Peugeot brings its 508 sedan, 3008 hybrid and RCZ coupe to 2012 Auto Expo

Different strokes for different folks. This seems true especially for the two French carmakers aiming to set afoot firmly in the Indian market, and while Renault has made it clear that it would be starting from the lower segments counting on partners Nissan, Peugeot has revealed that it would much rather capture the top spaces first before it decides to get into the thick of things. The plan may have seemed circumspect otherwise, but there is one thing that promises to make things different for the firm’s Indian entry – its choice of models.

Peugeot recently revealed its plans for the country at the 2012 Auto Expo, and creating an evocative part of its display were the three models that will be making their way to Indian shores. That the 508 luxury sedan would be on its way was taken, but it remained to be seen how it would keep the Honda Accord and the Toyota from biting at its heels, and wade through the similarly capable VW Group duo of the Passat and the Superb before it could challenge the German luxury triumvirate of the Audi A4, the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Well, the strategy that has been chalked out banks on a critical aspect that few of its rival manufacturers have opted for – one with flagships, and two distinct halos.

Along, or even before the Gujarat-assembled 508 goes on sale, Peugeot will also be bringing in the 3008 diesel hybrid SUV and the RCZ coupe as CBUs, essentially to hype up the brand and build awareness around the angry Leo. The appeals of the two models are vastly different, which means that the company will be able to capture the imagination of a larger cross section of buyers. The 3008 will grab the attention of the large, muscular and macho section of high-end car buyers, while still managing to set itself apart in terms of technology and style when compared to the Renault Koleos and the likes. The RCZ on the other hand will appeal to the more stylistically inclined, offering mini-sport pleasures with a design that makes the car look like nothing else – swooping aluminium pillars included.

There have been talks of bringing in the 508 as a CBU before assembly begins at the Rs 4000 crore plant in Sanand. With a projected capacity of 1.7 lakh units annually, the plan seems set for a long stint in the country with mass-market offerings – and Peugeot has a whole lot of them too. With seven models that measure in under the 4-metre mark, both the C and the B-segment seem fair game, along with enough quirkiness in design and competence in technology to set the brand apart from the rest. It’s early days yet and in the two years before the first Peugeot cars begin to roll on Indian streets, the firm plans to craft its dealership and after-sales network, but the Lion has cleared its throat and seems ready to roar.