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| PEUGEOT 208 |
Let's cut to the chase here – the new Peugeot 208 is a properly desirable supermini. Ok, we're basing this purely on the way it looks, but the last time we got this excited by a small French hatch it was the Citroen DS3, and we still like that very much.
It's due on sale next june and, somewhat obviously, replaces the unloved 207. Equally obviously, it'll be chock-full of green tech.
And, before you ask, that doesn't mean a hot GTi version has been ruled out. A208 GTi will be built and will undoubtedly use the 1.6-litre turbo that's in both the RCZ and Mini Cooper S. so that's 200bhp to look forward to.
The more mundane engines include a pair of 3cyl petrols with 68 or 84bph, plus two diesel, both of which will emit under 99g/km of CO2.
Weight-saving helps here- the 208 is a massive 110kg lighter than the 207, helped in part by the 208's compact dimensions. It's seven centimetres shorter in total, with six of those coming out of the front overhang. Great news, as it means the 208 has a much daintier nose. It's also one centimetre lower, but due to packaging improvements, there's more rear legroom and the boot is also 15 litres bigger.
Peugeot is also keen to attract younger buyers (who isn't?), so all 208s bar the most basic will come complete with a touchscreen system that Peugeot refers to as a Mobility Portal, that will handle satnav, stereo etc. more impressive than that, every 208, regardless of trim, will get 3G and downloadable apps as standard. (LATEST CAR NEWS)
