New Peugeot 208

The new Peugeot 208 is to be released in summer 2012, with a new specification making the car lighter and sleeker than the 207 yet having the same wheelbase.

Peugeot have produced an improved version of the 207 by taking into consideration criticisms of the 207 such as the handling being sluggish and heavy.  They have also infused driving characteristics of the 205 into the new Peugeot.

The new Peugeot 208 is 173kg lighter than the 207, 70mm shorter and about 10mm lower, however, the inside is more spacious and a bigger boot with an extra 15 litres.

Peugeot have also improved the interior with better quality material that is stylish, a small steering wheel, an elevated instrument panel and cabin control touch screen which are intended to make the care more driver-focused.

The previous range of 1.4 and 1.6 petrol powerplants used in the 207 will be replaced by new super-frugal 1.0 and 1.2 VTi units. The 1.0 variant will provide 65.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 99g/km with power outputs between 75bhp and 100bhp.

There will also be five diesel options; some will have Peugeot’s economical ‘micro-hybrid’ technology.  The four variants will be equipped with stop-start and an efficient oilburner producing 83.1 mpg and 87g/km.

The new peugoet will be available in three and five-door options.  The three-door will be the basis of the 208 GTI that will be released at the end of the year.