I haven’t been able to review a Peugeot for some time now, so it’s super to be able to check out the brand new Peugeot 208. This is definitely a car worthy of going head to head with the new Mercedes Benz A-class, the ever popular Mazda2 and economical Ford Fiesta.

Always stylish, Peugeot have again pushed the “let’s make the unique envelope bigger” with this one. Certainly, the exterior of the new little “Pug” looks good and individualistic. When you take a look on the inside, the nicely sculptured seats and classy plastics are as good as ever, and the view from the driver’s seat is very mod. The positioning of the main instrument cluster is in a line of sight above the steering wheel rather than the more conventional, through the steering wheel practise. Also a large central display touchscreen sits bold and proud in a pronounced central dash position. It’s very cool, and looks a little like a modern computer hard drive, so the techno geeks are going to love this one.

Below the screen sits the central switchgear for the cool/heat buttons, hazard lights and the like. The switches are on a funky, curvaceous wrap-around surface – so out with the boring flat facia. A tiny bit of chrome trim gives a dash with a minimalist look, which sets off the techno gear nicely, and surprisingly there is a heap of room in the front for long legs. Flip open the dash glovebox, and a great space for storage is provided.

For a long time now, I’ve been very impressed with the way the French know how to make seats comfortable for the long haul. In the new Peugeot 208, the seat comfort is fantastic; they have just the right amount of softness combined with support, and there are pronounced side bolsters for the front seats. Head rests are behind each of the three seats along the rear seat bench, and legroom in the back is good.

Comfortable seats are combined with a very compliant ride, and the new Peugeot 208 is right up there for best small car that will handle tough city undulations. The ride is supple, yet capable enough to handle a quick turn of speed through the corners. For driving in the real world, this little “Pug” is a gem. A small steering wheel gives a racy feel to the car’s driving position.

Safety features for the smallest Peugeot are excellent, and a five-star safety result, tested by ENCAP safety procedures, comes with every 208.

Two Peugeot engines are offered for the new 208 models. The 1.2-litre petrol engine offers a combined fuel consumption average of 4.7 litres/100 km. Only a three-cylinder, the 1.2-litre unit gives highway efficiency that is very impressive. Now this is a super outcome for people concerned with ever rising fuel costs. Packing 60 kW and 118 Nm, the engine zips about its business with aplomb and is worked through a crisp five-speed manual gearbox.

A 1.6-litre petrol engine is the other choice. This can be linked up to a five-speed manual or four-speed auto gearbox. A step up to 88 kW and 160 Nm provides decisive performance, and is, perhaps, a little more suited to the open road when three occupants and luggage share the cabin space with the driver.

Three and five door models of the Peugeot 208 are available, with three levels of trim. Even the base Peugeot 208 Active has six airbags, Bluetooth, cruise control and a speed limiter, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), a multi-function 7-inch colour touch screen and a USB port for your favourite music tracks.

The Peugeot 208 Allure adds 16-inch alloys, an automatic headlight illumination system, automatic rain-sensing front wipers, dual zone climate control air conditioning, electronic parking assistance (rear), a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, a leather trimmed steering wheel with chrome accents, LED daytime running lights and Sports front seats.

Top of the range, and very sassy, is the Peugeot 208 Allure Premium and Allure Sport (3 dr). So it’s no surprise to see 17-inch alloy wheels, special leather/cloth trim and a panoramic glass roof with sunblind added to the list – simply gorgeous.

The current new Peugeot 208 models include the:

• 208 Allure Sport (3 dr)
• 208 Active (5 dr)
• 208 Allure (5 dr)
• 208 Allure Premium (5 dr)

For any more information on the new Peugeot 208 or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Peugeot dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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