Ford might have killed off the Fiesta due to dwindling sales as buyers flock to crossovers and SUVs, but Peugeot has had no trouble finding buyers for its own supermini.
The little 208 was the best-selling car in Europe in 2022, ending the VW Golf’s 14-year run as the continent’s favorite, and leaving the related 2008 crossover trailing in 12th spot. And now Peugeot is getting ready to release a facelifted 208 in the hope that the little hatch can repeat its success in 2023 and beyond.
Peugeot took the wraps off the facelifted 2008 back in May, and the 208, which is destined to inherit almost all of the same changes, will be revealed this summer, potentially in only a few weeks time. Our spy photographer’s spotted the revised e-208, the electric version of the 208 lineup, hiding under some still fairly heavy disguise, but the combustion 208s are in line for the same visual overhaul.
Related: Peugeot 2008 Facelift Gets Bigger Mouth, Hybrid Engines And Extra Range For E-2008 EV
If the little guy’s changes do replicate the 2008’s that means there’s a wider grille with a new mesh pattern, and possibly multiple new DRL claws hiding under the camo wrap. Different trim grades will bring different colors to the grille, as well as different lighting setups, the top-spec GT cars getting full LED headlights. There’ll also be new lights at the back, plus some minor bumper revisions, fresh fabrics for the interior, and a newer, more sophisticated infotainment system in the center console.
Peugeot had already announced a 15 percent increase in power to 154 hp (115 kw / 156 PS) and in battery size from 50 kWh to 54 kWh for 2023, an upgrade that improved the driving range from 225 to 248 miles (362-400 km), and it’s unlikely to be tweaked again since that’s the same setup offered in the facelifted e-2008.
Combustion 208s will continue to be available, of course, including 1.2-liter engines with with either 99 hp (100 PS) or 128 hp (130 PS), but the more interesting stuff won’t come on line until 2024. That’s when Peugeot will introduce its new 1.2-liter mild hybrids that it claims can operate in EV mode for half the time, cutting fuel consumption by 15 percent.
