Peugeot has unveiled the facelifted model of the ‘Peugeot 208,’ which recorded the highest sales across Europe in 2022.
Having undergone nine complete redesigns, the ‘208’ has solidified its place as a representative urban compact car model. Approximately one million units of the ninth-generation model, released in 2019, have been produced, and it has continuously topped the sales chart in France and across all segments in Europe in 2021 and 2022. Particularly in 2022, the electric version, the e-208, became the best-selling electric car in the B-segment in Europe, making significant contributions to the success of the ‘208.’
The facelifted ‘New Peugeot 208’ (hereafter referred to as New 208) is set to launch globally this November, captivating consumers with its advanced design and technology.
The exterior of the ‘New 208’ firmly establishes Peugeot’s iconic ‘Feline Look’ while maintaining the dynamic and sleek proportions unique to the ‘208.’ The headlamps, which are shaped like three lion’s claws first introduced with the ‘Peugeot 9X8 Hybrid Hypercar,’ are now featured in the New 208 as well. The front grille and bodywork, made of the same color, create an integrated appearance, exuding a strong, efficient, and modern vibe. The rear lamps, with three rows of LED lights, have transitioned from a vertical design to a horizontal layout, providing a visually expanded and robust impression of the vehicle.
The interior of the New 208 is equipped with Peugeot’s latest ‘i-Cockpit’ focused on technology, connectivity, and ergonomic features to provide driving pleasure. The instrument cluster is positioned at a height that aligns with the driver’s line of sight, supporting a comfortable driving experience. The newly designed instrument panel features a 10-inch digital display, while the GT trim includes a 3D display as standard. This allows drivers to customize the color, layout, and information displayed according to their preferences.
Both the Allure and GT trims come with a 10-inch HD central touchscreen display with Peugeot i-Connect as standard, with the option to equip Peugeot’s advanced infotainment system, i-Connect Advanced.
The New 208 offers enhanced safety and convenience features designed to maximize the driver experience. Newly installed features include an HD rearview camera, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function, automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition system, lane departure warning system, driver attention alert system, and blind spot monitoring, helping ensure safe and agile driving. Additionally, the GT trim includes a standard 15W fast wireless charging pad for smartphones, and this feature can be added as an option for the Allure trim.
With the facelift of the New 208, Peugeot also unveiled models equipped with the MHEV 48V mild-hybrid powertrain announced earlier this year at the ‘E-Lion Day,’ in addition to the existing pure electric and internal combustion engine variants. The MHEV models consist of a next-generation PureTech gasoline engine offering a maximum output of either 100 horsepower or 136 horsepower, combined with a 21kW electric motor and 6-speed electric dual-clutch transmission, delivering more torque at low RPMs and improving fuel efficiency by approximately 15%.
The pure electric powertrain, the New e-208, pairs an electric motor producing a maximum output of 115kW with a 51kWh battery, enabling a range of up to 400km on a full charge (based on internal Stellantis evaluation criteria). It can be charged from 20% to 80% in approximately 25 minutes using a 100kW fast-charger. For the internal combustion engine models, the powertrains consist of two 1.2 PureTech gasoline engines producing 75 horsepower and 100 horsepower, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed manual transmission.
Jérôme Mischéron, Peugeot’s Product Director, stated, “Our goal is to maintain the essence of the 208 while elevating its design and performance to a higher level to retain our throne in the European B-segment market. The New Peugeot 208 is more captivating than ever in terms of exterior aesthetics, technology, and eco-friendliness.”
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr