2024 Peugeot E-208 electric hatch locked-in for Australia

The 2024 Peugeot E-208 electric hatch will debut in Australia with a facelift.

It marks the local return of the 208 nameplate since its last appearance in 2018, as Peugeot Australia elected not to sell the current-generation model launched in Europe four years ago – until now.

"As we continue to broaden our electrified offering, the new E-208 will strengthen our range as we re-enter the small hatch market in Australia,” said managing director, Kate Gillis.

While local details – including pricing and launch timing – will be announced “in due course”, Peugeot has confirmed the E-208 will arrive here at some point next year.

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Under the skin, the E-208 is related to the E-2008 GT electric small SUV due in Australia in September from $59,990 before on-road costs, riding on the same internal-combustion-derived eCMP architecture.

With the E-208 serving as the E-2008’s low-riding hatch counterpart, expect it also to be offered in a sole flagship variant, with an estimated price in the low-to-mid $50,000 range – similar to the Fiat 500e.

Compared to the Fiat, the E-208 is one size larger, has a larger battery capacity, and can travel further between charges.

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Along with the Volkswagen ID.3, Cupra Born and Renault Megane E-Tech, the electric hatches are likely to be pitched as more-premium, European-built alternatives to China’s sub-$40,000 MG 4, BYD Dolphin and GWM Ora.

In Europe, the Peugeot E-208 is the best-selling electric light car, beating the Mini Cooper SE and Opel Corsa-E, while it is the continent’s top-selling vehicle when including not-for-Australia petrol variants.

New for the updated model is a more-powerful 115kW electric motor, up from 100kW. It remains paired to a 51kWh lithium-ion battery pack, allowing for a WLTP-rated 400-kilometre driving range.

In addition, it now features Peugeot's latest lion badge, a new three-claw light signature, an updated front grille, and redesigned two-tone alloy wheels.

Flagship variants boast additional LED lights, while the exterior colour palette includes two new finishes: agueda yellow and selenium grey.

Inside, a 10-inch infotainment system is now standard-fit running Peugeot's updated i-Connect system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air software updates.

Other changes include higher-resolution cameras, a 15-watt wireless phone charger (up from five-watt), and USB-C charge ports, while the 10-inch digital instrument cluster, with a 3D effect for the GT, remains unchanged.

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Measuring 4055mm long, 1765mm wide and 1430mm tall, with a 2540mm wheelbase, the Peugeot E-208 is similar in size to a Toyota Yaris – but smaller than the Corolla-sized MG 4, BYD Dolphin and GWM Ora. It has a 309-litre boot capacity.

The 2024 Peugeot E-208 electric hatch will arrive in Australia next year, with local details to be announced closer to its launch.

“Further details regarding Australian specification and launch timings will be announced in due course,” said Peugeot Australia.