It’s been a long wait since its international reveal over two years ago, but the all-new Peugeot 208 has finally arrived in South Africa.
Pricing kicks off at R289 900 for the normally aspirated 1.2 Active, while the turbocharged range starts at R349 900 for the 1.2 Allure, moving up to R378 900 for the automatic version and R424 900 for the range-topping GT.
Opt for the base model and you can expect 55 kW and 118 N.m, which might not be as bad as it sounds given that the new 208 is said to be 30 kg lighter than its predecessor thanks to the new CMP platform that it shares with the new Opel Corsa, which was also recently launched in South Africa. But if effortless performance is what you’re after then it might be worth stretching your budget to buy one of the turbo versions. The 1.2T Allure with six-speed manual transmission is good for 74kW and 205Nm, while versions fitted with the six-speed automatic gearbox (optional in the Allure and standard in the GT) give you 96 kW and 230 N.m to play with.
As far as standard features are concerned, the 1.2 Active ships with a six-speaker, 7,0-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as cruise control, manual air conditioning, push-button start, leather-covered steering wheel, six airbags and ESP stability control with Hill Start Assist.
The 1.2T Allure adds automatic climate control to the mix, along with a ‘3D’ digital head-up instrument cluster, smartphone storage station, electrochromatic rear view mirror, rear parking sensors and 180-degree reverse camera and rear disc brakes. It also replaces the base model’s 15” covered steel wheels with 16-inch alloys.
Over and above all that, the 1.2 GT gains a 10-inch infotainment system, electric parking brake, smartphone charging plate, a front central armrest and a glut of extra driver assist features, including auto-braking with pedestrian detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Driver Attention Warning and front parking sensors.
The GT also boasts a unique aesthetic package that includes 17-inch ‘Bronx’ alloy wheels, gloss black grille and mirrors, diamond black roof, wheel arch extensions, front ‘sports’ seats upholstered in partial Alcantara and ‘GT’ mats.
The new Peugeot 208 is sold with a three-year or 60 000 km service plan and five-year / 100 000 km warranty.