The New Peugeot 208: Re-Generation
PARIS – Nov 2, 2011: In the spring of 2012, Peugeot will launch its new model in the ‘B’ (Supermini) segment. The new car will be available in two distinct body styles; 3- and 5-door.
Today, when creating a vehicle capable of appealing to and uniting a wide variety of customers with ever changing expectations, simple renewal is no longer enough. Therefore, from the outset, the ‘A9’ Project adopted the most ambitious specification overhaul ever undertaken by the Marque to create a vehicle that represents a true generation leap.
Peugeot has not hesitated to rewrite the rulebook, with the desire to reinvent the principles on which the success of icons like the 205, 206 and 207 were built and to ‘re-generate’ them, to create: The Peugeot 208.
"The 208 is a new illustration of the Marque’s project launched two years ago, representing a new stage in Peugeot's desire to drive itself towards ever greater modernity."
Xavier Peugeot, Marketing and Communication Director, Automobiles
Peugeot
"With the 208, Peugeot has given itself the means to
recreate an icon."
Laurent Blanchet, Product Range Director, Automobiles
Peugeot
Architectural re-generation
The 208 embodies
the principles of agility and efficiency. The initial technical choices
make it a vehicle which is light (110kg lighter on average compared to the
207, and as much as –173kg! with a range which starts at 975kg),
aerodynamic (Cd of 0.29, CdA of 0.61), and very compact (-7cm in length,
-1cm in height). These benefits are accentuated by noticeably increased
occupant space, with more room in the rear seats (+5cm at the knees) and a
more generous boot (+15 dm3 in volume), proof of optimised architectural
performance.
Stylistic re-generation
The 208 gives form to and refines the
new aesthetic codes of the Marque. ‘Floating’ grille, light
signature, ‘boomerang’ rear lamps - each detail is designed in
complete harmony with the balance of the car, structured by a
‘spine’ the impression of which is even visible on the roof.
Sculpted, athletic, pure and sophisticated, its style projects the Marque
towards a renewed and attractive modernity, suggesting sensuousness and
energy, smoothness and mischief. The two body styles have been given
entirely different treatments, with the style of the quarter panel of the
three-door version recalling one of its illustrious older siblings.
"The strength of the 208 lies in its style: it is a real ball of energy. It has the potential to please everyone, like a popular piece of music that touches the human soul regardless of culture.”
Gilles Vidal, Style Director, Automobiles Peugeot
Ergonomic
re-generation
The interior continues the promise of innovation just
like the exterior style. A true break from what has gone before, beyond the
recognised technical constraints and cultural references, the instruments
and controls have been completely re-thought to become entirely intuitive
and clear. They are positioned around a small steering wheel, combined with
an elevated instrument panel giving information at a glance and a large
touch screen. This ‘ensemble’ connects with its occupants and
contributes to the practicality, the safety, the quality and purity of the
interior design, as well as to the driving sensations.
Environmental re-generation
By achieving average CO2 emissions
of 34g/km lower than the 207, the 208 takes the lead in its segment. Its
latest generation engine technology and the use of the e-HDi micro-hybrid
system on virtually all versions add to the vehicle's improvements in terms
of weight reduction and aerodynamics.
With five models, four of which are equipped with the new generation Stop & Start System (e-HDi), the diesel range starts at 87g/km of CO2 (delivering fuel economy of 83.1 mpg) and never exceeds 99g! The 208 introduces a new range of 3-cylinder petrol engines, 1.0- and 1.2-litre VTi, which are particularly efficient, with a range starting at 99g/km of CO2 (delivering 65.7mpg).
The environmental performance of 208 continues, with 25% of ‘green materials’ (recycled or of natural origin) making up its mass of polymers, it enters a new era in terms of eco-design. As a world first, the rear bumper and the fan assembly are made entirely using these materials. This type of bumper alone will permit a saving in manufacturing of 1600 tonnes of fuel a year.
Re-generation of the driving experience
The 208 renews the
driving experience, a key factor in the DNA of every Peugeot:
The new Peugeot 208 will be launched in mainland Europe in the spring and for the UK in the summer of 2012.