New 2008 succeeds before first car is delivered.

• More than 1,300 orders taken for 2008 prior to its arrival in UK showrooms
• Peugeot 2008 Crossover available from £12,995
• Four trim levels offer a wide choice and high specification
• Grip Control available as standard on certain versions
• Today’s the day when one of the most eagerly anticipated new cars of the year officially goes on sale – and it’s already a big hit.

The Peugeot 2008 is a compact crossover like no other, bringing contemporary design, a versatile interior and a new level of sophistication to this expanding sector of the market.

Even before it has arrived in UK showrooms, more than 1,300 orders for the car have been placed. And excitement in the UK reflects what has already taken place in numerous other European countries, where the car has been on sale for just two months. More than 32,000 have been sold, beating all sales objectives.

In the UK 1,323 confirmed orders have been taken for the car, prior to its arrival in Dealer showrooms. Demand is two-thirds diesel with the e-HDi 92 in Allure trim accounting for 20% of orders so far. The e-HDi 115 in Feline trim is the second most popular model. All 1.6 litre petrol and diesel models in Allure and Feline specification come with Peugeot’s unique Grip Control as standard.

Neil Moscrop, Director of Sales for Peugeot UK commented: “We’ve been thrilled with the number of customers who have made a concrete commitment to the 2008. That the two higher-grade trim levels are getting so much attention shows what a fantastic product we’ve got, both in terms of specification and value for money.”

Colour choices are also interesting, with Bianca White taking 36% of orders. Second most popular is Pearl White with 18% take-up. It means that together the two white shades are accounting for more than half of all orders. Cumulus Grey is the third most popular colour, with 14%.

The 2008 marks Peugeot’s debut in the compact crossover arena. Launched at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, it brings a more practical, innovative and family-oriented vehicle to the B-segment by combining the talents of two acclaimed Peugeot vehicles. It blends the versatile design of the 3008 with all the features, performance and low-emission engines of the new 208 supermini.

Peugeot’s on-going new product offensive has generated excellent sales results in the first half of 2013.

Official figures reveal the brand sold an impressive 56,253 new cars in the UK from January to June, compared with 52,482 in the same period last year. This is a rise of more than 7%, with retail sales being the main driver, up 17%.

The growth is due to exceptional demand for models right across the Peugeot range, from the outstanding value of the 107 city car to the recently face-lifted RCZ Sports Coupé. However, key to the rise in sales has been the continuing success of the all-new Peugeot 208 which has been given an extra boost by the arrival of the sophisticated 208 XY and the performance-oriented 208 GTi models.

The practical appeal of the 2008 Crossover, with more than 1,300 advance orders received before the official on sale date of 18th July, means 2013 should be another very successful year for Peugeot.