Less than a month after Renault introduced the fifth-generation Clio, another French marque is unveiling its all-new supermini ahead of the 2019 Geneva Motor Show debut where the two will clash. Redesigned from the ground up, the Peugeot 208 is arguably one of the most attractive models in Europe’s crowded B segment. It's more than just a pretty face as PSA’s overhauled subcompact hatchback has gone through skin-deep changes.
As indicated by numerous spy shots showing partially camouflaged prototypes, the 2019 Peugeot 208 takes after the stylish 508 fastback when it comes to the exterior design. Its predecessor was already quite posh, but the new Ford Fiesta rival takes things a step further and adds sophistication inherited from the company’s flagship model.
Gallery: Peugeot 208 (2019)
Peugeot’s tiger claw motif looks better than ever and in high-end trims, the 208 comes equipped with full-LED headlights lending the small hatchback an upscale vibe. Wheels up to 17 inches in size are available, along with a black roof to contrast the main body color. As with the 508, the model’s designation adorns the hood, right above the lion logo, as a nod to Peugeots from yesteryear.
Vast improvements have also been made inside where the 2019 Peugeot 208 uses the company’s fantastic i-Cockpit making some of its rivals look ancient. Mounted up high, the digital instrument cluster is complemented by a touchscreen available in 5-, 7- and 10-inch sizes. Most of the controls have been integrated into the infotainment system, so physical buttons and switches have been kept down to a minimum. Glossy black surfaces are combined with faux carbon fiber accents, while the sporty steering wheel with flat upper and lower areas might make you think you’re in a hot hatch.


Switching from the old PF1 platform to the new Common Modular Platform (CMP) has allowed Peugeot’s engineers to shave off 30 kilograms (66 pounds) of fat and at the same time boost aerodynamics. The fresh hardware also pays dividends in terms of comfort as noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels are down compared to the model it replaces.
Power comes from either a three-cylinder 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine or a four-cylinder 1.5-liter diesel. The gasoline unit will be offered with 75 horsepower and a five-speed manual, followed by a 100-hp variant with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic, and a beefier 130-hp configuration exclusively with the auto. The diesel puts out 100 hp and comes only with the do-it-yourself six-speed ‘box.
Gallery: 2019 Peugeot e-208
Peugeot is also eager to show the fully electric e-208, with 136 hp and an instant torque of 260 Newton-meters (192 pound-feet) on tap. It sits on the related e-CMP platform and has enough electric punch to hit 62 mph (100 kph) from a standstill in a decent 8.1 seconds when in sport mode. Alternatively, there’s a normal mode for day-to-day use, and an eco mode when you want to maximize efficiency to get the highest possible range.
You’ll be happy to hear the 50-kWh battery pack is installed underneath the cargo floor, which means it won’t negatively impact the luggage area. The e-208 offers the same volume as the conventionally powered model and has enough juice for 340 km (211 miles) as per the more realistic WLTP or 450 km (280 miles) using NEDC.
When it comes to recharging the battery, it takes eight hours when using a 7.4-kW charger or 5 hours and 15 minutes when feeding on an 11-kW charger. Where available, the new e-208 can recharge 80 percent of its battery in only 30 minutes thanks to 100-kW rapid charging. Peugeot guarantees the battery pack will still have 70 percent of its capacity after eight years or 160,000 km (99,420 miles).
Peugeot will sell the revamped 208 in Access, Active, Allure, GT Line, and GT trims, plus the zero-emissions e-208.
Source: Peugeot
ELECTRIFYING ARRIVAL: WORLD PREMIERE FOR ALL-NEW PEUGEOT 208 AND e-208 AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOW 2019
- All-new PEUGEOT 208 and zero-emission PEUGEOT e-208 to be unveiled at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, with orders open to the public ahead of release in late Summer 2019
- 100% electric e-208 is powered by a 100kW electric motor and 50kWh battery producing a range up to 211 miles (WLTP)
- Charging for the all-new PEUGEOT e-208 can be controlled remotely via the MyPeugeot app
- All-new PEUGEOT 208 available with a range of Euro6d petrol and diesel engines
PEUGEOT will unveil the all-new PEUGEOT 208 at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, with a choice of petrol, diesel and electric (EV) powertrains set to be available from launch. The zero-emission PEUGEOT e-208 is the first in a series of 100% electric models, as PEUGEOT prepares to electrify its entire range by 2023.
