This story includes speculative renderings created by Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien for CarScoops that are neither related to nor endorsed by Peugeot.

The 208 has been a sales hit for Peugeot since the current generation was introduced in 2019, but the French company is not resting on its laurels. A mid-lifecycle update is expected to arrive in summer 2023, bringing a series of visual, tech, and mechanical upgrades to the 208 range. While Peugeot remains coy on details, we gathered as much information as possible for the upcoming supermini together with a speculative rendering by our associates.

Starting with the design, the most obvious update is the adoption of Peugeot’s new shield-shaped emblem. It is expected to sit on a revised grille like in the larger and more recent 308 and 408 models, flanked by similarly larger faux bumper intakes.

Read: Peugeot Inception Concept Will Preview A New Range Of Electric Cars

Peugeot recently announced that the upcoming Inception concept will preview its evolved design language. Thus, we have to wait and see some of the new styling cues that will gradually find their way into production models. Among them, the “three-claw” lighting signature could be expanded with additional fangs as depicted in the rendering. Besides the redesigned face, the rest of the bodywork will likely remain largely unaltered, with the exception of minor changes at the back.

Inside, the 2023 Peugeot 208 might not get the radically updated new generation of the i-Cockpit that we will see in the Inception concept as it is a facelift and not an all-new generation. However, we expect it to get the new infotainment from the 308 and an improved digital instrument cluster,  alongside new color/material options.

Updated Engine Range

Currently, the Peugeot 208 is offered with petrol (1.2 PureTech), diesel (1.5 BlueHDi), and EV powertrains. The facelifted model will most likely drop the diesel and electrify the petrol for fewer emissions while retaining the recently updated electric powertrain. Peugeot has already announced a hybrid version of the PureTech engine with an “electrified dual-clutch gearbox” and a 48V mild hybrid system, producing 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS). The unit will debut in the 3008 and 5008 SUVs but we wouldn’t be surprised if it was also available in the revamped 208, at least for the more expensive trims.

As for the fully electric E-208 which received an update for 2023, it will retain the 154 hp (156 PS / 115 kW) electric motor and the 51 kWh (48.1 kWh useable) battery allowing a 248-mile (400 km) range. While the days of the GTi badge are long gone, there are rumors about a potential sporty variant of the 208 coming with the facelift. The Peugeot 208 PSE (Peugeot Sports Engineering) is expected to be a fully electric performance-oriented offering with a more aggressive bodykit, a more focused chassis setup, and possibly an increased power output.

It is also rumored that the 208 that is sold in South America will replace the old PSA-sourced 1.6-liter unit with newer Fiat-sourced 1.0-liter and 1.3-liter engines. Fiat will actually use the CMP platform for its brand-new Punto supermini, which explains the potential technology exchange between the two sibling models.

The facelifted Peugeot 208 will march on for a few more years until the all-new generation arrives, underpinned by the new STLA Small platform that will be shared with all superminis and small SUVs in Stellantis’ portfolio. Outside the sibling offerings from other Stellantis brands, rivals of the Peugeot 208 in Europe include the likes of the Toyota Yaris, Renault Clio, and VW Polo.

Illustrations Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien for CarScoops