Peugeot has released details of its anticipated 208 and electric e-208 supermini models. With a price tag of £20,400, the car manufacturer is posing the facelifted 208 as inspired by their 9X8 hypercar. While the connection to the Le Mans racecar might be a bit tenuous, it’s hard not to admire the chutzpah. So, let’s delve deeper into this upgraded model.
Powertrains: A Variety of Choices
Peugeot offers six powertrain options: two petrol, two hybrids, and two electric. The entry-level 208 houses the same 1.2-litre PureTech engine in either 74bhp with a five-speed manual or 99bhp plus a six-speed manual.
Newly introduced for the 208 are two hybrid options, each paired with a six-speed auto, outputting either 99bhp or 134bhp. Peugeot boasts of improved torque at lower revs and up to 15% better fuel economy, plus the potential for up to a 50/50 Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)/EV use on slower urban routes.
Going Electric
The e-208 variants house either a 134bhp motor with a 50kWh battery for a range of 225 miles or a 154bhp motor coupled with a 51kWh battery for a total of 248 miles between charges. The e-208 can accommodate up to 7kW AC as standard or 11kW optionally, with a 20-80 per cent top-up achievable in under half an hour at 100kW DC.
With four trims on offer—Active, Allure, GT and the temporary E-Style—the base e-208 is priced at £32,400.
Cosmetic Refreshments and Tech Upgrades
The updates to the 208 and e-208 models transcend the aesthetic, featuring new front and rear LED light signatures and a body-coloured pattern grille. The line-up introduces two new colours: Selenium Grey and Agueda Yellow.
Inside, the cars feature an updated version of Peugeot’s iCockpit, along with standard wireless phone mirroring. A 10-inch touchscreen is available, though the E-Style version features a seven-inch screen.
Pricing Conundrum
The base petrol model comes in at £20,400, and a small jump to £21,500 will get you the just-above-base petrol model. The cheapest hybrid options will set you back £23,300 and £28,350 respectively. For those looking at the most powerful e-208 in GT spec, expect to part with a sizeable £36,250.
While the price might seem steep for a supermini, it’s proof that Peugeot is serious about its electric future and lending a touch of hypercar-inspired flair to the 208 and e-208 models.
