written by:

Wendy Robinson

Joie de Vivre

Peugeot SA have just launched the brand new Peugeot 208 with an all new Pure-Tech engine, new gearbox and upgraded i-cockpit. Their best selling model for this B-segment compact clocks up to over 50% of this marques vehicle sales, Peugeot has also added some bling to re-ignite the senses from the exterior.

Looks

On the outside, changes include new headlights encased in black and chrome with LED daytime running lights being included on the Active and GT-Line models. This really creates a meaner, more assertive look compared to the old 208.

Three new colours have been added to the current range of 12 colours including Orange Power, which personally I didn’t take to. The 208 has in addition added a texured paint which they claim to be more resistant to scratches and requires no special treatment. Available in Ice Silver and Ice Grey, I was certainly more attracted to this spunky new finish.

Interior

Inside the i-cockpit I felt very compfortable as a driver and passenger. The finishes are classy and distinctive . I enjoyed the feel of the sporty steering wheel and the easy access from the drivers seat to all instruments.

These include a seven inch touchscreen for infotainment. Standard are a USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

Pure-Tech

My personal favourite is the GT-Line which sports a turbocharged 1 199 cc Pure-Tech engine under the bonnet claiming 81kW of power at 5 500 r/min together with a maximum torque of 205 Nm at 1 500 r/min. This along with a six speed automatic gearbox. Gear changing is smooth and responsive. The ride is tight and dynamic and the handling and stability of the 208 pretty comforting on both highways and in urban driving conditions.

The stop / start I found a little disconcerting just before the engine cuts, as it felt as though the engine was going to stall. However the transition back into start mode was non-jerky and responsive.

It has to be said that this Pure-Tech Euro 6 engine won international engine of the year in the 1,0-litre to 1,4-litre category. Nicole Binnie, GM Sales and Marketing at PSA also claimed at the launch, that the quickshift technology of the new auto box is the only one in the market where the fuel consumption is less than in the manual engine.

208 Pop Art

Introduced at a price tag of just R 159 900, The Pop Art is fitted with a 1-Litre 3 cylinder engine and sports all the basiics of the 208 at an entry level price.

Price Tag

The new 208 comes in three variants, depending on your need for top end style and your budget.

208 Active at R 209 900

208 GT Line R 269 900

208 Gt Line Auto R 289 900

Verdict

In a nutshell, I am not a big fan of the 208 Active, the wheels (15 inch) could be slightly bigger and the rims more bold and sporty. It really doesn’t excite from a visual perspective, but I havent driven this model on launch. If you love all things French, then the GT- Line is the way to add some joie de vivre to your garage’s wardrobe.