The advantage of raising bodies of estate models is that carmakers can save cost when wanting to offer the market an SUV with light off-road ability.
- Isn't the jacked-up estate dead yet?
Since Peugeot has no SUV _ or crossover which is now the more appropriate term in the new decade _ above the Mitsubishi-derived 4007, pumping up the 508 SW estate was an easy way out for this new flagship crossover called 508 RXH.
But to answer your question, such body styles are becoming rarer these days. For example, the Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 have now overshadowed the A4/A6 Allroads (based on the Avant estates) and XC70 Cross Country (built off the V70 load-lugger).
The only model left in Thailand now in the guise of a heightened estate is Subaru's Outback derived from the Legacy Wagon.
- The RXH is going to remain a dedicated hybrid?
Peugeot could adopt that approach, even though conventional petrol and diesel engines can allow the model to expand in terms of sales.
The French hasn't been specific about this, but a lone diesel-electric power _ as announced for the first time this week _ perfectly fits the SUV/crossover bill.
Hybrid power is courtesy of that first used in the 3008 HYbrid4: 2.0-litre HDI diesel driving the front wheels and electric motor propelling the rear axle, effectively making it 4WD.
The total output is claimed at 200hp, with 109g/km of CO2 emissions and 24kpl average fuel consumption, falling in between an Ecocar (120g/km/20kpl) and Toyota Prius (99g/km/26kpl).
- Will the RXH attract the Thai Peugeot office?
That's quite difficult to say. Sure, there's a privileged 10% excise tax for hybrid-powered cars in Thailand. But even with a 20% advantage over conventional diesel power, sources reckoned the RXH will exceed 3 million baht.
The RXH won't be a mass-seller, although it could steal some sales from premium SUVs like the 3.5 million baht BMW X3. Subaru's Outback asks for a million baht less but doesn't boast economy from the 2.5-litre petrol engine.
The earliest the RXH could come to Thailand is mid-2012.
Raised body stance hopes to attract SUV clients from other brands.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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