All-new Peugeot 208 debuts

Peugeot has bucked the (literally) growing small car trend by introducing a new model that is both smaller and lighter than its predecessor.

The all-new 208 is on average 110kg lighter than the 207 it replaces, with the entry-level variant tipping the scales at just 975kg.

Not only is the 208 dimensionally smaller (-7cm length/-1cm height), but the engines have been downsized, too, with a selection of frugal 1.0- and 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol and turbo-diesel engines available. The base petrol emits just 99g/km of Co2 on the combined cycle, while the eHDi eco-diesel variant is rated at 87g/km of Co2.

Styling is crisper than the slab-sided 207, with distinct side character creases merging with the new-Peugeot-trademark ‘floating’ grille and boomerang-shaped rear tailights. The 208 shares its platform with the Citroen C3/DS3 and is likewise available in three- and five-door bodystyles.

Peugeot claims that 25% of its new hatch is made from recycled materials. We can only hope that the French brand also recycles the driving spirit of its 205 and 206 models…