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Peugeot's 208 line-up revealed

Spiritual successor to original 205GTI tipped to add style to line-up next year, set to be joined by new SUV and soft-top.

Peugeot 208 Coupe

Text: Tom Phillips / Photos: Rene Demarets

24th January 2011

Meet the Lion’s new pride! Auto Express can lift the lid on Peugeot's forthcoming 208 supermini family - including the thrilling news that the line-up is expected to include a new GTI hot hatch.

Powered by a 200bhp 1.6-litre engine, the newcomer will be based on a development of chassis that underpins the brilliant Citroen DS3 - creating a spiritual successor to the original 205GTi in the process.

Auto Express sources in France also suggest drivers can bank on a new supermini SUV; a lightweight, two-seater drop-top and even a baby version of the RCZ coupé - all of which we take a closer look at, below.

Coupé

After the conventional 
three-door and five-door 208 hatches are launched, the 
firm will introduce a dramatic coupé that will slot into the range as a baby brother to 
the Audi TT-rivalling RCZ. 

The new car continues 
the trend set by the 508 and 208 in establishing Peugeot’s 
latest design language. It’s the work of styling chief Gilles Vidal and PSA Peugeot-Citroen design boss Jean-Pierre Ploué, who have sought to bring back simple, elegant lines 
to the brand’s cars. 

The idea is to replace the swollen metalwork and gaping grilles of current Peugeots, and re-establish the firm as 
a design leader. The Coupé will feature the rakish, feline design cues of the SR1 
concept seen at last year’s Geneva Motor Show. Swept-back headlights, sculpted flanks and an elegant tail will be incorporated into the shape.

To match the striking looks, the car will be sharp to drive. The Coupé uses the 208’s front-wheel-drive platform, but gets bespoke settings for the steering and suspension. What’s more, as with the RCZ and 508, the top-spec model will feature a more advanced front suspension set-up that tames torque steer and gives greater steering sharpness. 

Power will come from a 
line-up of small turbocharged engines, including the 1.6-litre petrol unit found in the RCZ. The Coupé is currently slated to arrive in summer 2013.

Roadster

Following the Coupé, Peugeot is evaluating a 208 Roadster that would take the fight to MINI’s imminent two-seater cabrio. This fabric-roofed model wouldn’t replace the folding hard-top CC – that model has been part of Peugeot’s range since the 206, and will be offered in a 208. 

Instead, the Roadster will be aimed at those wanting a mix of wind-in-the-hair thrills and a purer driving experience. That will allow the 208 CC to be sold as a luxurious junior tourer, with high-spec interior, sophisticated multimedia set-up and the option of a twin-clutch gearbox. 

Powering the roadster will be the 1.6-litre petrol turbo engine, allowing Peugeot to market it as a spiritual successor to the legendary 205 GTi convertible. Low weight will be central to the car’s appeal: it will get a canvas top and a more spartan interior to shave kilos and help achieve a sparkling driving experience.

The Roadster is expected to match the MINI for pace – the two will share an engine, after all – but should undercut it on price when it arrives in 2014. 

SUV

Also breaking new ground for Peugeot is a junior SUV that takes its inspiration from the HR1 unveiled at last year’s Paris Motor Show. 

The newcomer is set to be a rival to Nissan’s Juke, and Peugeot may co-develop the car with Mitsubishi. The 4007 was spun from the Japanese firm’s Outlander, while a new, smaller Peugeot model is currently being developed from Mitsubishi’s ASX. 

As with the HR1, a hybrid drivetrain is possible, as is a three-cylinder 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine.


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10 Comments

The Lion is back

Looks good, Peugeot seems to be back on track style wise now.

By hotredman on 24 January, 2011, 6:45pm

Ugly stick has been drawn out again...

Like the rear tail lights on the 3008 the small detailing ugliness is being dragged across the entire pug range so it seems...generally the 208 design is very sound but some finishing features like the rear lighting assembly looks absurd...not to mention the front grille location looks very awkward...almost there froggies ;)

By marsxman on 25 January, 2011, 6:57am

Count me out!

Peugeot hasn't been that unsuccessful the last couple of years. IMO it proves two things: bad design still sells, and Peugeot could have done so much better.

By voyager on 25 January, 2011, 7:38am

Looks Nice

...and you'll get to know your local RAC man really well.

By IronChicken on 25 January, 2011, 9:03am

Not a fan

Looks to have stolen a number of design cues from the Nissan 370z, Such as the headlights and rear lamps, and from the images a slight similarity in shape to the Renault Wind Roadster? But as with most hot modern Peugeots I’m sure it will be underpowered and to soft compared to the competition.

By Jaynewts on 25 January, 2011, 1:15pm

At last!

A front end that makes sense! Gone is the vestigial strip above a gaping void, gone the flat front flanks punctuated only by fog lights of stylistic necessity, both seen in far too many designs of the last five years.
The radiator grille stands out to proclaim its importance, the fog lights are recessed and the front flanks are terminated by useful-looking black inserts. Bumpers? No comment on the other front and rear lights - somewhat over-designed?

By georgesab on 25 January, 2011, 1:44pm

Oh Em Gee

I'm looking at a new Pug and not fighting gag reflex. Interesting.

By chickenfeed on 25 January, 2011, 4:43pm

If They're Real

I have come to learn not to take any mock up picture that AE posts here seriously because that is all it is, a mock up and sometimes not terribly accurate at that. I much prefer to wait until the car in question actually appears in the metal before passing any judgment. If any of these pics ARE in any way true to the eventual design then it is certainly a breakaway by Peugeot. However, remember that some of these cars are not even due to see the light of day until 2013-2014 at the earliest so there is still a lot of time for the design to be modified. Spiritual successor to the 205 GTI? Don't think so. The original 205GTI was like the original Golf GTI, unsurpassed and although many attempted to recreate them, many failed.

By nick7 on 25 January, 2011, 5:30pm

DON'T PANIC!!!!

"HI, I'm Eddie!!! I'm built into the dash of your new Peugeot 208 Coupe and all my circuits have been developed by the Sirius Cybernetics Corporation and I've been fitted with their Genuine People Personality chip. I'm a happy-go-lucky kinda guy and I'll be your ride for today...!!!"

Thought the above might explain why I think this car looks cool and annoying at the same time... :)

By sgtgrash on 26 January, 2011, 3:32am

Designed by.............?

Peugeot seem to employ the most inept styling department people in Europe. To my eyes at least, their cars are repetitively ugly and unbalanced designs. What happened to the delicacy of touch that created the 205?
They look as good as cheap trainers.

By ukmike2000 on 27 January, 2011, 1:09pm

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Peugeot 208 Coupe
Peugeot 208 Cabrio
Peugeot HR1

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