It has been one of the latest trends: the end of three-door bodywork . Manufacturers “complain” about the low sales, preferring to invest in variants that have much more return, such as crossovers/SUV of their SUVs or compact family members.
Furthermore, stylistically, we have seen an evolution in the design of five-door bodies, often emulating three-door bodies — equally dynamic looking or door handles disguised and integrated into the rear window or pillar, creating the illusion of being a three-door.
Everything indicates that the next victim will be the three-door bodywork of the Peugeot 208 . The French manufacturer's compact model was launched in 2012 and its replacement should take place in 2019, but Peugeot will not wait for the new generation to phase out the three-door variant. It is no longer possible to order this bodywork in some markets, a measure that will soon be extended to the rest.
The rule
The Peugeot 208 is just another in a trend that has swept the market: Renault Clio, SEAT Ibiza, Volkswagen Polo are just some of those that have reduced their offer in terms of bodywork.In the segment above, that of compact family members, the scenario is even more drastic. Even cars like the Audi A3, which initially only had a three-door bodywork, will no longer have one.
Those that remain in the segment are already counted on the fingers of one hand and it will not be necessary to wait long for them to disappear completely from the segment.
the exception
Like everything else, there is an exception to the rule. The new Ford Fiesta kept its three-door bodywork, and by the end of the decade, with the arrival of new generations of its rivals, it will be practically the only model in the segment with this type of bodywork — let's not forget the Mini, which doesn't is intent on ending its most iconic model.
FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE Subscribe to our channel
Goodbye, 208 GTI?
Returning to Peugeot 208, the end of the three-door bodywork most likely also means the end of the 208 GTI . The sportier version of the 208 is only available with a three-door body, so its career should end sooner than expected. The 208 GTI is not expected to appear in a five-door body.
