Peugeot has revealed its updated 208 and e-208, the models receiving a subtle redesign, new powertrains and new technologies across the range. The 208 is expected to arrive in Ireland in time for the "241" registration period in early 2024.
The 208 was Europe's best-selling car in 2022, with the e-208 becoming Europe's best-selling B-segment electric car in the same year.
"Working on a model as iconic and successful as the 208 is always a tall order," said Jerome Micheron, product director for Peugeot.
"Our aim was to take the design and performance of the 208 to a higher level while preserving the soul of this model in order to remain at the top of B-segment sales in Europe."
New look and colours
The reworked 208 features a new front light signature, a version of which was first seen on the Peugeot 9X8 Hypercar. Characterised by three vertical 'claw' shapes, the lights are integrated into the black inserts on the front bumper and are positioned close to the edge of the car to give it a broader appearance.
All new Peugeot 208s will be fitted with the signature, while the GT version uses three independent optical modules to extend the three strips into the headlights.
Peugeot's new logo forms the centrepiece of a restyled front end. In particular, the grille incorporates an evolving body-coloured pattern which stretches into the bumper.
Additionally, Peugeot's new brand identity can be seen on the front, side and rear nameplates on the 208, with new lettering finished in Basalt Grey. Peugeot lettering now fills the space between the rear lights, while the e-208 has been given new two-tone 'E' badging.
The rear of the 208 features a new light signature similar to the design of the front, with three individual 'claws' arranged horizontally. The lights extend across the black strip seen on the rear hatch - Peugeot says this is to "contribute to a perception of greater width."
Two new colours have also been added to the range - Agueda Yellow is now available on the 208, while Selenium Grey makes its first appearance. All models are fitted with gloss black mirrors regardless of paint colour - GT variants come with gloss black wheel arches as standard.
The 208 also features new alloy wheels inspired by those of the new Peugeot 408. Although Irish specifications have yet to be confirmed, 'Allure' models are expected to be fitted with 16-inch diamond-cut wheels with a two-tone finish, while GT models should come with 17-inch 'Yanaka' two-tone wheels with GT inserts.
New Peugeot i-Cockpit
The Peugeot i-Cockpit, introduced on the first-generation 208, has been made "even more advanced, connected and ergonomic" for the latest version, according to its maker. In addition, drivers can now choose between eight shades of interior lighting to set their preferred ambience.
All models will come with new interior fabrics and stitching. Those buying a GT model can also opt for a special fabric with Black Alcantara and Adamite Green stitching to match the green stitching across the dashboard on those cars.
The instrument panel, located at the driver's eye level, features a customisable digital display on Allure and GT models. The 10-inch screen has been redesigned, with a 3D display as standard on GT versions.
Allure and GT models now come with Peugeot i-Connect, which adds TomTom navigation and voice recognition as standard.
Peugeot 208s with five- and six-speed gearboxes are now fitted with a new gear shifter, while automatic and electric models keep the design that was introduced last year.
New powertrains
Prospective buyers of the 208 have a choice between full electric, hybrid and petrol power.
The new e-208 comes with improved electric range, thanks to a new 115kW motor and 51kWh battery with a range of 400 kilometres between charges. All e-208s come with 7.4kW AC charging as standard, with the option of 11kW charging. When using a 100kW DC rapid charger, a 20 to 80 per cent charge is estimated to take under 25 minutes.
The 208 is available with two new 48-volt hybrid powertrains for the first time, made up of two PureTech petrol engines developing 100hp or 136hp. These engines are teamed with an 'e-DSC6' dual-clutch automatic gearbox featuring an integrated electric motor. In an urban environment, the 208 hybrid can drive for more than 50 per cent of the time in zero-emission electric mode according to Peugeot.
Two petrol-powered models will remain available - a PureTech 75hp unit with a five-speed manual gearbox and a PureTech 100hp option with a six-speed transmission.
New technology
Allure and GT models now come with three USB-C sockets as standard - two in the front and one in the rear - with an additional USB-A socket in the back of the 208.
GT models also come with a 15W wireless charger as standard, an improvement on the old 5W charger. This feature is also available as an option on Allure models.
The 208 can be fitted with new high-definition parking cameras, mounted at both the front and rear of the car - 360-degree camera technology is also available, depending on the specification.
Wide range of driving aids
The 208 and e-208 feature several driving aids, such as adaptive cruise control with a stop-and-go function and adjustable vehicle distance settings.
Also available is automatic emergency braking with collision warning, which can detect pedestrians and cyclists from 6km/h up to 140km/h, in both day and night-time conditions.
The 208 is also fitted with extended road sign recognition, which can detect stop signs, one-way street signs and speed limit signs.
Other features include active lane departure warning with lane correction, driver attention alerts and blind-spot monitoring.