Available in both three- and five-door body-styles, the 208 represents a complete overhaul of the French carmaker’s core model. Its wheelbase is the same as the 207 it replaces, but while overall exterior dimensions have shrunken, Peugeot says interior volume has increased.
Meanwhile, weight has decreased, and the new 208 range is motivated by a pair of 1.0- and 1.2-liter gasoline engines with about 75 and 100 horsepower, respectively, designed to replace the 207’s 1.4 and 1.6 models, with a range of five diesel engines paired with stop-start ignition and hybrid assist on most models to return exceptional fuel economy and emissions figures.
The new Pug range is certainly distinctively styled, particularly the three-door shown above, with its sculpted doors and unusual chrome trim flourish at the rear of the windowline (a treatment not shown on the family-oriented five-door). The interior is no less interesting, with unusual ambient lighting elements on select models and a premium-look dashboard.
Peugeot is also expected to roll out a 208 GTI based on the three-door that promises to channel much of the beloved 205 GTI hot hatch’s sporting characteristics in the new form. That may still be a year away, but for now, you can check out the standard models in the high-res image gallery and the press release and video after the jump.
In the spring of 2012, Peugeot will launch its new model in the ‘B’ (Supermini) segment. The new car will be available in two distinct body styles; 3- and 5-door.
Today, when creating a vehicle capable of appealing to and uniting a wide variety of customers with ever changing expectations, simple renewal is no longer enough. Therefore, from the outset, the ‘A9’ Project adopted the most ambitious specification overhaul ever undertaken by the Marque to create a vehicle that represents a true generation leap.
Peugeot has not hesitated to rewrite the rulebook, with the desire to reinvent the principles on which the success of icons like the 205, 206 and 207 were built and to ‘re-generate’ them, to create: The Peugeot 208.
“The 208 is a new illustration of the Marque’s project launched two years ago, representing a new stage in Peugeot’s desire to drive itself towards ever greater modernity.”
Xavier Peugeot, Marketing and Communication Director, Automobiles Peugeot
“With the 208, Peugeot has given itself the means to recreate an icon.”
Laurent Blanchet, Product Range Director, Automobiles Peugeot
Architectural re-generation
The 208 embodies the principles of agility and efficiency. The initial technical choices make it a vehicle which is light (110kg lighter on average compared to the 207, and as much as –173kg! with a range which starts at 975kg), aerodynamic (Cd of 0.29, CdA of 0.61), and very compact (-7cm in length, -1cm in height). These benefits are accentuated by noticeably increased occupant space, with more room in the rear seats (+5cm at the knees) and a more generous boot (+15 dm3 in volume), proof of optimised architectural performance.
Stylistic re-generation
The 208 gives form to and refines the new aesthetic codes of the Marque. ‘Floating’ grille, light signature, ‘boomerang’ rear lamps – each detail is designed in complete harmony with the balance of the car, structured by a ‘spine’ the impression of which is even visible on the roof. Sculpted, athletic, pure and sophisticated, its style projects the Marque towards a renewed and attractive modernity, suggesting sensuousness and energy, smoothness and mischief. The two body styles have been given entirely different treatments, with the style of the quarter panel of the three-door version recalling one of its illustrious older siblings.
“The strength of the 208 lies in its style: it is a real ball of energy. It has the potential to please everyone, like a popular piece of music that touches the human soul regardless of culture.”
Gilles Vidal, Style Director, Automobiles Peugeot
Ergonomic re-generation
The interior continues the promise of innovation just like the exterior style. A true break from what has gone before, beyond the recognised technical constraints and cultural references, the instruments and controls have been completely re-thought to become entirely intuitive and clear. They are positioned around a small steering wheel, combined with an elevated instrument panel giving information at a glance and a large touch screen. This ‘ensemble’ connects with its occupants and contributes to the practicality, the safety, the quality and purity of the interior design, as well as to the driving sensations.
Environmental re-generation
By achieving average CO2 emissions of 34g/km lower than the 207, the 208 takes the lead in its segment. Its latest generation engine technology and the use of the e-HDi micro-hybrid system on virtually all versions add to the vehicle’s improvements in terms of weight reduction and aerodynamics.
With five models, four of which are equipped with the new generation Stop & Start System (e-HDi), the diesel range starts at 87g/km of CO2 (delivering fuel economy of 83.1 mpg) and never exceeds 99g! The 208 introduces a new range of 3-cylinder petrol engines, 1.0- and 1.2-litre VTi, which are particularly efficient, with a range starting at 99g/km of CO2 (delivering 65.7mpg).
The environmental performance of 208 continues, with 25% of ‘green materials’ (recycled or of natural origin) making up its mass of polymers, it enters a new era in terms of eco-design. As a world first, the rear bumper and the fan assembly are made entirely using these materials. This type of bumper alone will permit a saving in manufacturing of 1600 tonnes of fuel a year.
Re-generation of the driving experience
The 208 renews the driving experience, a key factor in the DNA of every Peugeot:
– Due to the small steering wheel which provides new ergonomics, the driver experiences a completely new driving agility,
– Due to a new level of engineering between comfort and road holding, the result of the historical expertise of the Marque in terms of suspension and the benefits from the compactness and reduced weight of the vehicle.
The new Peugeot 208 will be launched in mainland Europe in the spring and for the UK in the summer of 2012.
