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Cape Town - Peugeot South Africa has launched a thoroughly updated version of its popular 208 subcompact hatchback.
The new line-up consists of three derivatives, three engine choices, two transmissions and two trim levels.
More than just a facelift
Peugeot Citroen South Africa managing director Francis Harnie said: “The 208 has been a stalwart performer in the Peugeot stable, both here and abroad. However, with demand for more compact, but also more sophisticated cars continuing to grow, it was time to update the current model.
"All 208 models are now powered by Euro6-compliant engines featuring our award-winning PureTech technology, which deliver ample zip and impressive economy.
"The advanced auto gearbox offered in the new GT Line model sets new benchmarks for efficiency and shift speed. The exterior and interior updates add lustre to an already popular package.”
Spruced interior, exterior
Key changes include new headlights with black and chrome elements, creating a sharper, more assertive expression, while LED daytime running lights are included on the Active and GT Line models.
The fog lights are re-positioned and there's a new, wider bumper with integrated grille with a more pronounced chromed surround. Higher trim levels (GT Line) have distinctive black and chromed grille.
The 208's short overhangs and sculpted flanks remain but new wheels, varying in size and design depending on model, are added. The rear is dominated by red 3D LED "claw" tail lights.
There are 12 body colours, including a new orange hue. In addition, Peugeot claims it has added an innovative textured paint to its existing solid, metallic and pearlescent paint finishes.
The 208 has Peugeot's i-Cockpit concept, small, sporty steering wheel and a 18cm touchscreen for infotainment functions including USB and Bluetooth connectivity.
Five-star safety
The 208 has a five-star Euro-NCAP safety rating is the result of a comprehensive array of active and passive systems across the entire model range.
It's equipped with dual front airbags, inertia reel seat belts, and front and rear head restraints, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and emergency brake assist.
The hazard lights activate automatically under emergency braking, while the central locking system automatically locks the doors when driving. Electric child locks for the rear doors are standard, as are IsoFix child seat tethers. The 208 also comes equipped with an anti-theft alarm.
In addition to these safety and security features, the Active model has side-airbags and ESP (electronic stability control) as standard, while the GT Line versions also benefit from curtain airbags.
Power
The normally aspirated 1.2-litre engine employed in the 208 1.2 Active is even more frugal, recording a combined-cycle fuel consumption figure of 4.3 litres/100km, while the CO2 emissions dip to just 99g/km. The three-cylinder is credited with 60kW/118Nm.
A turbocharged version of the same 1 199 cc PureTech engine is at the heart of the new 208 1.2 GT Line, says the automaker. It won the coveted Engine of the Year Award in the 1.0-litre to 1,4-litre category, and produces 81kW/205Nm.
The 1.2 GT Line is offered with a choice of either five-speed manual or six-speed auto transmissions.
Combined-cycle fuel consumption of the manual and auto versions is the same at 4.5 litres/100km, while CO2 emissions are 103 and 104 g/km respectively.
GT Line: The new flagship
Peugeot says the launch of the re-energised Peugeot 208 marks the arrival of a new flagship for the range.
The manual version accelerates to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds, and has a rated top speed of 190km/h. The 1.2 GT Line Automatic is only 0.2 sec slower for the 0-100km/h sprint but top speed is identical.
Exterior features unique to the two GT Line models include a special grille with red detailing, a gloss black finish for the grille surround, fog light trim, new side-mirror housings and 17’’ Caesium alloys.
Unique to the GT Line is the chromed-finished exhaust, red Peugeot lettering and privacy glass for the rear windows.
Inside there are special GT Line sports seats, upholstered in black and red with contrasting stitching. Red detailing on the black seat belts and the multi-function steering wheel gets a full leather-trimmed rim.
Aluminium door-sills finishers and aluminium pedals are another unique GT Line feature, as is the red-and-black sports theme of the touchscreen display.
Standard kit
While the GT Line is the flagship of the new 208 range, all four variants benefit from a comprehensive standard execution.
Entry-level model: halogen headlights with daytime running lights and a follow-me-home function, LED three-claw tail lights, and 15" wheels with full wheel covers.
Inside, the i-Cockpit is equipped with an MP3-compatible CD receiver with multiple speakers, trip computer, electric power steering, aircon, electric front windows, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, height and reach-adjustable steering wheel, and a refrigerated glove compartment.
208 Active: Alloy wheels, colour-coded door handles and mirrors. Halogen headlights are exchanged for two-tone halogen headlights with an elliptic mode and LED daytime running lights, while front fog lights are included.
The GT Line has the full house of trim with added cornering function for the fog lights. The interior gets half-leather upholstery and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.
Also standard on the GT Line are an electrochromatic rear-view mirror, auto-activating headlights and rain-sensing windscreen wipers. Manual aircon makes way for an automatic bi-zone climate control system.
Prices
208 Active 1.2 PureTech - R209 900
208 GT Line 1.2 PureTech Turbo - R269 900
208 GT Line 1.2 PureTech Turbo Auto - R289 900
Prices include a three-year or 100 000km warranty. Active and GT Line models also benefit from a five-year or 60 000km Premium Plan (Full Maintenance Plan).
