to be powered by a 1.6-litre diesel engine. It should be as spacious as the Honda Accord and given its classy styling, space and diesel powerplant option, it should be a great model for Peugeot to start with.

Also present at the Peugeot stall was the 3008 crossover, which looks like a mix between a SUV and MPV. It offers what Peugeot calls a ‘Multiflex’ interior where the seats fold all the way up to the front passenger seat, allowing a flat loading space. Also showcased was a technical cut-out of the 3008 HYbrid4, the world’s first diesel hybrid that goes on sale in Europe next year.

Sharing floor space with the two cars was the RCZ sports coupe. The 2+2 coupe’s highlight is definitely the heavily sloping, curvy ‘double-bubble roof which gives it a sporty air. It’s powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine in different states of tune making up to 200bhp. A diesel is also available which produces 163bhp.

The show-stealer though was the Le Mans-winning 908 race car. The 2009 race winner is powered by a twin-turbo 3.7-litre diesel engine. While it may not sound much, the engine is capable of producing 550bhp.

Peugeot has made a substantial investment of Rs 4000-crore for its upcoming plant in Gujarat and their stall is a must visit if you are at the Expo.