Peugeot 208 (A9). 2012 to date (prod. unknown). 3- and 5-door saloon. F/F, 999, 1199 cm³ (3 cyl. DOHC), 1397, 1598 cm³ petrol, 1398, 1560 cm³ diesel (4 cyl. DOHC). An attempt to recapture the spirit of the successful 205, with a lighter, shorter and lower successor to 207, though on a revised platform with the same wheelbase. More interior room, and new three-cylinder engines, with low carbon dioxide emissions (four engines at launch dip under the 100 g/km barrier). C_d of 0,29, C_dA of 0,61, and greater use of recycled polymers. Sculpted lines have neat details, including “floating” grille and what Peugeot calls ‘boomerang’ rear lights. Smaller steering wheel for practicality, and instruments placed high on dash; colour touch-screen in centre of dashboard—early tests show that ergonomics were well thought out. Slight improvement on materials used. Light steering, though ride a little harsh with the larger wheels. Announced November 2011, with series production commencing at Poissy on January 27 the following year.

Manufacturing locations: Poissy, Île-de-France, France; Mulhouse, Alsace, France; Trnava, Slovakia; Porto Réal, Brazil

Marque: Peugeot | Predecessor: Peugeot 207

Off-site link

• Lucire: ‘Peugeot announces 208: lighter, more fuel-efficient than predecessor’