New Peugeot 208 gets some extra fangs

Published: 06 July 2023 Updated: 06 July 2023

► 2023 Peugeot 208 supermini revealed
► Redesigned exterior, updated tech inside
► Plus new mild hybrid engine options

How do you build on success? Peugeot is answering that question with its latest 208 supermini – the best-selling car in Europe in 2021 and 2022.

More than a million 208 superminis have been sold since the impactfully-designed generation launched in 2019 with petrol, diesel and electric variants. Now the mid-life facelift has arrived.

And, to keep it in tow with the latest 2008, the 208’s design now features a multi-fang DRL arrangement at the front and the brand’s refreshed logo, as well as a grille arrangemen that blends into the bumper. New rear lights feature horizontal strike lines instead of vertical ones, and there are new wheel designs eye-popping colours like the Agueda Yellow pictured.

Inside, not a great deal has changed (which is not a bad thing) beyond the infotainment changing to the newer-generation system used by Stellantis models. As before, if you go for the top-end GT model, the instrument cluster includes a 3D effect.

The bigger news is the powertrain changes. The e-208 model now has a 51kWh battery, and it claims a 248-mile range (a small increase over the 225-mile offered before), for example. As for the combustion cars, Peugeot has introduced 48v hybrid engine options with either 99 or 134bhp available.

These 208 ‘Hybrid’ models come equipped with a new six-speed ‘e-DSC6’ auto gearbox which includes an e-motor; Peugeot says the MHEV system gives the 208 a torque boost and can work with the engine off ‘for more than 50 per cent of the time.’

Active, Allure and GT trims will be available when the new 208 opens for orders in October 2023.

By Jake Groves

CAR's deputy news editor, gamer, serial Lego-ist, lover of hot hatches

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