It was the most eagerly awaited arrival. With its launch, it started to sweep the awards. It was named Greek Car of the Year, Car of the Year 2020 (COTY) with a "good morning", while orders at the brand's dealerships came... rain. It effectively ushered in Peugeot's entry into the electric drive era. The reason for this is the updated 208, which, as it turns out, came to change everything in European and not only motoring.
Perhaps it is wrong to treat the new 208 as the little one that surprised the world. Over the years, this range has always been a game changer in the segment. From the 205, which today in its GTi version is a "collector's holy grail", to the 206 that swept the PIPs and sales worldwide, and the previous generation, the 208 was destined to be... a big thing for the market.
In this generation, the 208 is based on the CMP/eCMP platform, which gives you the freedom to choose your engine (petrol, diesel or 100% electric) and takes full advantage of all the advanced technical features of the new platform, which thanks to its optimised architecture leaves the same boot space as an internal combustion engine car, while maintaining the same driving position. Available with a wide range of engines - including the electric one - the familiar 1.2 PureTech with 100 hp is the one that the Greek public knows and prefers.
Incredible 3D i-cockpit in the 208
On the road
When you push it on a twisty track, you'll find that it has plenty of grip and inspires confidence and assurance to move quickly. The small and light steering wheel gives the 208 agility and predisposes you to a sportier ride, but it lacks grip and the front end doesn't react with the immediacy you'd expect. Still, the 208's suspension is properly tuned and the first incline it gets when you push it doesn't increase, while maintaining grip until you're told "that's it" by the fairly intrusive stability control system, which subtly intervenes before you cross the threshold.
When the 208 is pressed, it tilts slightly
With no "dips" and... unwanted surprises, the lively engine works perfectly with the six-speed gearbox and the rather unresponsive chassis at a brisk pace and rewards you with a reassuring sense of stability when the speed increases. This is also true on the journey, which is comfortable, with no floating and no annoying aerodynamic noises. In all conditions the 208 remains a pleasure to drive and doesn't tire or surprise.
Peugeot's three-cylinder petrol engine is the one thing that's no surprise on the new 208. Because it's the 1,200cc engine we've seen on other models from the brand, as well as the previous generation 208, which has simply been modernised for the... demands of the times.
In order to comply with Euro6d emission standards and to benefit from tax incentives in some countries, the turbocharged engine has been reduced in the new generation to 100 hp from 110 hp. The good news, however, is that it retains unchanged the impressive for its engine capacity torque of 205Nm, available from as low as 1,750rpm.
Thus, the obvious for the model is achieved. Power is available throughout the rev range, combined with agility and economy. The clear six-speed gearbox is an "ally" in the effort to move quickly in the lightweight (1,120 kg) model, with consumption not exceeding 7 litres per 100 km in the city.
With a base price starting from 13,580 euros and with... parchments, the new 208 came almost... obliged to be qualitative, quiet, quick and economical, but above all, pleasant in everyday use, as it is addressed to buyers who are looking for "something more" in the supermini category. And, the first contact with it, as well as the pile of titles it has already earned, prove that it "has it". Because it manages to combine sporty, comfortable and economical at the same time, unleashing its virtues wherever it is called upon.
The fact that it is something special, after all, with... multiple personalities, is evident from its design. The new 208 is a technological gem, but also a design ode from the French company that couldn't help but specialize (and) in refinement.
The new Peugeot 208 has attracted the attention of the whole world, initially because of its bold design and aggressive personality, as the design language that the French brand now applies to all its models, following the launch of the 3008, is applied to it. The "lion's claws" on the headlamps, the "fangs" on the daytime running lights, the "bulges" on the bonnet and the muscular details create a harmonious ensemble that can only be rated "ten out of ten", as Peugeot's designers have managed to create an ensemble that manages to strike an ideal balance between sporty and sophisticated.
The same image that the exterior suggests is also present on the interior, which is home to all the innovations and high technology applied to the model. Inside, it innovates with the next-generation Peugeot i-Cockpit, which includes a 3D digital instrument panel as well as a plethora of driver assistance systems found in larger classes.
With the small, flat bot-tom (and top) steering wheel, the 3D digital futuristic dashboard - the most unique on the market - accompanied by a 10-inch screen in the centre of the dashboard for infotainment, plenty of sockets - even for wireless mobile charging, for which there's a standing smart-phone slot - excellent driving position, comfortable seats and... French-style comfort and soundproofing, what more could you ask for?
Perhaps the only concern is whether to opt for the new 208 with the available diesel and petrol engines, or the all-electric version, which offers a range of up to 340km. Finally, the new Peugeot 208 has been designed with a view to reducing CO2 emissions thanks to its weight reduction, improved aerodynamics, reduced rolling resistance and optimised engine operation.
