Peugeot unveils all-electric e-208 25 | 02 | 2019
PEUGEOT HAS UNVEILED its all-new second-generation 208 supermini — the first to be offered with a fully-electric powertrain — ahead of its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Petrol and diesel versions will also be included in the range. (Related: Kia e-Niro to start at £32,995)
Order books will open at Scottish dealerships soon after next month’s Geneva Show, with first deliveries expected around late summer or autumn. And though Peugeot has yet to confirm prices, the expectation is they will start higher than the £14,900 of the current entry model.
At launch, the newcomer will be available with a choice of three 1.2-litre petrols — a 75bhp mated to a five-speed manual, a 99bhp version with a six-speed manual, or 128bhp eight-speed automatic — plus a 99bhp 1.5-litre diesel with a six-speed manual.
But the big news, of course, is the 134bhp electric powertrain fitted to the e-208. The fully-electric version of the supermini will be capable of 211 miles on a single charge, with the power going to the front wheels.
Three charging methods are available for the all-new Peugeot e-208:
• Charging from a domestic plug: The e-208 charges using a classic domestic plug in 20+ hours for a complete charge
• Accelerated charge at home: The e-208 can be charged more quickly and safely from a dedicated charging point which takes approximately 8 hours for a full charge. Government subsidies in the UK are available to support this
• Rapid recharging at a public terminal: 80% of the vehicle charge can be obtained in 30 minutes** from a 100kW charging station. Rapid chargers can be found at most motorway service stations and are being progressively installed across the UK
Boasting more powerful and dynamic stance than the model it replaces, the 2019 version is around 4cm longer, sits lower and sits on platform which is 30kg lighter than its predecessor.
Sitting on the PSA Group’s new CMP platform, it’s worth highlighting this will be the same platform which will accommodate the next-gen Vauxhall Corsa. And crucially, the inclusion of the battery electric powertrain can be integrated into the same production line as the petrol and diesel versions.
Externally the new 208 bears a strong family resemblance to the larger Peugeot 508, with a pair of large LED fangs hanging off the new headlights. And while, overall, the new 208 looks sportier the the outgoing model, the GT Line (pictured here) goes even further with flared black wheel arches and a large black spoiler on the hatch-lid.
Inside the cabin, the interior gets a completely new look, with both the piano black plastics and the ‘piano key’ style switchgear prominent. The 208 also retains Peugeot’s i-Cockpit dashboard layout, while a fully digital instrument panel will be available on high-end versions.
The new 208 also debuts Peugeot’s 3D i-Cockpit, which uses clever reflection to create the impression of three-dimensional graphics. A floating touchscreen display sits on top of the dashboard.
Related: Electric Mini to be built in the UK
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Jim McGill