Peugeot have been working tirelessly to refresh their brand. Their most successive range, the 2-series, has experienced continued sales world wide. New to the 2-series is a revamped hatchback that promises to return the charm of the very first 201. The new 208 has a reduced front and rear overhang, reduced weight, improved proportions and increased interior space.
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| Peugeot 208 |
Design
The Peugeot 208’s front, unveils a new, particularly charismatic feline face. LEDs and light guides emphasize the expression of the headlight unit. The same treatment is visible on the fog lights surrounds as well. The 208’s front grille has the characteristic ‘floating grille’ visible on all current Peugeot models. The grille seems to detach itself from the bodywork and features a chrome surround. Inside the ‘chromed’ grille is either a mesh or optional chrome bars. Both add-ons reinforce the modernity and richness of the line. Large air intakes funnel air to the engine. They also give the front an aggressive look.
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| Aggressive front bumper |
A vertical line which crosses the bonnet, creases into the top of the windscreen. It then leaves its mark on the roof and then flows to the rear and ends at the boot aperture. The rear lamps which incorporate a light signature, with three illuminated claws, adorn the rear of the 208. With their boomerang shape, they appear at one with the 208’s body. The muscular sculptured body sides have different profiles, both for the three-door and the five-door versions. For the three-door Peugeot a distinctive chrome line that runs from the rear lights to the front. The three-door profile is features a more sculptured and features a chrome outline on the rear window.
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| Cat-like headlamps |
Power
A new-generation three-cylinder petrol engine makes its debut in the Peugeot 208. The powerplant offers impressive consumption while delivering performance. The new 1.2 VTi fire plant is both compact and lightweight. The engine’s lightness is attributed to the use of an aluminium alloy cylinder block and head. The power unit also benefits from numerous high-tech features, including variable valve timing (VVT). The lightweight 1.2 VTi is credited with 60 kW (80hp) of power at 5 750 r/min, and an impressive 118 Nm of torque at just 2 750 r/min. Fuel efficiency is one of this unit’s strongest selling points. It is capable of a combined cycle fuel consumption of just 4.5 litres/100 km. The range-topping 208 model is powered by a 1,6-litre four-cylinder heart that fires an impressive 88 kW (118hp) at 6 000 r/min and 160 Nm at 4 250 r/min. Combined cycle fuel consumption is rated at 5,8 l/100 km. Both engines are matched to a five-speed manual transmission, driving the front wheels.
Chassis
The lion rides on MacPherson front suspension and a deformable crossmember rear suspension. The suspension has been finely tuned to offer excellence damper settings. Both the front and rear suspension have also be adapted to the performance of the vehicle’s various engines. Further enhancing the driving experience is a new brushless-type electric power steering system. It was developed specifically for the 208, taking into account the new car’s particular combination of balance and weight. The result is a steering system that provides a precise action with ample feedback, while also allowing easy manoeuvrability at low speeds. Across the range, braking is handled by an ABS-assisted braking system that is augmented by electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).
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| Cockpit |
Features
The Peugeot 208 is fitted with effective safety systems The 208 has 2 front air bags, 2 front side air bags, 2 curtain air bags, 2 Isofix locations with 3 anchorage points in the rear. Other safety features include CDS (stability control), AFU (emergency brake assist) and REF (electronic brake force distribution). The 208 can be ordered with a Park Assist function. With this installed, the hatchback uses sensors to search for a suitable parallel parking space. When the space is identified, the system manoeuvres the steering automatically to park the vehicle. The driver only has to operate the accelerator and brake pedals.
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| 208’s rear |
Interior
The interior of the Peugeot 208 offers superior levels of driving ergonomics, intuitive use and tactile appeal. In the process, it creates a more intimate relationship between car and driver. The instruments and controls have a completely new design. The redesigned dials and controls give the 208’s outstanding quality and attention to detail. The instrument panel is raised, to bring it closer to the driver’s natural field of vision. The instrument dial has a classy, clearly executed analogue dials with a multi-function digital display. At the same time, the diameter of the steering wheel has been reduced for easier control and enhancing steering feedback.
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| Rear lights |
A large 7-inch (18 cm) touch-screen colour display is fitted to the higher-spec 208 models. The large screen further emphasizes the 208’s theme of sophistication. The screen features carefully designed graphics and intuitive positioning and operation. This semi-floating display allows easy access to the various multimedia functions. They include the FM/AM radio, the Bluetooth telephony system and access to music files via USB or Bluetooth audio streaming. Day-to-day practicality has been enhanced with numerous useful storage compartments, including the deep recess in front of the gear lever, and generous door pockets. Interior acoustic and vibration has also been succinctly addressed, creating a refined, sophisticated and upmarket interior ambience.
Choices
The Peugeot 208 model range consists of three derivatives, all combining exceptional features with value. The entry-level 208 1.2 VTi Access incorporates dual front airbags, air-conditioning, an alarm/immobiliser system, central locking, electric front windows and an audio system with USB and Bluetooth connectivity. The mid-range model, the 208 1.2 VTi Active, boasts four airbags, 15-inch alloy wheels, the digital touch-screen multimedia system, electric windows all round, electric folding mirrors, front fog lamps, and cruise control with a speed limiter. The range-topping 208 1.6 VTi Allure gains the upmarket edge with a full complement of six airbags, 16-inch alloys, automatic headlights and rain-sensing windscreen wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, refrigerated glovebox and tinted windows.
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| Distinct wheel designs |
Prices
In South Africa prices for the 208 1.2 VTi Access start at R154, 900(Kshs 1,549,000). The 208 1.2 VTi Active costs R169 900 (Kshs 1,690,000) while the top of the line 208 1.6 VTi Allure costs R189 900 (Kshs Kshs 1,890,000). All prices in Kshs are exclusive of taxes and clearance. Order your Peugeot 208 hatchback from Urysia Limited located along Maket Street in Nairobi Kenya.
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| Available as a 3-door or 5-door |
Verdict
There is no denying that Peugeot has made a bold move in design. The 208 is one of the many Peugeot cars that are getting a fresh appeal. The lightweight engines deliver plenty of punch while returning impressive fuel economy. Whether the 208 has the punch to take on its rivals like the Ford Fiesta and VW Polo will be revealed when it makes its Kenyan debut.