ALL-NEW PEUGEOT e-208
With a 100kW electric motor and a 50kWh battery producing a range of up to 211 miles according to WLTP procedures, the all-new 100% electric PEUGEOT e-208 comes with three driving modes: Eco, to optimise range, Normal, optimising comfort, and Sport, allowing the driver to prioritise performance. The battery is covered by an 8 year, 100,000 mile manufacturer warranty.
Distributed under the floor plan of the all-new PEUGEOT 208, the 220L battery is positioned to allow maximum interior space and boot space to be maintained, matching the capacities of the petrol and diesel versions.
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
Alongside the options to charge through these conventional means, the all-new PEUGEOT e-208 allows drivers to remotely activate the charging of their car via the Connected 3D Navigation colour touchscreen or by using the MyPeugeot smartphone app.
The MyPeugeot smartphone app can also be used to pre-programme the car’s heating, air conditioning and windscreen defrosting. In-car heating has also been improved thanks to:
- High-power heater (5 kW) powered by the HV battery
- Heat pump and automatic temperature control in the passenger compartment. Vehicle range is preserved due to improved power efficiency compared to conventional climate control
- Heated seats (according to version)
PEUGEOT’S EV SERVICES
Supporting motorists looking to make the transition towards electric, PEUGEOT will be launching new services to coincide with the arrival of the all-new PEUGEOT e-208. PEUGEOT’s new electric focussed services include:
- Easy-Charge:
- A range of at-home or office charging solutions with a broad choice of equipment (heavy-duty socket, Wallbox, Smart Wallbox, etc.), a diagnostic service to assess the electric installation and plan for a better charging solution and final installation
- Public charge offering via Free2Move Services, including a charge pass giving access to public charging points across Europe: drivers are able to pre-select terminals according to distance, speed and price of recharging.
- Easy-Mobility:
- Trip planner: a trip planning and organisational tool for long journeys via Free2Move Services; proposal of the best routes taking into account the location of charging stations on the route, sent to the in-car Connected 3D Navigation
- Mobility Pass: extended mobility by means of a pass for a rental internal combustion engine when needed
- E-coaching: a tool in the MyPeugeot app that allows drivers to receive advice on how to optimise their driving and the range of all-new e-208
- Serenity: aiming to reassure drivers in their EV discovery process and let them enjoy their car in complete peace of mind :
- New digital journey simulators to promote discovery and viability of the electric driving on the PEUGEOT website
- Special service contracts and road-side assistance, which may be included in a single finance package, to ensure peace of mind at all times
- Battery capacity certificate to facilitate vehicle resale with a guarantee of the vehicle’s battery charge capacity
ALL-NEW PEUGEOT 208 PETROL & DIESEL MODELS
PEUGEOT’s new petrol and diesel model 208 has also been developed to limit CO2 emissions. Built on the latest generation CMP platform, the all-new PEUGEOT 208 is 30kg lighter than the previous model and comes with improved aerodynamics, reduced roll resistance and optimised powertrains. The all-new PEUGEOT 208 comes fitted with cutting-edge Euro6d petrol engines and Euro6d diesel engines meeting the latest EU emissions standards.
