There was a time when fun, agile little hatchbacks were synonymous with the Peugeot brand. The 205 remains an icon to this day. But since the demise of that model, small Peugeots, like most small cars, have become fatter, weighed down by extra crash protection and big car features. Resultantly, they’ve also become less fun… more grown up.
But… here I am in Portugal, I’ve just arrived at the lunch stop behind the wheel of Peugeot’s new 208 1,6 HDI and I can’t resist pulling up the handbrake as I come around the final, sharp corner. This is most untypical of me. Hooliganism doesn’t appear in my driving dictionary. Nevertheless, this car, even in supposedly sensible-shoes 1,6-litre turbodiesel form, makes me want to do naughty things. The signs are good then, that Peugeot has rediscovered its recipe for driving fun. Let me state right up front that I believe that, from a dynamic perspective (ride and handling balance), the Peugeot 208 sets a new benchmark in its class…
Less frills, more thrills
The recipe, it would appear, had much to do with going on a diet. Compared with the 207, the new 208 can be up to 173 kg lighter (depending on the model), and the lightest tips the scales at only 975 kg. It is also smaller – though the wheelbase is the same, the front overhang is 6 cm shorter, mostly because Peugeot has finally waved the ridiculous “Michael Schumacher’s chin” design language goodbye and settled on a far more elegant, simpler look. The rear overhang is 1 cm shorter, it is 2 cm narrower and 1 cm lower.
It looks even smaller in the metal, and though there are hints of Toyota Yaris in the overall design, the details – especially around the grille (three designs offered, depending on model) and rear lights make it stand out from the crowd.
Premium interior, high-tech features
Though the exterior dimensions are tighter and the wheelbase is unchanged, Peugeot claims improvements in interior space. I can’t comment on rear legroom as I only drove a three-door model (not coming to SA), but the boot is nicely shaped and sized, and certainly appears to be one of the bigger ones in this car’s class.
As with the superb new 508, the 208’s interior represents quite a leap in overall design and finishes. The trim depends on the model, but on the high-spec model I drove, the dash featured stitched leather and lots of chrome. Just like the 508, there’s an upmarket, premium feel to most of the cabin and I particularly like the fact that the door handles don’t feel plasticky or lightweight. Peugeot offers a number of “personalisation” options, also for the exterior.
The interior is dominated to some extent by a large free-standing 7-inch full colour display in the middle of the facia. It is standard on all except the very base 208 models and lends the cabin a big-car, high-tech ambience. With this screen you can control the car’s navigation, media and phone systems.
I really only have two gripes with the interior and, indeed, the car as a whole. The narrower cabin perhaps results in quite a cramped centre console, so there’s marginal storage space between the seats, and you’re quite close to rubbing elbows with your fellow front passenger.
Controversial driving position
But the bigger problem is the driving position. Let me be clear about this – the seat is superb, particularly the side bolstering. The interface with the steering wheel is superb too. And I love the small steering wheel. I also like the look of the instrumentation… But the problem is that when I’m in my preferred driving position (low down, steering wheel pulled out all the way), I can’t see the instruments, and in particular the digital display between the two dials. But that’s just me. Nevertheless, it’s as if Peugeot wants to force the driver to sit high, and that’s counter to the car’s fun dynamics, I think.
Frugality and punch
And what a fun drive it is. The 1,6-litre turbodiesel I drove only has 84 kW on offer, but there’s a meaty 270 N.m of torque from a low 1 750 r/min. It pulls strongly from low revs, is willing to rev, smooth and the ratios of the six-speed manual ‘box is well chosen. And it’s hugely economical too… Peugeot claims an optimistic 3,8 L/100 km combined cycle figure, but we got a more realistic, and still very impressive 5,5 L/100 km. Considering we were driving, er, “enthusiastically”, that’s some achievement.
Ride quality of a big car
Some of the roads of the launch route around Lisbon in Portugal were downright awful, with broken surfaces, lots of mid-corner bumps and changes in surface condition seemingly around every corner. But the little Pug lapped it up, displaying the ride composure of a bigger car, but without feeling heavy on its feet. The little steering wheel is also geared nice and direct, so there’s a feeling of agility that’s ever-present. Turn-in is crisp and the grip levels impressive for such a skinny-tired car. Based on this first driving experience, the upcoming 115 kW 1,6-litre THP model is going to be a little cracker…
South African line-up
The new 208 arrives in South Africa in October. Three models will initially be offered, all in five-door form – 1,2- and 1,6-litre petrols, and this 1,6-litre turbodiesel. Pricing will be similar to the outgoing 207. With all Peugeots now featuring a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan, and the latest products being genuinely impressive, this brand appears to be on the move up.
See the June issue of CAR for a full driving impression of this model, as well as the 1,6-litre petrol derivative.
Specifications
Model: Peugeot 208 1,6 e-HDI “115”
Engine: 1,6-litre turbodiesel
Power: 84 kW at 3 600 r/min
Torque: 270 N.m at 1 750 r/min (285 on overboost)
0-100 km/h: 9,7 seconds
Fuel consumption: 3,8 L/100 km
CO2: 99 g/km
Top speed: 190 km/h
Price: R225 000 est
Maintenance plan: 5 year/100 000 km
All manufacturer’s claimed figures, price estimated (tbc)
