Focusing on refining its small car offering, the French car maker’s latest model features the newly introduced aesthetic features of the brand, under the influence of Style Director, Gilles Vidal. Familiar design traits include ‘floating’ grille, light signature, ‘boomerang’ rear lamps and a central body ‘spine’.
Despite being losing a 1cm in height and 7cm in length, the 208 offers more interior space that the 207, with 5cm more knee room for rear seat passengers and a more generous boot space, with 15 dm3 in extra volume. The model is also more aerodynamic and around 110kg lighter than the 207. This all helps to improve the fuel economy of the new model, which achieves on average a 34g/km drop in CO2 emission levels.
Featuring the brand’s latest engine technology and e-HDi micro-hybrid system on virtually all versions, the 208 emits as little as 87g/km of CO2. Four of five models will use the new generation Stop & Start System (e-HDi), giving diesel models economy as strong as 83.1 mpg and never exceeding 99g/km CO2. The 208 also 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 and up to delivering 65.7mpg.
The environmental performance of 208 continues with 25 per cent of ‘green materials’ (recycled or of natural origin) making up its mass of polymers. 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.
The new Peugeot 208 will be launched in mainland Europe in the spring and for the UK in the summer of 2012. Full pricing details are expected to be released closer to launch.
