Without a doubt that the biggest news of the second generation of the Peugeot 208 , the latest descendant of the iconic 205, is the presence in the range, right from the launch, of a 100% electric version, the e-208.
Using a version of the CMP platform, the e-CMP, for electric vehicles, the Peugeot e-208 has an engine of 136 hp (100 kW) and 260 Nm, heralding a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 8.1s.
The 50 kWh battery occupies 220 l of volume, is housed under the rear and front seats and weighs 340 kg, according to the brand's data, contributing to a good weight distribution and without taking up space in the trunk. The battery is liquid cooled and is guaranteed for eight years or 160,000 km to run over 70%.
The autonomy in WLTP cycle is 340 km (450 km, in the former NEDC). As for recharging times, three different ones are announced, depending on the type of charger: in a domestic socket, a full charge takes 16 hours, in an 11 kW Wallbox it takes 5 hours and 15 hours, but if it is 7.4 kW, it takes 8 hours. Finally, on a 100 kW fast charger (which there aren't many…) it only takes 30 minutes to reach 80% charge.
EV driving modes
They exist three driving modes at the driver's choice : Eco, to maximize range, Normal, and Sport, which prioritizes performance and is the mode where you get the best acceleration from 0-100 km/h.
Peugeot e-208 live
In addition, there is also two levels of regeneration that the driver must choose according to the driving conditions: a moderate one that provides a braking sensation similar to the engine brake of a car with a heat engine, when decelerating. And an increased mode, which locks the car much more when you take your foot off the accelerator and practically lets you drive with just the right pedal, without having to use the brake.
Peugeot claims that the e-208 has the best thermal comfort on the market by including a 5 kW motor, a heat pump, heated seats, all without compromising battery autonomy. The system allows you to heat the battery while it is being charged, to optimize its operation in very cold conditions, with the charge being programmed remotely through a smartphone application.
support services
Knowing that the energy transition is not an easy situation, Peugeot offers e-208 drivers a set of aids such as Easy-Charge, which provides solutions for installing Wallboxes at home or in the workplace, including a diagnostic service of electrical architecture available on site.
Peugeot e-208
Through the company Free2Move (owned by PSA) there will be a pass for access to more than 85,000 public charging stations in Europe. This service also includes the location of the most convenient stations, according to distance, charging speed and price, all linked to the car's navigation system.
Easy-Mobility allows you to plan longer journeys through Free2Move services, with a proposal for the best routes, considering the autonomy and location of recharge points. This service also includes a card for accessing a car rental and driving advice to optimize autonomy.
Finally, to alleviate the anxiety of using an electric car, a digital simulator, roadside assistance and a battery capacity certificate are made available to facilitate the resale of the e-208.
the new face of the lion
You don't have to be very sharp to see where the new 208 got the inspiration for its style: the vertical daylights and black tail bar joining the tail lights are familiar signatures of the 3008/5008 and 508 that carry over to the new 208.
From the previous model is the cutout of the rear pillar, when viewed in profile. Dimensions change because the transition from the previous F1 platform to the new CMP so allows. It is a versatile platform, which will serve the B-segment and some C-segment models at PSA, complementing the EMP2 platform, which will continue to serve the C and D-segment models.
Compared to the previous 208, the new generation is longer, wider and lower , but Peugeot has not yet revealed the millimeters. But you only need to be next to the new 208 to see its pose more “hung” to the ground, which works very well.
The design of the headlamps and taillights, inspired by the cuts made by the claw of a lion, are very aggressive and differentiating. On the street, no one will confuse the 208 with any other B-segment SUV.
Peugeot 208 GT Line
CMP and e-CMP
The CMP (Common Modular Platform) is 30 kg lighter and has improved aerodynamics, with a flat bottom and electronically-opening front air intakes. Work was also carried out to reduce friction in the suspension and tire rolling.
Then there was a generalized optimization of the engines and transmissions, namely with less internal friction and a reduction in the size of some components, also in order to improve the weight distribution between the two axles.
The e-CMP variant, used for the electric version e-208, and the new DS 3 Crossback E-tense, which will be the first to hit the market. Peugeot paid special attention to reducing noise in the passenger compartment and also to an offer of electronic driving assistance systems far superior to those of the current model.
Inside, the rising quality of materials and a new interpretation of the i-Cockpit are the strong points , to summarize the progress of this second generation of the 208.
The engines available meet the EURO6d standards for petrol and the EURO6d-Temp standard for diesel, and are known: 1.2 three-cylinder engines with 75, 100 and 130 hp variants, in petrol and a single 1.5 Diesel BlueHDI in 100 hp Uncommon in the segment is the option of an eight-speed automatic transmission , in the two most powerful gasoline engines. The less powerful one has a box of five and the rest have a manual box of six.
