Peugeot tackles supermini market with new 208

il y a 12 années, 11 mois - 3 Novembre 2011, Autoblog
Peugeot tackles supermini market with new 208
Superminis are big business for European automakers, and Peugeot has just released its latest salvo in the form of its new 208.

Available in both three- and five-door body-styles, the 208 represents a complete overhaul of the French carmaker's core model. Its wheelbase is the same as the 207 it replaces, but while overall exterior dimensions have shrunken, Peugeot says interior volume has increased.

Meanwhile, weight has decreased, and the new 208 range is motivated by a pair of 1.0- and 1.2-liter gasoline engines with about 75 and 100 horsepower, respectively, designed to replace the 207's 1.4 and 1.6 models, with a range of five diesel engines paired with stop-start ignition and hybrid assist on most models to return exceptional fuel economy and emissions figures.

The new Pug range is certainly distinctively styled, particularly the three-door shown above, with its sculpted doors and unusual chrome trim flourish at the rear of the windowline (a treatment not shown on the family-oriented five-door). The interior is no less interesting, with unusual ambient lighting elements on select models and a premium-look dashboard.

Peugeot is also expected to roll out a 208 GTI based on the three-door that promises to channel much of the beloved 205 GTI hot hatch's sporting characteristics in the new form.