Peugeot has unveiled the first images of its new super-mini 208, due for launch in 2012.
The new car will be available in both three and five-door hatchback and draws on all the strengths and successes of Peugeot's iconic 205, the 206, and the European best-selling 207.
Launching an extensive marketing campaign this November, entitled "Re-Generation", Peugeot aims to reclaim leadership of the competitive small car in Europe next year.
Agile and efficient, the 208 is smaller on the outside than the 207, but offers more room inside for rear passengers, and a more generous boot. And the 208 weighs on average 110kg less than the 207.
The 208 adopts the new Peugeot style lines seen on the new Peugeot 508 and facelifted 308. Sporting a floating grille, newly sculpted lights and boomerang rear lamps, the new Peugeot 208 appears sporty and athletic.
Peugeot says the 208's interior will see a true break from what has gone before. The instruments and controls have been completely re-designed and are positioned around a small steering wheel which ensures all controls are easy to reach. Available with touch-screen technology, an elevated instrument panel positioned directly in front of the driver gives information at a glance.
The 208 diesel range will include five models, four of which will be equipped with an e-Hdi stop & start system. This efficient range emits between 87g/km and 99g of CO2, while delivering fuel economy of up to 3.4 litres/100km (83.1mpg ). Peugeot will also introduce a new range of efficient three-cylinder petrol engines, 1.0 and 1.2-litre VTi, with a range starting at 99g/km of CO2 and delivering 4.3 litres/100km (65.7mpg ). Achieving average CO2 emissions of 34g/km lower than the 207, the 208 will take the lead in its segment for lowest CO2 emissions.
Peugeot has entered a new era in terms of eco-design with the 208 and 25 per cent of the materials used to construct the new car will be sourced from recycled materials. A world first, the 208's rear bumper will be made using recycled materials, permitting a saving in manufacturing of 1600 tonnes of fuel a year.
Emma Toner, Peugeot communications manager, told the Advertiser: "The 208 is the latest illustration of Peugeot's rejuvenation project launched two years ago when the brand announced its objective to move from 10th to seventh place in the world market by 2015. With the launch of key new models to include the award-winning 3008, 5008, RCZ, and the new 508 earlier this year, the 208 will be one of 14 new models to be launched by Peugeot between 2010 and 2012."
The new Peugeot 208 will be shown first at the Geneva Motor Show early next March and will arrive in Ireland in the summer of 2012.
Peugeot announces four-year warranty
Peugeot also gave details of its four-year warranty across its passenger car range in Ireland. All Peugeot passenger cars registered from January 1 up to the end of March 2012 will now come with a bonus of four years warranty and four years roadside recovery.
The four-year warranty and roadside recovery offer is applicable across the award-winning Peugeot range: the nippy Peugeot 107, winner of International Engine of the Year 2009 and 2010; the newly launched facelifted Peugeot 207; the newly launched facelifted Peugeot 308, a world record setter in 2009 for best consumption; the 3008 Crossover, Continental Irish Car of the Year 2010; the Peugeot 5008 seven-seater MPV, Continental Irish Family Car of the Year 2011; the superb Peugeot RCZ, Continental Irish Performance Car of the Year 2011; and the newly-launched Peugeot 508, winner of Fleet World's Best New Car 2011 award.
Mark Hayes, Peugeot marketing manager, says: "The Peugeot range has never been better with an award-winning car to suit every motoring taste. We are moving from a three-year warranty to a four-year warranty in 2012 in a bid to give customers even more peace of mind motoring and even better motoring value."
Peugeot will continue to offer a three-year 100,000km warranty across its range of light commercial vehicles.
