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Peugeot 208 unveiled


Peugeot 208 unveiled

Author: Isaac Bober Date: 3 November 2011
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FIRST THOUGHTS: Peugeot has really picked up its styling game and seems to have realised only the French will pay for its quirks. This small car seems more mainstream European in its design and, if it does indeed get Down Under, should prove popular.

Peugeot has just unveiled its new small car, the 208, and it’s a stunner. Hot on the heels of the VW up!, the 208, which will officially be shown to the press at the Geneva Motor Show will be available in both three and five-door models. It’s expected to hit Australia late in 2012, although those dates are still to be confirmed.

Smaller and lighter than a Peugeot 207, the 208 feature more interior room, particularly in the rear where passengers receive five centimetres more knee-room than a 207. It’s also got more bootspace, which is testament to the use of stronger more expensive metals, which allow for thinner (but stronger) supports in the body.

The 208 is less clumsy to look at than other Peugeots and definitely follows on from the great design that is the Peugeot 508. It features a floating grille, boomerang-style rear lights, and a general coherence that has been lacking in Peugeots (until the release of the 508).

The 508 has obviously has been a huge inspiration for the 208, and it features a touch screen, head-up display (just like the 508) and a completely redesigned dash.

Powered by four engines, two diesel and two petrol, the 208 offers impressive fuel economy no matter the engine choice. Indeed, the diesel engines, which feature stop-start, return a combined 3.4L/100km and pump out just 99g/km CO2.

The 208 also sees the introduction of two new petrol engines, a 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre three-cylinder, both return less than 5.0L/100km.

Made from 25 per cent green materials making up its mass of polymers. In a world first, the 208’s rear bumpers and fan assembly are made entirely from these materials.

This type of bumper permits a saving in manufacturing of around 1600 tonnes of fuel a year.

Pricing and the vehicle’s final Australian specification will be announced closer to its release next year. We’ll have more details as they come to hand.

 

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