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Let's get to the detail
There is a clear desire to reposition the new 208 a little higher in the segment, with prices expected to rise in line with the technological and equipment contents. This is reflected in the new styling, which uses details that define the final look, such as the setback of the front roof pillars, which allow for a silhouette with a longer bonnet.
Peugeot 208 GT Line
The vertical alignment of the third side window with the wheel arch also contributes to a typical premium profile. In the GT Line, GT and also in the e-208 versions, the mudguards have a glossy black contour that increases the perception of the size of the wheels, which reaches 17″. The wheels use a bolt-on center zone that improves aerodynamics and reduces unsprung masses by 0.9 kg per wheel.
new family air
The flared mudguards give the 208 a more aggressive look, especially seen from the front, where the grille stands out, flanked by headlights with three vertical lines in Full-LED on the more equipped versions. As on the 508, the 208 designation is now on the front edge of the bonnet, in the blink of an eye to the brand's past.
Otherwise, the rear may have a sculpted bumper puller and a chrome exhaust tailpipe, one of the few exterior details to use this finish. The “leap” for the current model is huge, harmonizing the design with the latest 508 and 3008/5008.
Peugeot 208 GT Line
The 2008 — an upcoming presentation later this year —, which will share a lot with this new 208, will be the next to receive this stylistic update and then it will be the turn of the 308.
much better interior
The new 208 continues to use the tall instrument panel solution, which has to be read over the small-diameter steering wheel rim. But that task is now made easier with the introduction of the steering wheel similar to the 508 and 3008/5008, with the flat top.
Peugeot 208 GT Line
The instrument panel became digital and with a three-dimensional effect which places the information closer or further away from the eyes, depending on its importance or urgency, accelerating the driver's reaction in half a second.
On top of the console, there's a new touchscreen that can be 5″, 7″ or 10″, according to the equipment level, and, underneath, a row of buttons for accessing the most frequently used functions.
There has been a significant advance in the quality of soft materials used in the dashboard, doors and console, and even carbon-effect applications. The seats are also new and, at least with the car stopped, they seemed to have better comfort and support for the body.
The driving position with the small steering wheel and tall instrument panel has been to the liking of most customers and has looked better tuned, with sufficient adjustments and good forward visibility.
In the rear seats an effort has been made to create space wide enough to carry three adults, but the platform has its limits, of course. The legroom is decent and the height acceptable, but getting in and out is not very easy. On sight, the suitcase has a capacity identical to the current one, the final data has not yet been released.
The storage compartments were improved and expanded, starting with the door pockets, a more voluminous front armrest with a lid and a shelf in front of the gearbox lever. There is also a compartment with a lid to put the smartphone on inductive charging. In some versions the handbrake is electric.
A first: eight-speed automatic transmission.
more premium
The new 208 also rises in positioning through the structure of the range, divided into five levels of equipment: Access, Active, Allure, GT Line and GT.The last two versions have details like full-LED headlamps , mudguards with shiny black trim, material also used in the frames of the side windows, and 17” wheels. Inside, these two versions also have specific details, such as a black roof lining, eight ambient colours, sports seats and pedals with aluminum covers.
In the case of the GT-level e-208, it also includes seats in a mix of Alcantara and fabric with 3D effect, as well as 17” wheels with specific applications.
More "technology"
The new 208 evolves a lot in the contents related to electronic driving assistance starting with a new adaptive cruise control with stop & go function , with distance adjustment for the car in front. If the stop & go function stops the car for up to three seconds, the engine starts automatically, otherwise the driver has to tap the accelerator or one of the steering column rods. This is for versions with automatic transmission. With manual transmission, if the system has to go down from 30 km/h, the cruise control goes into pause and the driver will have to immobilize the vehicle.
Other functions available are lane centering, parking assistance with throttle control, steering and brakes (only with automatic transmission) and the latest generation of emergency braking. This version has pedestrian and cyclist detection , day and night and runs between 5 and 140 km/h.
Lane departure correction above 65 km/h, driver tiredness monitoring, automatic high beam, detection of traffic signs and speed limits and blind spot monitor above 12 km/h are also available, depending on the level of equipment.
As for connectivity, the 208 includes smartphone mirroring, inductive charging, four USB sockets and a Tom Tom navigation system with real-time traffic information. A very complete list for the “B” segment.
When arrives?
The new Peugeot 208 will go on sale before the end of this year and will be one of the stars of the Geneva Motor Show, which opens on March 5th. It will be possible to order one online on the Peugeot website and even make a down payment, to guarantee one of the first places in line, when deliveries start.
Peugeot is very confident in the new 208 and seems to have reasons for that. It remains to be seen how the dynamics will be, but this is usually an area where the French do not have major problems.
Jean-Philippe Imparato, CEO of PeugeotThe great story of our brand is to continue to move forward with serenity and conviction. The message we convey to our customers is simple: choose the level of equipment and the type of engine and enjoy!