All-New Peugeot 208 Is Everything A Supermini Should Be

The all-new 2019 Peugeot 208 has just premiered prior to its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

A leak over the weekend offered us our first taste of the redesigned supermini and these new images show the car in all its high-res glory. It’s sharp, bold, and has an unconventional but appealing look, just like a small car filled to the brim with personality should have.

The all-new Peugeot 208 is underpinned by the company’s Common Modular Platform (CMP) and weighs 30 kg (66 lbs) less than the outgoing model. Alongside the weight savings, Peugeot says that the new underpinnings contribute to a reduction in noise, vibration, and harshness levels.

Powering the new 208 is a 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine or if customers wish, a 1.5-liter four-cylinder diesel. The 1.2-liter petrol offers up 75 hp and is mated exclusively to a five-speed manual transmission. The diesel delivers 100 hp and has a six-speed manual gearbox. In the new future, Peugeot will introduce a 100 hp petrol model with a six-speed manual or eight-speed auto and a range-topping 130 hp model sold exclusively with the eight-speed.

There’s an all-electric variant too

In addition, the French manufacturer has developed an all-electric version dubbed the e-208. This model uses a 50 kWh battery pack and an electric motor to deliver a punchy 136 hp and 192 lb-ft (260 Nm) of torque, allowing for a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 8.1 seconds. The 50 kWh battery pack is installed under the floor and can power the Peugeot e-208 for an impressive 211 miles (340 km) under the WLTP cycle. The electric 208 supports 100 kW rapid charging that can top up the battery to 80 per cent capacity in just 30 minutes.

In terms of its looks, the new 208 clearly takes after the 508. For example, the headlights feature similar diagonal strakes and a tasteful grille. At the rear, there are tinted taillights. A host of wheel options are also on offer depending on the trim levels.

The supermini also comes loaded with safety technologies. These include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Positioning Assist, Full Park Assist, Automatic Emergency Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Monitoring, Speed Limit Recognition, Active Blind Sport Monitoring, and Extended traffic sign recognition.

Found within the cabin of the new Peugeot 208 is the automaker’s i-Cockpit infotainment system, a digital gauge cluster, faux carbon fiber accents, and a small steering wheel just like the 508.

Peugeot will start accepting reservations for the new 208 from the end of March before the order books open in late summer this year.