New Peugeot 208: refreshed design, interior and engines

Some models carry greater responsibility than others. The Peugeot 208 is one such car. This B-segment supermini bears the distinction of having been Europe’s best-selling car in 2022.

It is with the aim of retaining that status that Peugeot has unveiled the updated Peugeot 208. Its exterior, cabin and mechanical line-up have all been revised.

Peugeot 208 brought into line

Introduced in 2019, the Peugeot 208 was among the few models in the French brand’s range yet to adopt its new badge, first seen on the Peugeot 308 in 2022. The Lion marque has used this facelift to bring the 208 into line with the rest of its line-up.

As well as the new brand emblem, the 208 gains several styling cues from Peugeot’s latest models, particularly at the front.

The rear has not been overlooked, either. The changes made to the front section are also reflected at the back, albeit in a less noticeable way.

According to the brand, all these revisions drew inspiration from an unconventional model: the Peugeot 9X8. This is the competition prototype fielded by the French manufacturer in the World Endurance Championship (WEC).

From the side, there is little to distinguish the new 208 from its predecessor, apart from the new wheel designs available across the range. After all, this is a refresh of the model we have known since 2019.

A more premium interior

The cabin has not undergone such extensive changes, although the updates are still meaningful. First and foremost, the trim materials have been refreshed. There are now more choices and new interior configurations available.

The familiar i-Cockpit system - comprising a smaller steering wheel and a digital instrument display positioned higher up - remains a key feature.

Here, the main development is the new infotainment system. It is the manufacturer’s latest unit, the same as that fitted to models such as the Peugeot 408.

Engines for every preference

The Peugeot 208 was already one of the B-segment models with the broadest engine offering. This update strengthens that position further.

The 208 range is arranged around three trims - ALLURE, ACTIVE and GT - and will offer five powertrain options, including the new 100% electric 115 kW (156 hp) motor, which delivers an increased 400 km range on the combined WLTP cycle.

The mechanical updates also extend to the combustion engines… now electrified, with the introduction of the HYBRID 100 and HYBRID 136 powertrains.

These pair the latest version of the 1.2 PureTech engine - with 100 hp and 136 hp - with a 48 V mild-hybrid system. They are available exclusively with the new electrified six-speed dual-clutch transmission (e-DCS6), which incorporates an electric motor.

The new Peugeot 208 HYBRID 100 and HYBRID 136 powertrains promise fuel consumption up to 15% lower, with the brand claiming that, in urban driving, they can operate in 100% electric mode for more than 50% of the time.

At the entry point to the 208 range, the 75 hp 1.2 PureTech engine will remain available as the most affordable version. However, the best-selling variant is expected to be the turbocharged version of this engine, producing 100 hp. Both are paired with manual gearboxes, with five and six speeds respectively.

At the other end of the line-up sits the Peugeot e-208, which was Europe’s best-selling 100% electric B-segment model in 2021 and 2022. This is a position the updated 208 will undoubtedly be looking to defend.

When will it arrive?

The updated Peugeot 208 does not yet have prices for Portugal, but the first examples will arrive there in the final quarter of this year.