Geneva show: Peugeot 208 goes pure electric
BY SPENCER LEECH | 26th Feb 2019
PEUGEOT has revealed its all-new 208 hatchback, which will launch in Europe with petrol and diesel powertrains and with a new e-208 electric vehicle (EV) variant later this year.
A spokesperson from local Peugeot distributor Inchcape told GoAuto that it is currently in negotiations with Groupe PSA to decide if and when the 208 will arrive in Australia.
“All-new 208 is scheduled to launch in Europe late 2019. This timing makes it a bit too early for us to discuss specifics. That said, we are in negotiations with PSA as to what the all-new 208 line-up may entail and when it may arrive”, they said.
“We take our lead from our customers, therefore if demand for an all-electric vehicle is there, we’d seriously consider it and discuss with PSA.”
To fit more in line with the rest of Peugeot’s range, the 208 light car features a sporty and compact body style with redesigned bumpers and grille, and a sharp ‘three-claw’ headlight signature.
Peugeot has only released photos of the higher-spec variants, which gain black wheel extensions and 17-inch wheels with high-performance tyres.
The new 208 sits on the Peugeot-Citroen Common Modular Platform (CMP), which has allowed for a 30kg weight saving over its predecessor as well as improved aerodynamics and handling.
Moving to the CMP platform has also allowed for the all-electric e-208, which is motivated by a 100kW electric motor combined with a 50kWh battery to deliver a driving range of up to 340 kilometres.
The e-208’s battery is positioned under the floor to match the cargo capacity of the standard 208 range, and can be charged to 80 per cent in 30 minutes from a 100kW charging station.
With a domestic plug, the French hatchback takes over 20 hours for a complete charge, but is equipped with three driving modes to conserve battery – Eco, Normal and Sport.
Conventional powertrain options include three 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engines matched with a five- or six-speed manual gearbox, or an eight-speed automatic transmission.
A 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel motor will also be offered, exclusively with the six-speed manual shifter.
A new cabin design hosts Peugeot’s i-Cockpit digital cluster, a new multifunction steering wheel, head-up display, 7.0- or 10.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, chrome toggle switches and eight-colour ambient lighting.
The multimedia display features TomTom Traffic, 3D navigation and MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Standard driver assistance systems include an electric parking brake, active blind spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, driver attention warning, lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane positioning assist and automatic high beams.
Units equipped with the eight-speed transmission also benefit from adaptive cruise control and park assist.
The all-new e-208 is the first step in Peugeot’s plan to electrify its entire range by 2023, explained Peugeot UK managing director David Peel.
“Our work with the all-new Peugeot 208 and e-208 is a great representation of how we are pushing the brand forward to operate in the upcoming age of electric vehicles,” he said.
“Both the standard and electric version of the all-new Peugeot 208 have been developed to be more economical, environmentally friendly and practical for drivers in 2019 and beyond to give customers the freedom of choice without compromise.
“We are all so excited at Peugeot to be building towards our goal of a full electric range by 2023, and the all-new Peugeot e-208 is a great step in cementing Peugeot’s foothold in the ever-growing EV market.”
The Peugeot 208 light car had a tough year in 2018, selling 195 units for a 49.4 per cent decline year-to-year.
