Peugeot E-208 Australia bound

PEUGEOT has announced that its 208 compact hatch will return to Australia from 2024, this time with all-electric motivation.

The return of the E-208, as it is known, is so far light on details, with specification and pricing to be announced closer to the model’s local launch.

GoAuto understands the E-208 will arrive as a highly specified variant that will challenge the likes of the Cupra Born (from $59,990), Fiat 500e (from $52,500 +ORC), Mini Cooper SE (from $64,975 +ORC) and Nissan Leaf (from $50,990).

It is expected the Peugeot E-208 offered locally will be equipped with a 51kWH battery pack to provide the model with a 400km (WLTP) driving range; the front-wheel drive hatch featuring a 115kW/260Nm electric motor.

AC charging at up to 7kW can replenish the E-208’s battery in seven hours, while DC fast charging – at up to 100kW – can take the state of charge from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 30 minutes.

By the time it arrives, the Australian-specified E-208 is likely to be the facelifted model due in Europe imminently. Updates include a revised exterior look and interior décor, and new infotainment and instrumentation software fronted by dual 10.0-inch digital panels.

Other standard equipment items are expected to include 17-inch alloy wheels, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), climate control, combination cloth and leather upholstery, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry and start, LED headlights, satellite navigation and a 360-degree camera system.

“The new E-208 is a dynamic, modern and highly alluring city car that we believe will capture the attention of many local buyers when we welcome it to Australia next year,” said Peugeot Australia managing director, Kate Gillis.

“As we continue to broaden our electrified offering, the new E-208 will strengthen our range as we re-enter the small hatch market in Australia. We are confident the E-208’s exciting electric performance and eye-catching design will appeal to that segment’s customer.”

Peugeot is expected to announce a release date, as well as pricing and specification information, towards the end of this year. Around the same time, the French importer will release its all-electric E-2008 SUV Down Under, priced from $59,990 plus on-road costs.

Perhaps hinting at what E-208 buyers might expect in terms of specification, the small segment all-electric SUV will compete against the likes of the all-electric Hyundai Kona ($54,500 +ORC), Kia Niro ($64,450 +ORC) and MG ZS ($44,990 drive-away).

It is equipped with a 50kWh battery and 100kW/260Nm electric motor to offer buyers a driving range of 328km (WLTP).

Peugeot says the E-2008 may be charged from 10 to 80 per cent via a 100kW DC fast charger in approximately 30 minutes, or in five hours from a 11kW/16A three-phase wall box. A 7.4kW/32A wall box will replenish the battery to a 100 per cent state of charge in seven hours and thirty minutes.

The stylishly appointed city-sized SUV includes such standard features as keyless entry and push-button start with proximity locking, gloss black and dual chrome garnishing, horizontal body-coloured grille slats, and model-specific badging.

Inside, the cabin is equipped with Peugeot’s i-Cockpit instrument cluster and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Most other features replicate those found in the ICE-powered 2008 range. Additional specifications and information will be announced prior to the model’s local launch.

Customers may choose from six colours, with Orange Fusion the only no-cost hue. Nera Black and Artense Grey metallic shades attract a $690 price premium, while Vertgio Blue, Elixir Red and Pearl White cost $1050 more.

The Peugeot e-2008 will be offered as standard with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty which includes complimentary roadside assistance. Five years’ capped-price servicing is available, tallying $1522 for the period.

Buyers may instead opt to pre-pay their vehicle’s servicing for three- or five years for $600 or $1000 respectively.