Introducing the all-new Peugeot 208
Peugeot has been making quite the headlines these couple of weeks, for good reasons of course. The French automakers recently launched their highly anticipated 3008, and now not long after their latest 208 models. The 208 has garnered praise all over the world and has even scooped up multiple awards. Seeing this magnificent B-segment vehicle brace our local market has stirred up a bit of excitement and this is everything there is to know about it.
In terms of looks, the latest 208 has gotten a bolder and sharper look. Its design has gotten a lot more distinctive than before. Its new face will benefit from a new front bumper, restyled front fog lamps, a wider and fully integrated grille, fang effect daytime running lights as well as brand new two-tone headlamps. Those after something a bit sportier will certainly have their eyes set on the GT trim. The GT trim benefits further from gloss black mirror covers and gloss black wheel arches.
At the rear, the 208 will benefit from a spoiler dependant on its trim. The rear LED lights have also further been enhanced, giving it a more confident and dominant appearance. The GT version will get its signature lion-claw-motif-designed LED headlights, making it look sportier than the rest of the range. As for colour options go, the 208 has gotten a refreshing choice of stylish finishes, ranging from solid, metallic, and pearlescent. In terms of wheels, the 208’s rim sizes will range between 15-inches, 16-inches, or 17-inches, depending on the model.
As for power goes, the 208 has been paired with the French's trailblazing PureTech 1.2 engines. Both natural aspirated and turbocharged versions will be available. The 208 will get paired with either a manual or automatic gearbox as well. As for how powerful the 208 is, its naturally aspirated version will produce 55kW while its turbocharged version produces 74kW. On top of the range will be the GT version which produces an impressive 96kW.
Inside, the 208 will come equipped with Peugeots i-Cockpit which features the world`s first production 3D-Digital heads-up instrument panel as well as a large touchscreen that ranges from 7 to 10-inches. Peugeot has ensured that its seats and upholstery have been made from premium materials, making sure that the driver and passengers experience both style and comfort. As for safety, the 208 will come with Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Alert, Automatic Switching Headlights, Hill Start Assist, and Active Safety Brake. Visiopark 1 will also come equipped, meaning that the 208 will also feature a 180° video camera on the boot hatch, giving a full overhead view of the vehicle.
Pricing
Peugeot 208 Active R289 900.00
Peugeot 208 Allure (manual) R349 900.00
Peugeot 208 Allure (automatic) R379 900.00
Peugeot 208 GT R424 900.00
Also worth a look: the Enduring Legacy of Peugeot in South Africa: A Historical Jou and the PEUGEOT E-3008: European Car of the Year 2024 Finalist.
FAQ
Q: What does the Peugeot 208 cost in South Africa?
The Peugeot 208 starts from around R349,900 for the base Active trim with the naturally aspirated 1.2-litre engine, while the sportier GT variant with the turbocharged engine will set you back approximately R429,900.
Q: Is the Peugeot 208 worth buying in 2024?
The 208 is definitely worth considering if you want a stylish, well-built hatchback with French flair, especially the GT version with its 74kW turbocharged engine and sporty styling touches that make it stand out from the usual suspects in the B-segment.
Q: How powerful is the new Peugeot 208 engine?
The 208 comes with two versions of Peugeot's PureTech 1.2-litre engine: the naturally aspirated version produces 55kW, while the turbocharged variant kicks out 74kW, giving you decent punch for city driving and highway cruising.
Q: What are the main competitors to the Peugeot 208 in South Africa?
The 208 goes head-to-head with popular hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio, and Hyundai i20, but it brings that distinctive French design and premium interior feel that sets it apart from the German and Korean alternatives.
Q: Does the Peugeot 208 have good fuel consumption?
Yes, the PureTech engines are known for their efficiency, with the naturally aspirated 1.2-litre achieving around 5.4L/100km and the turbocharged version managing approximately 5.8L/100km under combined driving conditions.
Should You Buy It?
The best French hatchback under R450,000 in South Africa is definitely the Peugeot 208 GT at R429,900. If you're after something that looks properly premium without the German price tag, the 208 delivers with its bold new styling, decent 74kW turbocharged engine, and interior quality that punches well above its weight class. The base Active at R349,900 is solid value too, but we'd stretch for the GT if your budget allows because those lion-claw LED lights and gloss black accents really make it pop. Skip it only if you need maximum boot space or prefer the more conservative styling of a Polo, but otherwise the 208 is a proper winner that'll make you smile every time you walk up to it.
