Compact SUV players like the Sportage, Tiguan and RAV4 are in for the tougher time as new players enter their turf. Now, hot on the heels of Mazda unveiling its CX-5, Peugeot has taken the wraps off of its 4008.
It joins the Renault Koleos in adding some French flair to the segment, and with a neater, less fussy design than the 3008, the 4008 should win more than a few fans in this image-conscious market when it goes on sale around the globe next year.
Despite being externally flavoured with a good dose of Peugeot's contemporary design language, the 4008 is in fact closely related to the Mitsubishi ASX that was recently launched in South Africa, which makes it slightly shorter and narrower than a Kia Sportage.
Like most rivals, it also offers the choice between front-wheel drive and permanent all-wheel drive and the initial European range will offer four engines, split neatly between petrol and diesel.
Petrol choices include an 85kW/152Nm 1.6-litre and a 113kW/195Nm 2-litre and both are mated to five-speed manual transmissions, although CTV is also available on the bigger engine.
The two turbodiesel choices have the same respective cubic capacities, with the 1.6 pushing 82kW and 280Nm and the 2-litre good for 110kW and 300Nm and both are linked to a six-speed manual gearbox.
Inside its cabin, the 4008 will offer an array of high-end features, including touch screen navigation and a reverse camera.