Codenamed the ‘A9’ Project the new Peugeot 208 has been in the works for the past two years. Sometime in 2012 Peugeot will launch its new model in the B segment, the Peugeot 208. Peugeot believes creating a vehicle capable of appealing to a wide variety of customers with ever changing expectations, a simple face-lift is no longer enough. ‘A9’ Project adopted the most ambitious overhaul ever undertaken by the Peugeot to create a vehicle which Peugeot says represents a true generation leap.
Peugeot’s new design language, highlights of which are the ‘floating’ grille, the ‘boomerang’ rear lamps are evident on the 208 and bring to our minds the Peugeot SxC Concept and the completely bonkers Peugeot HX-1. Peugeot says each detail is designed in complete coherence with the general volume, structured by a “spine” the impression of which is even visible on the roof. The 3 door and 5 door versions have slightly different quarter panels that are distinctive.
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Seemingly the trend these days, the Peugeot’s interiors are again designed around the drivers. The instruments and controls are positioned around a small steering wheel, a “head up instrument panel” and a large touch screen. Peugeot also promises a fantastic driving experience primarily owing to the small steering wheel and new ergonomics, an optimum balance between comfort and road holding and finally, the compactness and reduced weight of the vehicle.
The Peugeot 208’s new platform also makes the car lighter by 110 kg than the 207 on an average. The exterior dimensions have gone down, while the interiors, especially the rear knee room has gone up by 5cm. The boot also is slightly larger now.
Its latest generation engine technology and the use of the e-HDi micro-hybridation system on virtually all versions add to the vehicle’s improvements in terms of weight and aerodynamics. The 208 introduces a new range of 3-cylinder petrol engines, 1.0 and 1.2 l VTi, which are particularly efficient, with a range starting at 99 g/km of CO2, delivering 23.2 kpl. The diesel engine is expected to have an efficiency of around 29.4 kpl.
