- Fresh styling updates and new model joins local 208 range with aggressive pricing
- Vibrant new colours and textured paint and personalisation packs, give customers more choice
- Euro 6 emissions compliant drivetrains for more performance and better emissions
- New segment-leading Aisin transmission offers unparalleled refinement
Peugeot Australia has launched the redesigned 208 range with increased technology, new segment-leading drivetrains and a whole new model, along with new prices that see two models under $20,000RRP.
Since its initial launch in 2013 the 208 has been a breath of fresh air to the Compact segment, but the 2015 update has pushed it even further in front of the competition, thanks to fresh styling updates and increased personalisation options.
The 2015 model also boasts a healthy range of technological updates to back up the vibrant new colours and textured paints, with new award-winning Euro 6 emissions-compliant drivetrains and a new Aisin gearbox ensuring the 208 drives better than ever.
Joining the 208 range for the first time in Australia is the new 208 Access model, available with the 1.2-litre PureTech 60kW engine and five-speed manual, or 1.2 PureTech e-THP 81kW engine with a new Aisin six-speed automatic – the later paired to an 81kW petrol turbo drivetrain.
The introduction of this entry level model sees unparalleled competition in the dynamic Compact market segment.
Both Access models will be available for under $20,000 RRP, with the 60kW Access manual opening proceedings at a sharp $15,990 and while the 81kW automatic model carries an RRP of $18,990.
The 208 Active brings revised standard specification, engines and pricing from the previous model, allowing Peugeot to offer an enhanced value proposition without compromising on comfort, style or safety – all features that have won the 208 a legion of fans the world over.
The other fresh face in the line-up is the GT-Line for those who want sporty styling elements and a range of creature comforts, but without the hardcore performance of the 208 GTi.
The halo car of the 208 range, the driver focused 208 GTi, gains an uprated engine tune to now produce 153kW and 300Nm, leading to a 0-100km/h time of only 6.7 seconds – yet improves on fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.
Starting from the outside the 208's redesigned front bumper features a sharper line, pairing to the wider, deeper grille rimmed with a chrome dress piece that is now integrated.
Two-tone headlights have black and chrome masks and come as standard fitment on the 208 Active, while the Allure adds LED running lights and cornering assist fog lights for truly amazing night time vision.
The LED tail lights now incorporate a redesigned cluster featuring Peugeot's signature 3D "claws" motif, but the designers saw fit to leave the sculpted side and chrome window trim from the previous model.
There are new 16-inch and 17-inch wheel options, with painted or diamante finishes available, as well as a laser-engraved option – as an accessory.
Showing the flair and vivacity Peugeot buyers love the new 208 is available in 12 bright, lively colours, which also includes an option for textured paint – a first for a mass production vehicle. It perfectly illustrates the sophistication and premium style the entire Peugeot range is renowned for.
The facelift 208 also benefits from an updated colour palette, with a movement to a more vibrant colour range, helping buyers stand out on Australian roads, as evidenced by the introduction of the new Orange Power hero colour.
Other changes to the standard colour palette include Hurricane Grey (replacing Blossom Grey) in the range and is the base colour on the entry-level Access. Bianca White remains the base colour for models above the Active. Virtual Blue replaces Calado Blue, while Twilight Blue - as found in the award-winning Peugeot 308 – remains.
New to Peugeot is the availability of world first Textured Matte Premium Paint. Four years in development and previously used on the limited edition Peugeot 208 GTi 30th Anniversary model it has an innovative Matte and Satin finish, a clear break from mainstream colours and paints on offer for production cars in Australia.
These tones react strongly under light, with variations in finish and shade, contrary to conventional matte paint that smooths out curves and hides body lines.
In a world first for a mass production car, these paints are more robust than conventional matte paints, with particularly good resistance to micro scratches and are easier to maintain as they are compatible with pressure-washers and brush car washing machines; both of which would destroy a traditional matte paint finish.
The new 208 range also features four Personalisation option packs, two interior and two exterior. Available in Menthol White or Lime Yellow they are a striking addition to the 208's elegant style, and are a factory-fit option from the Active model up.
Exterior packs include a new grille with stamped 3D effect, gloss black grille finisher, gloss black front fog lamp finishers with laser engraved lines and coloured Peugeot lettering front and rear, while the Interior packs feature sports seats with contrasting stitching, coloured door handles, grained dashboard moldings and satin chrome air vent finishers.
The 208 has always been a tour-de-force for state-of-the-art technology, but new innovations and customer demand has led to even higher specification levels. A reversing camera is available as an option from Active models and above.
Active City Brake (available on Allure and GT-Line) is available as option and is combined with reverse camera, making it possible to reduce crash severity in urban conditions at speeds of less than 40km/h.
Peugeot's new range of Euro 6 engines are now available in the 208 for the first time, with CO2 emissions as low as just 99g/km.
The flagship 1.2-litre PureTech's turbocharged 81kW engine, featuring Stop & Start (S&S) technology, is now part of the family; coupled with a new Aisin six-speed automatic gearbox, achieves CO2 emissions of just 104g/km.
The new 208 is available in a five-door body style, and comes in four generously equipped trim levels – Access, Active, Allure and GT-Line.
The latter is a new addition to the range and, following the lead of the larger 308, adopts many of the styling attributes of the iconic GTi model.
For a more performance-oriented body style the 208 GTi is available as a three-door variant only and gains a substantially overhauled drivetrain adopted from the 208 GTi 30th anniversary model.
Peugeot Australia's General Manager, John Statari, sees the 2015 208 ushering in a new era for the Compact segment in Australia, "The 208 has always been a great vehicle and with the adoption of our award winning PureTech drivetrains, new pricing and the availability of such a wide variety of personalisation options – it just got better.
"Our cars say a lot about who we are as people, so we see the new options for buyers to tailor their 208 to suit their particular personalities as a positive for the market. On top of this, a premium product like the 208 has never been so attainable with the new Access model entering the market at only $15,990 RRP."
"Above that we also have the new GT Line; a model aimed at people who want the sporty look of our legendary GTi without the high-performance drivetrain and firm sports suspension. It is a mid-way point for car enthusiasts who enjoy the styling of a performance car without the need for firmer suspension or greater performance."