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.
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.
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Coupé
After the conventionalÂ
three-door and five-door 208 hatches are launched, theÂ
firm will introduce a dramatic coupé that will slot into the range as a baby brother toÂ
the Audi TT-rivalling RCZ.Â
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The new car continuesÂ
the trend set by the 508 and 208 in establishing Peugeot’sÂ
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 linesÂ
to the brand’s cars.Â
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The idea is to replace the swollen metalwork and gaping grilles of current Peugeots, and re-establish the firm asÂ
a design leader. The Coupé will feature the rakish, feline design cues of the SR1Â
concept seen at last year’s Geneva Motor Show. Swept-back headlights, sculpted flanks and an elegant tail will be incorporated into the shape.
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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.Â
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Power will come from aÂ
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.
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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.Â
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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.Â
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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.
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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.Â
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SUV
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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.Â
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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.Â
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As with the HR1, a hybrid drivetrain is possible, as is a three-cylinder 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine.
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