Peugeot has just launched an all-new 208 and along with it an e-208. By using PSA Group’s Common Modular Platform (CMP), Peugeot are able to offer the same vehicle with conventional fossil fuels or an all-electric powertrain.
Compared to the outgoing 208, this new vehicle is 30kg lighter, has improved aero, reduced roll resistance, better NVH, safety and comfort as well as more efficient internal combustion engines. The petrol engines on offer are all 3-cylinder units.
- PureTech 75 S&S BVM5
- PureTech 100 S&S BVM6 or EAT8
- PureTech 130 S&S EAT8.
These come with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.
As for the e-208, you get an electric motor that outputs 136bhp and 260Nm of instant torque. Interestingly, the e-208 will have the same exact boot space as the standard 208. This is because the 50kWh power pack is laid out across the vehicle floor pan. This battery gives it a range of 340km (WLTP protocol). The battery is guaranteed for 8 years or 160,000km to retain 70% of its charge capacity.
It comes in three drive modes:
- Eco: to optimise range
- Normal: optimum comfort for everyday use
- Sport: priority is given to performance and sensations, maximum power and torque (0 to 100 km/h in 8.1s).
Two braking modes are also available via the gear lever with appropriate battery regeneration:
- Moderate, providing a sensation close to that felt when braking with a combustion engine,
- Augmented, for controlled deceleration by means of the accelerator pedal.
The car is longer, wider and lower than the current Peugeot 208. From the side, new Peugeot 208 reveals its pared-back windscreen that allows space for a longer, sculpted bonnet. Just like the rest of the Peugeot family the rear end of the new Peugeot 208 stands out with its black band running over the width of the boot lid, linking the 3-claw lights (which are also day-running).
Why is this Significant?
Ever since car companies got serious about electric vehicles, they’ve distinguished between these types of cars and their standard fuel-powered alternatives. This has been slowly changing with specially-developed new models that can take on multiple fuel types. This includes the Honda Clarity and Hyundai Ioniq. This is perhaps the first time a major manufacturer are offering a mainstream, legacy nameplate with an all-electric powertrain option.
Sure, the ‘208’ name has only been around since 2011, but it shares a direct lineage to many of Peugeot’s compact models like the 207, 206, 205 and more.
