Peugeot's eagerly awaited 208 super-mini has arrived in Ireland. The new hatchback from Peugeot draws on all the strengths and successes of Peugeot's iconic 205, the 206, and the European best-selling 207. It will retail in Ireland from €14,495 plus dealer delivery related charges for the new 1.0 petrol 68bhp three-door version.
The 208 adopts the new Peugeot style lines seen on the new Peugeot 508 and facelift 308. Sporting a floating grille, newly sculpted lights and boomerang rear lamps, the new Peugeot 208 appears sporty and athletic.
Smaller on the outside than 207 (7cm shorter and 1cm lower ), 208 offers more room inside for rear passengers (+5cm at the knees ) and a more generous boot (+15dm3 in volume ). It weighs on average 110kg less than 207, leading to lower CO2 emissions and lower fuel consumption.
The 208's interior will see a true break from what has gone before. An elevated instrument panel positioned directly in front of the driver gives information at a glance while a small steering wheel adds to driving enjoyment.
Available in a three-door and five-door hatchback, 208 will be available with a choice of three trims - Access, Active and Allure.
The entry level Access model will include as standard, ESP, six airbags, cruise control with speed limiter, electric front windows, a full size spare wheel, child safety locks, seat belt alarm, two child seat ISOFIX fixtures, driver's seat height adjustment, radio and CD player with 3.5mm jack for external audio device, steering column remote controls and daytime running lights with follow me home function.
The level two Active model will gain front electric windows with one-touch, a 7" multi-function colour touchscreen with 3.5mm jack, USB connection, bluetooth, 15" alloy wheels, front fog lamps with chrome surround, and air conditioning.
The level three Allure model adds LED daytime running lights, a leather trimmed steering wheel, leather and chrome gear knob, auto lights and wipers, electrochrome rearview mirror, tinted rear windows, 16" alloy wheels with anti-theft nuts and a full size alloy spare wheel.
The 208 engine range for Ireland will include a 1.0 litre 68bhp petrol model (99g/CO2 ), a 1.2 litre 82bhp petrol model (104g/CO2 ), a 1.4 litre 68bhp HDi diesel model (98g/CO2 ) and a 1.4 litre 68bhp eHDi diesel model (87g/CO2 ) with Stop Start technology. Achieving average CO2 emissions of 34g/km lower than the 207, the 208 will take the lead in its segment for lowest CO2 emissions. All engine variants qualify for Band A road tax.
The new Peugeot 208 has been awarded 5 stars by Euro NCAP. Under new and even more demanding criteria, Peugeot's 208 is the first car in its segment to obtain 5 stars, the highest rating possible.
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 and its fan assembly will be made using recycled materials, permitting a saving in manufacturing of 1,600 tonnes of fuel a year.
Des Cannon, Peugeot sales and marketing director, said, "The 208 has just arrived in dealer showrooms around the country and has begun to draw much interest from eagerly awaiting customers. With the launch of 208, Peugeot aims to reclaim leadership of the competitive small car in Europe next year and we aim to register 1,000 units here, boosting our market share to over 4 per cent.”
