Revised Peugeot 208 Hybrid is Fast, Frugal & Fun.
New Peugeot 208 Hybrid is Fast, Frugal & Fun.
Peugeot has always honoured a high-quality and inventive French manufacturing tradition. Today, more than ever, Peugeot is harnessing all of its energy to design elegant vehicles that deliver a sensory experience, and take driving to a whole new level. From ergonomics and materials to connectivity, Peugeot has meticulously worked on each detail to bring drivers the most intuitive driving experience ever. The recently revised 208 is a classic example of just how far the revitalised Peugeot brand has come in terms of style, technology, connectivity and desirability.
Outstanding Fuel Efficiency.
A petrol/electric self-charging Hybrid joins the PureTech (petrol) and pure-electric (e-208) powerplants in the 208 for the very first time, providing drivers with the best of both worlds: a punchy petrol engine for long journeys and an efficient electric motor that provides emission-free driving in relatively low-speed urban settings. By seamlessly blending both power sources, the 208 Hybrid driver can enjoy optimal performance and impressive fuel efficiency on every trip. Peugeot claims the 208 Hybrid can consume as little as 4.6 litres of petrol for every 100kms driven on a combined driving cycle, and this is a figure I got very close to during my time with my test car.
Revised Inside & Out.
The multi award-winning, second-generation Peugeot 208 arrived in Ireland in 2020 and its wide sculptured wings, striking body lines, pared-back windscreen and undeniable sporty look immediately won over the hearts of style-conscious supermini buyers the length and breadth of the country. The revised 208 comes with a reprofiled front end that comprises a new bumper with three vertical LED daytime running lights on each side, sleek new headlights, and a distinctive new grille with hot-stamped coloured elements to match the exterior paint finish. Sitting above the integrated registration plate holder on the front grille is Peugeot’s new brand logo – the 11th update to the Lion emblem Peugeot has used since its introduction in 1850, when it appeared on Peugeot’s flagship product of the time: the humble saw. The Peugeot Lion appeared on cars in 1907 and it is now one of the most iconic symbols of the French automotive industry. It represents the pride, strength and quality of the cars produced by the Peugeot brand. The most notable revision to the rear of the 208 comes in the form of new tail lights that consist of three stacked lights in each unit, as opposed to the three-claw design used previously, along with a refreshed gloss black cluster-connecting strip between the rear lights. The stunning cabin in the second-generation 208 was pretty much perfect as it was, so revisions are limited to a larger centre touchscreen and new upholstery fabrics. High quality materials and soft-touch surfaces in the cabin remain as before, as do the beautiful piano-key toggle switches for the heating, ventilation, hazard-warning lights (and more) that adorn the centre console.
Allure & GT Trim Levels.
Trim levels in the Peugeot 208 Hybrid consist of Allure and GT variants. Key standard Allure equipment includes Peugeot LED Technology headlamps with LED daytime running lights, compact leather steering wheel with integrated multimedia controls, electric parking brake, Peugeot i-Cockpit™, HD front & rear cameras with touchscreen display, automatic air conditioning, parking sensors, auto lights, auto wipers, 16” alloy wheels, Peugeot i-Connect™ with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Bluetooth, DAB radio, and electric, heated and power-folding door mirrors. Additional standard equipment on GT trim includes Peugeot Full LED Technology headlamps, exclusive exterior style aesthetics, black cabin interior and headliner, aluminium foot pedals, keyless entry, keyless push button start, wireless smartphone charging, and 17” two-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels with inserts.
Ingenious Peugeot i-Cockpit;
The new Peugeot 208 benefits from a new-generation of the ingenious Peugeot i-Cockpit – now an inseparable part of the Peugeot DNA. Depending on the trim, the 3D instrument panel displays information at two levels. On the upper digital pad, information is projected in hologram form, where data is displayed closer or further away from the driver’s eye depending on the function, importance or urgency, thereby increasing reaction responses. Sporting toggle switches, the new 208 now comes with a 10″ HD colour touchscreen as standard. In addition to the door bins and glovebox, there are 3 additional storage areas, including a large storage area under the armrest between the front seats, an easy-access tray in front of the gear lever and a clever concealable storage space in the central console that can be used to discreetly and wirelessly charge a smartphone. Boot space is equally impressive, with 352-litres available, but this increases to 1,163-litres when the rear seats are folded. Seat comfort for all occupants of the new 208 is terrific, with an adequate amount of head, leg and elbow room on offer too.
Test Car;
My new Peugeot 208 Allure Hybrid test car looked striking in its distinctive Agueda Yellow metallic paint finish, which Peugeot Ireland are offering free-of-charge at present. Colour options available at an extra cost include Bianca White, Selenium Grey, Artense Grey, Perla Nera Black, Elixir Red and Vertigo Blue. The 208 Hybrid is designed for responsive and agile handling, making it fun to drive in various conditions. The precise steering provides excellent feedback, giving the driver confidence and control, and the suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride quality, effectively absorbing bumps and road imperfections. With its advanced hybrid system, the 208 significantly reduces CO2 emissions to as little as 100g/km, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. The refined hybrid powertrain can propel the car from 0-100km/h in just 8.1-seconds, on its way to a top speed of 210km/h (where permitted). My test car performed admirably on a variety of back roads and motorways, with the 136bhp powerplant pulling strongly from a standing start, while also providing plenty of punch for safe overtaking. A strong brake pedal feel ensures that the new 208 stops confidently, while the slick-shifting six-speed automatic gearbox makes the car very enjoyable to drive. Build quality throughout the new 208 is exceptional, while the car’s striking cabin design provides a real sense of occasion to every journey.
Verdict, Pricing & Warranty;
The new Peugeot 208 Hybrid is a stylish and efficient compact car that combines cutting-edge technology with a focus on sustainability. The interior is crafted with high-quality materials for a refined and comfortable experience, and the driver-focused cockpit features an intuitive layout for ease of drivability. Despite its compact size, the new 208 offers a surprisingly spacious cabin, providing ample room for passengers an cargo. The super-stylish 208 Hybrid is priced from just €30,495 (ex-works), and it attracts annual road tax of just €180.
Visit www.peugeot.ie for further information.
