Everyone has been talking about the Peugeot 208 and how it has so much to live up to, thanks to previous successful models such as the 205 and 306. The 208 inherited the ‘PF1’ platform from the 207, so even though the interior and some of the car’s specifications have changed the mechanicals haven’t.
The most significant development process is the 208’s kerb weight, which with the same 1.4 HDi engine as the 207 it has now been said to weigh 100kg less. Peugeot is claiming that the entry level three model with its 1.0 litre three-cylinder petrol engine, clocks in at just 975kg, showing quite clearly progress has been made.
The car’s length has shrunk (marginally) from the previous Peugeot 207, the front overhang has been reduced by 60mm and the rear end tucks in by 10mm. Despite the smaller size, it has freed up an extra 50mm of legroom for rear passengers from the design and installation of slimmer seat backs.
The Peugeot 208’s interior is something to say ‘wow’ about, creating plenty of room for four adults but even three in the back would be possible. The front seats are widely adjustable and the boot is good by class standards, the rear seats split and are able to fold adequately finishing with an interestingly designed cabin.
The car manages to stand out from the supermini crowd due to its brave style for both the three and five-door models. The 208 gets extra points from its bright LED daytime lights, colour-coded door mirror housing, privacy glass on the rear windows and 16-inch alloy wheels. The Peugeot 208 GTi and XY models are much bolder with a fitted grille, twin exhausts, roof spoiler, extended sills, wheel arches, figure hugging sport seats, LED daytime lights and a choice of 16 or 17-inch alloys, all which pitch in to the GTi and XY edgy designs.
The 208 is loosely based on the same groundwork as the 207, resulting in the car being a composed and capable car on the road. Although the 208 doesn’t feature the most practical suspension set-up, the car benefits from other features such as: quick steering, strong grip and body control. The 208 has been built more solidly than previous models with all the car safety credentials at a top-notch level. The car gets six airbags, a speed limiter, stability control and five star Euro NCAP crash test rating.
If you are looking for a new Peugeot, why not take a look at our favoured 208 models available here at Richard Hardie
