Peugeot has unveiled the new 208, updating its look while also adding a host of additional powertrains and features to the hatch.
The 208 has been the French automaker’s greatest success story in recent years, going on to become one of Europe’s best-selling cars and even taking home the coveted European Car of the Year Award in 2020.
The company confirmed to TopAuto that the vehicle is under investigation for a South African introduction, but that it will not arrive before the end of 2023.
Powertrains
As before, the 208 will be available in three trim levels – Active, Allure, and GT – as well as with a wide array of powerplants.
The model depicted in all the press images is the battery-powered e-208, which currently holds the title of Europe’s most popular B-segment electric vehicle (EV), and is powered by a 51kWh battery pack and a front-mounted motor with 115kW.
This gives it an electric driving range of 400km, and charging can take as little as 25 minutes to go from 20 to 80% when using a 100kW fast charger. This time increases to 4-5 hours with a 7.4kW socket and 11 hours with a 3.2kW outlet.
There are also two mild hybrids to choose from, which feature a 1.2-litre, turbo-petrol engine with either 74kW or 100kW in conjunction with a 48V battery, electric motor, and an e-DCS6 dual-clutch electrified six-speed gearbox.
The rechargeable battery technology provides extra torque and up to 15% lower fuel consumption, according to the manufacturer.
While the previous new-energy versions of the 208 were not brought to South Africa, the local branch confirmed that it was investigating the possibility of a local introduction depending on when the product line-up aligns with its customer value proposition.
Things are more familiar on the combustion side, as the hatchback will retain the three-cylinder, 1.2-litre petrol plants found in the current line-up, with the notable new addition of a stop-start function.
The base PureTech 75 model has 55kW and a five-speed manual transmission, while the PureTech 100 has 74kW and a six-speed manual.
Features
While the eye-catching city car has retained its fundamental shape, most of its aesthetics have seen a major overhaul.
For starters, the new 208 is rocking the brand’s redesigned badge which sits atop the new body-coloured grille that blends into the bumper, and the badge can also be spotted on the steering wheel and alloy rims.
The “claw-effect” three-stroke LED headlights are gone, replaced by three independent optical modules on either side. The LED tail lamps have seen their own adjustment too, going from a vertical claw effect to a horizontal one.
The distinctive “tooth” daytime running lights have also gone from a single large bar on either side to a triple-line effect, and the diamond-cut, two-tone alloy wheels now start at 16 inches with all-new four-spoke designs for each trim level.
There are now seven body colours to choose from – Agueda Yellow, Selenium Grey, Artense Grey, Perla Black, Banquise White, Elixir Red, and Vertigo Blue – and the GT models feature black wheel arches with a two-tone black roof being an optional extra.
Equipment on the French car now includes a 10-inch touchscreen as standard, which can be customized with multi-window widgets and shortcuts eliminating the need to pull up separate menus for every task, though the “piano key” physical buttons have been kept for quick-access functions like the hazard lights.
The digital “i-Cockpit” driver display returns on the Allure and GT units with on-board TomTom navigation, and the media and driver screens can now receive over-the-air software updates.
All units come with a compact multifunction steering wheel, and the gear stick has been remodeled on both the manual and automatic cars for improved ergonomics.
Depending on the trim level, you’ll also receive multi-colour ambient lighting, an improved wireless charger, a 360-degree camera, up to four USB ports, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, road sign recognition, lane-keep assist, driver attention alert, and black Alcantara upholstery with an Adamite Green stitching.
The company has also developed a MyPeugeot companion app, which keeps a virtual service book record, can remotely lock the car, and can connect to the onboard navigation to plan routes including refueling or recharging stops via a smartphone.
2024 Peugeot 208
Keyword: New Peugeot 208 revealed – Under investigation for South Africa