Full engine range available for the all-new PEUGEOT 208 petrol & diesel models include:
Petrol, 3-cylinder, 1.2L engines:
- PureTech 75 S&S 5-speed manual
- PureTech 100 S&S 6-speed manual or 8 speed automatic
- PureTech 130 S&S 8 speed automatic
Diesel, 4-cylinder, 1.5L engine:
- BlueHDi 100 S&S 6-speed manual
PEUGEOT DRIVER ASSIST
With Driver Assist, the all-new PEUGEOT 208 provides motorists with all the latest driving aids for a comfortable and safe ride. Driving aids include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control, Stop & Go with the 8-speed automatic gearbox (or Adaptive Cruise Control Stop & Go), the latter taking over driving duties in heavy traffic, below 20 mph (30km/h)
- Lane Positioning Assist, which helps keep the car in the centre of the lane
- Full Park Assist (with the 8-speed automatic gearbox). The system automatically manages steering, acceleration and braking when entering or leaving a parking space
- Latest generation Automatic Emergency Brake Assist (detection of pedestrians and cyclists by day and night up to 85mph) and warns of a risk of collision
- Active Lane Keeping Assist with course correction from 40 mph (65 km/h) upwards
- Driver Attention Monitoring, which detects the driver’s alertness on long journeys from 40 mph (65 km/h) using steering wheel micro-movement analysis technology
- PEUGEOT Smartbeam automatic headlight dipping
- Speed Limit Recognition and Recommendation
- Extended traffic sign recognition (Stop, No Entry signs)
- Active Blind Spot Monitoring (with course correction), available from 7mph (12km/h)
- Electric parking brake
ALL-NEW PEUGEOT 208 DESIGN
The all-new PEUGEOT 208 models are designed to bring energy into the B-segment. With carefully sculpted curves and long bonnet, the all-new PEUGEOT 208 presents a stylish, sporty exterior. The GT Line and GT models feature gloss black wheel arch extensions and window surrounds, building on the streamlined look of the all-new PEUGEOT 208.
Instantly recognisable, the expressive front face of the all-new PEUGEOT 208 features a large chrome grille, the full LED 3-claw headlight signature on the front and rear, and iconic PEUGEOT Lion adorned on the front bumper. The dynamic style of the PEUGEOT 208 is enhanced by a range of bright and original colours including: metallic Faro Yellow, Vertigo Blue and Elixir Red.
The seductive all-new PEUGEOT e-208 comes with distinctive and exclusive touches which embody technology and modernity: a monogram "e" on the rear quarter panel, the dichroic Lion which changes colour from different angles and a body-coloured chequered front grille.
ALL-NEW PEUGEOT 208 ‘JUMP IN’ NEXT GENERATION TECH
Both the all-new PEUGEOT 208 and e-208 feature the new PEUGEOT 3D i-Cockpit® which offers agile and intuitive driving with a compact multifunction steering wheel, configurable head-up display, capacitive 7” or 10" HD colour touchscreen (according to version) and the 7 satin chrome ‘piano’ toggle switches. The interior environment can also be personalised with a choice of 8 RGB LED colours.
All driving information can be easily accessed through the 3D digital instrument panel and can also be projected, like a hologram, via the colour touchscreen.
Technological aids provided also include TomTom® Traffic, Connected 3D Navigation and PEUGEOT Mirror Screen®functionality, compatible with MirrorLink®, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto connectivity.
ALL-NEW PEUGEOT 208 INTERIOR
With all key tech accessible in the driver’s field of view, the cabin is spacious yet practical. Throughout the range the dashboard is padded and the central section features a carbon finish.
The all-new PEUGEOT 208 also provides plenty of storage space, with three key storage areas around the model:
- Large storage area under the armrest between the front seats
- Easy-access tray in front of the gear lever
- Concealable storage space in the central console that can be used for charging a smartphone
The design of the all-new PEUGEOT e-208 GT trim level is enhanced with Alcantara grey upholstery featuring a 3D technical mesh knit, and 17’ alloy wheels with special inserts.
David Peel, Managing Director of PEUGEOT UK said: “Our work with the all-new PEUGEOT 208 and e-208 is a great representation of how we are pushing the brand forward to operate in the upcoming age of electric vehicles. Both the standard and electric version of the all-new PEUGEOT 208 have been developed to be more economical, environmentally friendly and practical for drivers in 2019 and beyond to give customers the freedom of choice without compromise.
“We are all so excited at PEUGEOT to be building towards our goal of a full electric range by 2023, and the all-new PEUGEOT e-208 is a great step in cementing PEUGEOT’s foothold in the ever-growing EV market.”
The announcement of the all-new PEUGEOT 208 and e-208 falls in line with the brand’s new #Unboringthefuture ambition, and comes following a recently introduced brand signature marking PEUGEOT’s intentions to focus on EV: ‘MOTION & e-MOTION’.
The all-new PEUGEOT 208 will be unveiled at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show, with an online reservation site opening at the end of March, and opening for orders late summer 2019.