New cub arrives as Peugeot prices long awaited 208

Having made its debut just over two years ago, Peugeot has finally announced the price and spec details of the all-new second generation 208.

Arriving months after Stellantis stablemate Opel’s new Corsa, which rides on the same EMP1 platform, the aggressively styled new 208 measures 4 500 mm in overall length with its wheelbase coming to 2 540 mm, height to 1 430 mm and width to 1 745 mm. Claimed boot space is 311-litres or 1 106-litres with the rear seats down.

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Tipping the scales at 30 kg lighter than its predecessor, the 208, like the Corsa, touches down powered by two versions of the familiar 1.2-litre PureTech three-cylinder petrol engine; the normally aspirated unit that produces 55kW/118Nm and the turbo variant in two states of tune; 74kW/205Nm and 96kW/230Nm.

Limited to the entry-level Active model, the free-breathing 1.2 is paired to a five-speed manual gearbox with the next step-up Allure offering a six-speed manual as the sole option on the 74 kW turbo. Opt for the 96 kW unit though, and the manual is replaced by a six-speed automatic which comes standard on the range-topping GT.

Rear is a world away from the previous 208.

Performance-wise, the Active will get from 0-100 km/h in 14.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 171 km/h, while the Allure manual will dispatch the benchmark sprint in 9.9 seconds before topping out at 188 km/h.

Equipped with the automatic box and plus the additional 22kW/25Nm, both the Allure and GT will sprint from 0-100 km/h in 8.8 seconds before reaching a V-max of 198 km/h. Claimed fuel consumption is 5.8 L/100 km for the Active and Allure manual with the automatic Allure and GT consuming unleaded at a rate of 6.3 L/100 km.

On the specification front, the Active rides on 15-inch steel wheels in addition to the following:

• seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto;
• six-speaker sound system;
• push-button start;
• manual climate control;
• colour coded bumper, door handles and mirrors;
• auto on/off headlights with LED daytime running diodes;
• integrated bootlid spoiler;
• electric mirrors;
• 3.5-inch instrument cluster display;
• leather wrapped steering wheel and gear lever;
• cloth seats with orange inserts;
• faux carbon fibre detailing;
• tyre pressure monitor;
• head adjustable driver’s seat;
• ABS with EBD and EBA;
• six airbags;
• auto lock/unlock doors;
• Electronic Stability Control;
• Hill Start Assist.

Adding to these, the Allure swaps the steelies for 16-inch alloys while also receiving a digital instrument cluster and a second USB port. Also included are:

• folding electric mirrors;
• chrome grille;
• diamond black bootlid spoiler;
• LED headlights;
• automatic climate control;
• cruise control;
• front and rear electric windows;
• mint green seat stitching;
• electrochromatic rear-view mirror;
• rear parking sensors plus a reverse camera

The interior is a further step up from the old 208.

As the range’s flagship, the GT boasts model-specific 17-inch alloy wheels, gloss black accents and the option of a panoramic glass roof. Standard though is:

• full-LED headlights with Auto High Beam Assist;
• eight-colour ambient lighting system;
• alloy pedals;
• ten-inch touchscreen infotainment system;
• wireless smartphone charger;
• Alcantara/cloth sport seats with the fronts being heated;
• front parking sensors;
• frameless electrochromatic rear-view mirror;
• keyless entry;
• front armrest;
• Lane Keeping Assist;
• Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection;
• Blind Spot Monitoring;
• Driver Attention Alert

Standard across the four model line-up is a five year/100 000 km warranty as well as a three year/60 000 km service plan.

PRICING

208 1.2 Active – R289 900

208 1.2T Allure – R349 900

208 1.2T Allure AT – R379 900

208 1.2T GT AT – R424 900