It is there. The familial design connection. It exists in the C-pillar, where the model definition is now declared. Yet, in 208 terms, it is the only element of carryover. The most recent ‘family look’, the ‘cat’s claw’ lamp signatures fore and aft, the ‘light bar’ across the full width of the rear and the wider front grille, are now shared by all of the latest Peugeot models. The style circle is almost complete.
However, just for a moment delve into the all-new 208’s amazing interior but, first, remember this is a 2-0 model, not a 4-0, nor even a 3-0. The last thing I expected was a carryover from the 508, with a heavy concentration on its alloy-tipped ‘piano keys’ and twin screens, with a determined focus on the driver. Peugeot has effected a total removal from former PSA ‘numbness’. Okay, it has retained the critically received ‘i-cockpit’, with its Playstation-like teensy steering wheel rim, but it is the quality approach and on-the-money downsized luxury that will impress most.
Yet, it is the availability of fuel sources that provides a further example of automotive shock-and-awe. The sheer ordinariness, perhaps even audacity, of launching both fossil and EV-fuelled motive options, where the only key difference is a lack of tailpipe, is confidence inspiring. A 100kW electric motor charging a 50kWh battery pack provides a WLTP range of 211-miles (no range anxiety) in the EV version. It can be trickle-charged domestically (3-pin plug), fast-charged at home (8hrs), or supercharged at a public EV point (80% in 30mins).
The sole diesel variant is the familiar, 4-cylinder, 1.5-litre BlueHDi 100, featuring stop:start tech, 6-speed manual gearbox and Euro6d emissions. The three-cylinder, 1.2-litre petrols cover 72bhp (5-speed ’box), 97bhp (6-speed manual, or 8-speed auto) and 127bhp (8-speed auto only) demands, all with stop:start technology. Factor-in the reduced body weight and optimised performance and you appreciate that the new 208 is not just more responsive than before but is also intended to keep the fiscal hounds at bay.
Packed to the gunwales with Driver Assist programs, including semi-autonomous adaptive cruise control, lane positioning, attention monitoring and extended road sign recognition, Peugeot is preparing us for the next stage in automotive autonomy. Personally, I have never seen a more comprehensively equipped small car ready to hit our roads and head-up display, configurable touch-screens and even ‘hologrammatic’ in-car imagery are all available in model-dependent ways.
In one fell swoop, Peugeot has captured the motoring zeitgeist in the most competent and overarching manner. This is the car that will shock observers at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show, just as some other models from Peugeot’s past have done. We are fortunate indeed to see it before the rest of the world does.
