Following the debut of the 208 hatchback, 208 GTI and the 2008 crossover, Peugeot is said to be preparing a 208 cabriolet for its B-segment lineup. The new drop-top model will differ significantly from its predecessors, the 206 CC and 207 CC (pictured), as it will no longer features a hard top roof, replacing it with a more traditional soft top.
Building a 208 cabriolet with a soft-top roof would be more beneficial because it would mean a smaller development cost, a lighter car and it would not affect the car’s styling.
Furthermore, today’s triple-layered soft tops offer the same noise insulation, while the difference in structural rigidity between a coupe-cabriolet and a cabriolet is less important than before thanks to new technical developments.
A proper soft-top convertible solution would also help differentiate the 208 cabriolet from the Citroen DS3 Cabriolet, which features a classic rigid hatchback body with only the folding roof being textile.
On the 208 cabriolet, the roof will be operated automatically, which means the boot will be slightly smaller to accommodate the folded top. The car is expected to be offered with the same engines as the 208 hatchback, including the 200hp engine from the GTi. The Peugeot 208 cabriolet should launch towards the end of 2015, following a world debut at the 2015 Frankfurt auto show.
By Dan Mihalascu
Story References: Caradisiac
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