Peugeot has announced a raft of styling and engine updates for its 208, including a diesel unit with a claimed economy of 94.1mpg.
The 208 has been around for three years now and Peugeot says more assertive looks, new paint choices and a range of personalisation options will help it stay looking fresh next to its rivals Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio, and Vauxhall Corsa.
New equipment including Active City Brake, smartphone-integrating MirrorScreen and reversing camera are now available, as are a range of economical engines.
Subtle styling changes
At the front the 208 has been given a sharper front bumper and wider grille, while new two-tone headlamps with black and chrome masks and LED lights are fitted as standard from Active trim level. The rear LED light clusters have been redesigned to incorporate Peugeot’s claw motif.
There are new 16- and 17-inch alloy wheel options which can be painted or given a diamante or laser engraved finish. Allure models upwards gain chrome wing mirror shells.
New equipment and trim
Interior changes have been kept fairly restrained, with a leather steering wheel available form Active trim, and a new dashboard strip on higher spec models.
More revolutionary is the ability to transfer your smartphone screen and apps to the 208’s seven-inch display using MirrorScreen for the first time.
Active City Brake uses a sensor at the top of the windscreen to spot potential crashes when driving less than 20mph, while a new reversing camera uses the large colour screen to help while parking.
New exterior personalisation packs have been made available, while the range of colours and paint finishes has expanded with new options including metallic Orange Power.
Efficient new engines
All engines now meet Euro 6 emissions standards, with every diesel emitting less than 95g/km of CO2, and all feature start/stop technology (except the 74bhp in entry level trim).
Three different versions of the 1.6-litre BlueHDi engines are now available. The first two are the 74bhp and 99bhp with a five-speed manual gearbox and claimed economy of 94.1mpg. The most powerful is the 118bhp version, which comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, and produces 94g/km of CO2.
The existing naturally-aspirated three-cylinder petrol range includes a 1.0-litre PureTech with 67bhp and a 1.2-litre PureTech with 81bhp engines. They have been joined by a 1.2-litre turbocharged unit, which produces 103g/km of CO2 with a five-speed manual gearbox.
It uses a high pressure direct injection system and a new-generation high-efficiency turbocharger to produce 109bhp. It is also available with a six-speed automatic gearbox, when it will produce 104g/km of CO2.
GT Line and GTi by Peugeot Sport
The modified 208 GTi 30th is now available as the rebadged GTi by Peugeot Sport, and features Brembo front brakes, Torsen differential, tuned suspension and steering settings with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres.
Styling upgrades include a lowered ride height, wider track front and rear, 18-inch wheels, matt black exterior features, sports front seats, red floor mats and two-tone paintwork.
Taking its cues from the GTi is the new GT Line trim, which is based on the Allure grade and features a sporty grille with red markings, gloss black finishing, 17-inch Caesium diamante alloy wheels, and a chrome exhaust tip.
The GT Line is available with three engines – the 1.2-litre PureTech 108bhp petrol or the 1.6-litre BlueHDi diesel in either 99hp or 118hp outputs.
When can I buy one?
The new car will be unveiled at the Geneva Motorshow in March, with first deliveries due in the UK from June.
