New Peugeot 208, the definitive swipe

The fifth generation of the myth looks fiercer than ever, the new Peugeot 208 is thoroughly updated and this is clearly demonstrated

We were expecting the arrival of the new Peugeot 208 this same year; in fact, we knew it would be one of the highlights of the Geneva Motor Show. It was also known that this 2019 Peugeot 208 would be the one making the great technological leap, both inside and under the bonnet, since, in addition to incorporating a 21st-century i-Cockpit, the first electric car from Peugeot would be based on it.

And, although expectations often lead to disappointment, the new Peugeot 208 is even better than one might have expected.

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The look of the 2019 Peugeot 208

The Peugeot design department has adapted to the dimensions proper to a segment B vehicle the good work it had demonstrated with the introduction of the new Peugeot 508.

Thus, the front features a large grille flanked by two light clusters housing the Full LED headlights, on the GT or GT Line trim, which simulate the layout of three claws. Just below these strips, the filaments recall the upper fangs of a great predator such as the lion.

The compact silhouette, far from conveying a sense of narrowness, appears sturdy and rests on an elongated bonnet, sloping forward, with two imposing bulges, each positioned above each wheel arch.

Moreover, thanks to a lengthened A-pillar, which almost merges with the B-pillar, it conveys a sense of fluidity and dynamism. The look of the new Peugeot 208 is rejuvenated thanks to a dynamic, sharp and powerful appearance.

But if the front is spectacular, the best view of the 2019 Peugeot 208 is its rear. Having gained 8 cm in overall length and lowered its height by 3 cm, the width and rake of the C-pillar, the upper spoiler parallel to the strip between the taillights and the lower diffuser, the whole ensemble displays a sporty bearing without eccentricities.

It is wide, low and muscular. The large rear wheel arches, covered by mouldings, give an image sculpted through exercise without weightlifting pretensions.

Returning to the side profile, the diverging lines of the door creases give the whole a sense of flow, so that, thanks to the aforementioned bonnet slope and the base of the windows, the eye travels from front to rear along the bodywork without distraction. Perhaps the only thing that catches the eye is the large door handles.

A body that features significant aerodynamic details, such as the smoothed underbody and the use of active air intakes that improve its cut through the air.

Furthermore, beneath the bodywork, the innovations of the new Peugeot 208, thanks to the architecture conferred by its design on PSA’s CMP platform, reduce weight by up to 30 kg compared with the current model.

The engines of the 2019 Peugeot 208

As we mentioned at the start, the new Peugeot 208 enters the era of electric cars without forgetting its traditional DNA. For this reason, three engines have been chosen for this new car: electric, petrol and diesel.

The electric Peugeot 208

As for the electric Peugeot 208, part of the Peugeot Motion & e-Motion range, it will be marketed as the Peugeot e-208. Its powertrain features a 100 kW motor, equivalent to 136 CV, and a remarkable torque of 260 Nm.

The capacity of its battery is 50 kWh, which will allow it to travel up to 340 km, according to its WLTP cycle approval. A battery guaranteed for up to 8 years or 160,000 km travelled, retaining 70% of its capacity.

Charging time from a standard domestic socket is set at 16 hours; with a Wall Box it is reduced to 5 h 15 min on three-phase (11 kW) or 8 hours on single-phase (7.4 kW) and, if charging is carried out at a public charger or charging station with 100 kW chargers, it would reach 80% charge in 30 minutes.

Peugeot 208 diesel and petrol, for now

And, although one might assume that among the traditional hydrocarbon-powered engines a version could be marketed as a hybrid car, the production of a Peugeot 208 PHEV is not contemplated.

This means there will be two alternatives marketed for the new Peugeot 208: the electric or the combustion engine, in two variants.

For the 2019 Peugeot 208 petrol, the 1.2-litre three-cylinder PureTech engine will be offered in three power levels: 75, 100 and 130 CV. For the new Peugeot 208 diesel, the 1.5-litre BlueHDi engine will offer a single 100 CV version.

The interior of the new Peugeot 208

And, as we pointed out, this fifth generation of the “two hundred” series is the most youthful, relaxed, dynamic and, now, connected, thanks to its technological innovations.

From the updated i-Cockpit to driver assistance systems, including connectivity with the outside world, but always aimed at the enjoyment of a car designed for a demanding audience.

Connectivity between the new Peugeot 208 and the mobile phone will be achieved through the Mirror Screen function, compatible with MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The driver assistance systems include features such as automatic high beam activation, lane departure warning with trajectory correction, speed limit or suggested speed sign recognition, and day and night pedestrian and cyclist detection on the road with automatic braking, among others.

For this reason, the birth on the CMP platform also means an improvement in the car’s interior acoustic and thermal insulation, while reducing vibrations transmitted to the occupants.

The presentation and launch of the Peugeot 208 in 2019

As noted at the beginning, this car will be the star of Peugeot at the Geneva Motor Show, to be held between 5 and 17 March. However, it will not be until summer that this new car enters the production line.

The new Peugeot 208 will begin manufacturing in August of this year and will be in the brand’s dealerships from autumn. And, although we do not yet know the price of the 2019 Peugeot 208, we do know that the range for the 2019 Peugeot 208 will include the Like, Active, Allure, GT Line and GT trims.

Technical specifications of this car

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