Peugeot 208. Little proud ‘lion’
Peugeot 208 is a B-class subcompact car produced by Peugeot (France), a subsidiary of PSA Group. In the model line-up, the 208 replaced the Peugeot 207. The sales of the 208 began in 2012. The first generation is still being produced (as for 2020), however, since 2015, its restyled version is available. And the second generation was released in 2019. The first generation Peugeot 208 features a 3-door and 5-door hatchback. And the second one only has a 5-door hatchback due to the small demand for three-door versions.
The 208 is the most popular Peugeot model in Europe. In 2018 alone, a total of 230 thousand models were sold. And with the release of the second generation Peugeot 208, the model line-up of which includes an electric version that has every chance to become popular among the Europeans, PSA Group hopes to gain the upper hand over such B-class models as Clio, Polo and Fiesta.
The first generation
The first generation Peugeot 208 is built on the PSA PF1 platform. Compared to the Peugeot 207, the 208 is lighter and more spacious. This model also has a slightly larger trunk than the 207. In addition, the standard trim level of the 208 Peugeot includes a 7-inch touchscreen display, which combines the functions of a car radio and an on-board computer. The Peugeot 208 is the first PSA model to get the i-Cockpit with instruments above the smaller steering wheel rim.
In 2012, the Peugeot 208 passed Euro NCAP crash test, showing very decent results: safety for an adult passenger was 88% out of 100 possible, active safety was 83%. The 208 Peugeot served as a basis for the creation of several eye-catching and unusual versions, for example, the 200 hp 208 GTi hot hatch, a very playful and dynamic ‘baby’. And while driving the 875 hp Peugeot 208 T16 prototype, Sebastien Loeb won the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, leaving no chance to competitors.
The new Peugeot 208 has a higher level of comfort and safety compared to the previous generation. Plus, the second generation 208 is equipped with many driving assistance systems, typical for higher class vehicles.
The second generation
The new front-wheel drive 5-door hatchback Peugeot 208 was released in 2019. The second generation turned out to be very advanced, futuristic and expressive. The new 208 stands out for its energetic design and offers the next generation PEUGEOT i-Cockpit with a high-positioned 3D dashboard. The 2019/2020 second generation Peugeot 208 is based on the modern CMP platform from PSA Group. The Common Modular Platform has allowed not only to expand the choice of engine type from petrol/diesel to electric ones, but also significantly improve the efficiency of the car. The new Peugeot 208 has a higher level of comfort and safety compared to the previous generation. Plus, the second generation 208 is equipped with many driving assistance systems, typical for higher class vehicles.
The second generation Peugeot 208 has virtual devices, while its media system is equipped with a separate display, and the console contains a number of original ‘aviation’ keys. The equipment of this model includes a projection screen and the servo driven parking brake. The new Peugeot 208 is a more ‘adult’ and slightly more ‘angry’ hatchback than the previous one. Its design comes from its"older’ brothers - 3008, 5008 and 508 Peugeot models. It also has a characteristic radiator grille, lion “fangs” of the navigation lights, and a black stripe between the taillights. The front face boasts a nameplate with the model index, just like the old Peugeot cars. Plus, the 208 models imitates crossovers with blackened wheel arches. It looks great!
