2019 Peugeot 208 revealed
The new hatch comes complete with a more grown-up look, a pure-electric model and a more upmarket cabin.
Peugeot has revealed its new 208 baby hatchback ahead of an in-person debut at the Geneva motor show next week, complete with a pure-electric variant.
Up front, the new supermini has a face with more than just a hint of 508 about it. The headlamps contain a condensed version of Peugeot's three-stripe claw graphics, the outermost of which link with a pronounced 'fang' running into the bumper. There's a jewel-like grille and 208 badge on the bonnet, also in keeping with the wider range.
Down back is a set of lights borrowing heavily from both the 3008 and 508, again running with a three-line design. They're linked by a gloss black strip, which serves to make the car's perky rear look a little lower and wider. The rounded window line is a subtle nod to the legendary 205, although you might need to really squint to notice.
Under the skin is a version of the Peugeot-Citroen Common Modular Platform (CMP). It helps save around 100kg over the outgoing car and, more importantly, opens the door for the pure-electric e-208.
Power comes from a 100kW electric motor fed by a 50kWh battery pack good for 340km on the WLTP test cycle. Peugeot has called out the car's 100kW charge capability, which allows for 80 per cent of range in just 30 minutes at the right type of charge station, and guarantees the battery pack for eight years/161,000km.
If you're not keen on electric power, a range of petrol and diesel engines will also be made available in Europe.
Three versions of the PSA S&S petrol engine will be offered in 75, 100 and 130hp guises (56kW, 75kW and 97kW). The entry-level engine will only be available with a five-speed manual, the mid-spec petrol with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic, and the range-topper exclusively with an eight-speed self-shifter.
Diesel power is provided by a 100hp (75kW) 1.5-litre four-cylinder mated exclusively with a six-speed manual.
As with its rival from Renault, the 208 is designed to bring big-car aerodynamics to the small-car class. On the active safety front, the 208 will be offered with adaptive cruise control (stop/go), lane centring, full parking assist, autonomous-emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, driver attention monitoring, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and an electric parking brake.
Behind the wheel, the high-tech flair comes courtesy of Peugeot's all-digital iCockpit setup. Base cars will get a 7.0-inch central touchscreen, while top-grade models get a 10-inch setup in the dashboard. Navigation, smartphone mirroring, and digital radio are all available.
Peugeot is at pains to mention the storage on offer in the new cabin, with a big bin between the wheels, a space under the centre console and generous door pockets.
Australia
Peugeot says the “all-new 208 is scheduled to launch in Europe late 2019. This timing makes it a bit too early for us to discuss specifics. That said, we are in negotiations with PSA as to what the all-new 208 line-up may entail and when it may arrive”.
As for the pure EV? The company said it takes its lead from customers, "therefore if demand for an all-electric vehicle is there, we’d seriously consider it and discuss with PSA."
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