Peugeot 208 snapped testing

Peugeot’s new Ford Fiesta rival caught cold weather testing ahead of its launch in 2012.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Tom Phillips

22nd February 2011

Peugeot’s new lion has been caught in the cold! This is the replacement for the 207, snapped testing in the snows of northern Finland.

And while these first shots don’t give much away, the 208 will feature a significantly different look to its predecessor as the firm aims to give the car much more interior space.

This is given away by the fact that the wheelbase has been stretched, with the front and rear wheels much closer to the corners of the car, and the A-pillar of this five-door car has been moved forwards.

Peugeot is also planning to up the perceived quality of its Fiesta fighter, with a design that borrows heavily from the firm’s SR1 and HR1 concepts and a more upmarket interior.

In addition to the three- and five-door hatchbacks, the 208 range will also include an SW estate and hard-top convertible, while the firm is also considering a Juke-rivalling small SUV and a small coupe, like the RCZ.

A sharper drive is also on the menu, as the firm bids to reconnect with its reputation for sharp driving hot hatchbacks established by the 205 GTI. Three- and four-cylinder engines will provide the power when the car arrives next year.