With its bright fangs (standard from the second level of finish), the new Peugeot 208 makes a strong impression. A bold style characterizes it and makes people turn around. Completely different from the previous generation, the Peugeot 208 adopts a new platform that allows electrification. In addition to the thermal versions, the Peugeot 208 is transformed into electric and adopts the surname e-208.
Question of style
Ribbed hood, curved wings, protruding body lines, imposing grille, bright fangs at the front, glossy black headband between the LED lights at the rear, shiny black wheels on some finishes, the Peugeot 208 displays a lot of sex -appeal. On board, we find the i-Cockpit which from the third level of finishing adopts a digital instrumentation with digital 3D handset (thanks to a game of reflection, the information is superimposed in relief). Despite the handset located high as on the previous Peugeot 208, some drivers (depending on their size or their driving position) will have the view of the counters hidden by the steering wheel rim. Still, the presentation is very successful especially when the screen is the most imposing (7 inches from the second level, 10 inches optional) way Peugeot 508.
Reduced habitability
The quality of the materials used is very good with the Active finish, the foamed plastic at the top of the dashboard, but too many hard plastics persist even in high-end finishes (high door-cons for example) this which ruins the picture a little. Another black spot, the habitability of the model. It is limited to the rear seats and if two adults can take place there, they will not have as much space as in a Volkswagen Polo, a reference on this point. It is all the more regrettable that the Peugeot 208 is more imposing than the old generation with 4.06 m long against 3.97 m for the previous opus. The cargo volume of the trunk is also not a model of the type with 311 liters (265 liters according to the VDA standard). We are far from the 391 liters of a Renault Clio 5. The storage spaces are also limited, but we will address a satisfaction to the storage at the bottom of the central console that allows to recharge, but also to put his mobile phone while keeping it visible.
Comfort in progress
In the engine compartment of this car in thermal version we find three-cylinder petrol units of 75, 100 and 130 hp and a 100 hp diesel. Correct powers to feel at ease on all types of courses. If the entry level of 75 hp is especially at ease in the city, the blocks of 100 hp and 130 hp are a great versatility. With 100 hp, the Peugeot 208 provides a driving pleasure of the highest order. Especially since the chassis and running gear have been refined to provide its driver with a dynamic and serene road. With the new CMP platform, a loss of a few pounds on the scale (50 kg average compared to the previous generation), we take a lot of fun driving. The steering is precise and allows to place the car with great ease. In addition, the comfort is neat and cash movements controlled with a roll rate reduced to a minimum, the Peugeot is quickly cornering and does not change course. The comfort / behavior compromise is optimal.
208 electrified
The use of the PSA Group's Modular Platform (CMP) platform enables the electrification of the models that it equips. This is already the case for the DS3 Crossback, and this is also the case for the Peugeot 208 as the new Opel Corsa his cousin. At Peugeot the 208 electric is called Peugeot e-208 and receives a stylized "e" on the uprights, its style is very close to the 208 thermal inside (different screen interface) and outside (different grille ornamentation ), except that it does not have a muffler. It is very pleasant to drive and thanks to three modes of driving makes it possible to privilege either the autonomy (mode Eco and 80 ch), the performances (mode Normal and 110 ch and Sport 130 ch). The suspensions have been reworked to preserve the road behavior and comfort of this city. It is available in four finishes Active, Allure, GT Line and GT. The positioning of the thermal versions being slightly different, starting with the entry-level finish Like and stopping at the finish GT Line.
High price
With prices between € 15,500 and € 26,300, the Peugeot 208 is not given (although it is close enough in this respect for Renault Clio and Volkswagen Polo) and discounts will be reduced (between 4 and 5%) during the first months of its marketing. But the Lion relies heavily on the bold style of his city to win the bet.
The Peugeot 208 in ten points
- Type: city, five-door, five-seater
- Dimensions (L x W x H in meters): 4.06 x 1.75 x 1.43
- Turning circle: 10,4 m
- Trunk volume mini: 311 liters
- Petrol engines: 1.2 of 75 hp, 100 hp and 130 hp
- Diesel engine: 1.5 BlueHDi of 100 hp
- Electric motorization: 136 hp (e-208)
- 5-speed manual transmission with 75 hp fuel tank, 6 hp with 100 hp (gasoline and diesel), EAT8 gearbox with 130 hp petrol engine and optional on 100 hp petrol.
- Five finishes: Like, Active, Allure, GT Line and GT (reserved for e-208)
- Prices: from € 15,500 (Diesel: € 18,000). Price of the e-208: from 32 100 €
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