New Peugeot 208’s exterior is so distinctive and tasteful that it is able to dispense with chrome fittings, revealing the strength of an expressive design with pleasing proportions. It is well and truly at the centre of brand’s up-market move. Longer, wider and lower than the current 208, this new generation reveals a distinctive bodyline, suggesting sportiness with its clean, taut lines. There is also a clear touch of sensuality conferred by the wide shaped wings and overall body curves – a discreet balance between soft and firm. From the side, new Peugeot 208 reveals its pared-back windscreen that allows space for a longer, sculpted bonnet. To underscore the sporty look, the extreme-angled quarter light is perfectly aligned with the rear wheel arch.

Peugeot 208

The GT Line or GT versions feature glossy black wheel arch flaring: this streamlines the body, making the wheel diameter appear larger. On these premium versions, the 17-inch wheel rims are adorned with screw-in, customisable inserts which improve the aerodynamic effect and reduce the un-sprung mass (-3.6 kg per vehicle). Immediately recognisable, the front end is a clever blend echoing the visual signature of the lower section of new Peugeot and the gull Led 3-claw headlight signature. The front bumper is designed as a single contour containing a perfectly-integrated, single outlet radiator grill in the centre, bearing the iconic brand Lion. The tip of the bonnet shows off the 208 badge. As a follow-on from 3008, 5008 and 508 the rear end of new 208 stands out with its black band running over the width of the boot lid, linking the 3-claw lights (which are also day-running). The design is exact, shapes are taut.

Peugeot 208

The rear diffuser is available in a gloss black finish and, depending on the engine variant, may be enhanced by a chrome exhaust tail pipe. Inspired by the Fractal concept car, new Peugeot 208 benefits from a new unparalleled generation of the i-Cockpit, an inseparable part of the brand, with a firm following of over 5 million drivers. The Peugeot i-Cockpit on new 208 features the same seamless 3-tier ergonomic structure as on the other models in the range. Inside all information is easy to see, carefully placed in the drivers field of view. Depending on the spec. level, the Peugeot i-Cockpit 3D instrument panel display information that can be read at two levels. On the upper digital pad, information is projected in hologram form. The data is dynamic, being displayed closer or further to the driver’s eye as a function of importance or urgency, thus increasing reactivity by around half a second. Above the toggle switches in the central section, the touch screen is available in 5, 7 or 10-inch versions, depending on the spec. level and options selected.