Test drive Peugeot 208: young lions

First impressions of the new edition of the small 208

The French are an aesthetic nation, and it shows in the performance and overall look of the new 208. With its sweeping bodyline and LED daytime running lights that give it a predatory saber-toothed look, the Peugeot model has every chance to stand out from other representatives of this class.

From this point of view, it is not surprising that the French company is committed to the concept that consumers should first pay attention to design before they show interest in a drive system. According to PSA strategists, the development of an all-electric platform at this stage is too expensive and too risky, because the development of electrification in the next few years is very difficult to predict, especially in the class of small cars, where there are not as many new customers as there are in cars of a higher category. ...

This is why the 208 and e-208 share the CMP design architecture with the DS 3 and Corsa, providing both a reliable production run to keep costs down and ample powertrain flexibility and the associated ability to respond appropriately and efficiently to changing demand.

In practice, from the outside it is difficult to judge whether the model is powered by a gasoline, diesel or electric motor - the only indication in this direction is again given by the design, which is slightly different in the layout of the front grille of the electric version of the cub.

Otherwise, the new 208 demonstrates an elongation of ten centimeters compared to its predecessor and boldly exceeds the psychological limit of four meters in length. The price of the flexible “multi-energy” platform is evident in the rear seats and in the luggage compartment, 265 liters (20 liters less than the capacity of the previous generation).

The ability to properly position the e-208's battery has somewhat limited legroom for second row passengers, but overall comfort is up to standard in this class.

Control panel with three-dimensional indications

Things are much better with the driver and his front passenger. The seats are beautifully sized and shaped and can even be equipped with a massage function. Of course, the 208 uses the already typical Peugeot i-Cockpit, the latest generation with tall controls and a small, low steering wheel.

Meanwhile, this scheme is fine-tuned enough to be comfortable for drivers with different preferences and anatomical features and does not take time to get used to. The ingenious direct access to the most important functions via the center console keys at high performance levels has been extended by another row of touch buttons. Other functions can be intuitively operated using the side panels and the central touchscreen (7 "or 10").

A completely new three-dimensional arrangement of the readings on the steering control unit presents the data according to its priority on several levels. The idea is implemented very well, it looks original and is really useful for the driver, as it helps him to focus on the main thing and thereby increases safety.

The quality of the materials and the interior design are of a high standard, with soft surfaces, aluminum details, glossy panels and color accents. In terms of assistance systems and active safety, the 208 demonstrates a high level with everything necessary for comfortable and safe movement around the city and over long distances.

Full range of drive options

The new 208 is available in three versions with petrol, diesel and electric engines. A very good impression was made by the PureTech 100 with its 1,2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 101 hp. and a choice between a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

This engine provides the 208 with significantly better dynamics than the naturally aspirated petrol and turbo diesel versions, which on paper offer similar power ratings. Acceleration from standstill to 100 km / h in less than ten seconds is quite eloquent and allows you not only to move comfortably around the city, but also to overtake in suburban conditions without any problems.

The behavior of the new 208 on the road corresponds to this dynamics - the Frenchman willingly enters into turns and maintains traction and stability at the required height. The 17-inch wheels have a feel when going over bumpy bumps, but overall comfort is typical of high-end French.

The electric version of the e-208 commands above all its maximum torque of 260 Nm, which is available at the moment of launch and guarantees dizzying acceleration, but no less impressive is the fact that the additional weight of 200 kilograms of battery is practically not felt - neither in dynamics nor by comfort.

According to Peugeot, it has enough power to travel 340 km without recharging (WLTP), which, incidentally, can be very fast at stations up to 100 kW. The main problem of the E-208 is still the price, which is significantly higher than that of other versions of the lineup.

Conclusion

The new 208 impresses not only with its successful appearance and fresh modern interior solutions, but also with its dynamism and stability on the road. The e-208 electric car also impresses with excellent dynamics, but at least at first, the very high price for this class will limit the consumer audience to the circle of the most ardent environmentalists. Most people will probably switch to the 101bhp petrol version, which is a very well balanced choice.