New Peugeot 208 hatch revealed

Peugeot will launch its new 208 supermini in spring 2012. The car will come in three and five-door body styles, and there will be new 3-cylinder petrol engines. Current 1.4 and 1.6 options will be replaced by more efficient 1.0 and 1.2-litre units.  The most frugal petrol will emit 99g/km of CO2 and achieve 65.7mpg, with stop/start technology also helping the 208 become one of the small car class’s most economical choices. While there are no firm engine details yet, an entry-level diesel is set to boast 87g/km of CO2 and 83.1mpg fuel economy. On average, 208 models will emit 34g/km less than equivalent 207s.  Each model in the 208 range is, on average, 110kg lighter than a like-for-like 207, with the lightest in the range dipping under the ton-mark at 975kg. The architectural developments continue, as Peugeot boasts a 70mm shorter length and a 10mm drop in height, despite an increase in boot space and the retention of the 207’s 2540mm wheelbase. In an attempt to improve the driving experience, Peugeot has delved into its past supermini experience (think of the smart handling 205 and 106) to improve road handling and comfort, with particular attention being paid to aerodynamics and suspension. There’s a new, smaller diameter steering wheel to further boost involvement. Peugeot boasts that the 208 has been created using 25 per cent recycled or naturally sourced materials. Body parts such as the rear bumper, which is created from entirely natural ‘mass polymers’, are said to save 1600 tonnes of fuel during manufacturing per year. It’s also the first Peugeot supermini in a decade that’s so aesthetically pleasing, losing the general bulkiness of the 207, with much smaller front and rear overhangs and dashes of chrome to break up the design. There are strong rumours surrounding a possible 208 GTI, with the Peugeot RCZ’s 197bhp 1.6-litre THP 200 engine a strong candidate for its engine. The iconic 205 GTI was a mixture of lightness and agility, and the 208 will most certainly focus on the same qualities.