The new 65 registration plate change month of September is with us and car sales are expected to reach a record this year.
Although the UK is the third largest European market for Peugeot, the 208 supermini isn’t in the top ten but arriving in time for the 65 plate month is the refreshed new 208. Latest updates include new Euro 6 engines, more models, revised styling, personalisation options and new colours including textured matt black paint for the GTi Peugeot Sport flagship.
The specification line-up in order of prices starts with Access A/C, followed by Active, Allure, GT-Line, GTi, GTi Prestige and GTi by Peugeot Sport. The spec level will of course depend on the engine of choice.
These are either new 1.0 or 1.2 PureTech petrol or 1.6-litre BlueHDi turbodiesel units. There is also the 1.6-litre THP petrol unit for the GTi versions. Petrol models have CO2 emission figures from 102g/km and all diesel units are below 95g/km with the lowest being just 79g/km.
It offers the choice of three or five door hatchback models with petrol and diesel models at prices ranging from £11,695 for a 1.0-litre 68hp version up to £21,995 for the 1.6-litre 208hp GTi by Peugeot Sport – the flagship of the line-up.
Enhancements include a steering wheel trimmed in full-grain leather from Active trim onwards and the soft-touch dashboard strip has new graining on higher specification models. The seven-inch touch screen remains standard from Active trim level and provides intuitive access to all systems including audio, navigation, telephone, vehicle information and internet.
On-board connectivity using Bluetooth, USB and mobile applications via Peugeot Connect Apps has been upgraded to take account of the latest software improvements. Brand new to the 208 is MirrorScreen which makes it possible to transfer the screen of a smartphone to the vehicle’s display to make full use of its applications.
The 208 is also one of the rare hatchbacks in the segment to offer the option of a £300 Park Assist and added to the list of options are a £250 Active City Brake system and a £200 reversing camera.
Until the latest updates for the 208 range, the 1.0-litre 68hp and 1.2-litre 82hp PureTech three cylinder petrol engines were naturally aspirated. Now the line-up has been expanded with the 1.2-litre turbocharged PureTech petrol 110hp unit with Stop-Start. It is also now available with a new six-speed automatic gearbox which uses Quickshift twin-clutch technology allowing for faster and smoother changes.
I have just been putting the new 208 GT-Line 1.2-litre PureTech 110hp engine and auto gearbox through its road test paces and it is impressive.
Despite being only a three-cylinder engine it is smooth, rarely vocal and with its high pressure turbo the acceleration and response is really sharp. There is no loss of power on steep hills and it easily cruises with power in hand at legal maximum motorway speeds. On country roads the new auto box moves smoothly between ratios keeping the engine in its sweet-spot. Much of the response comes from the impressive 205Nm of torque developed from just 1,500rpm. Remember this is a petrol engine of three cylinders, not a four cylinder turbodiesel. There is really not much more to say other than its fast, its responsive, its relatively quiet for a three-pot and it is fuel frugal. With CO2 emissions of only 104g/km, VED road tax is £0 for the First Year rate and then only £20 for Year Two. Company car drivers will enjoy the tax benefits as well with a 15% Benefit-in-Kind rating which for the 20% tax payer means a cost of £44 a month and only £88 a month for the 40% tax band.
Whilst the GT-Line label is more to do with visual appeal and higher spec the new turbo small capacity petrol engine adds more than a hint of sports performance.
It’s not cheap to buy at £17,695 but it is cost effective to run and it looks good. Adding options will push up the price even more but the £400 sat/nav with DAB radio option is worth it so will, for some owners, the Park Assist function and the reversing camera adds another £500 to the overall price.
MILESTONES:
New Peugeot 208 GT-Line, 1.2 turbo petrol PureTech 110, 5-door supermini. £17,695.
Engine/transmission: 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder, turbocharged petrol, 110hp, 205Nm of torque from 1,500rpm, 6-speed automatic.
Performance: 118mph, 0-62mph 9.8-seconds, 62.8mpg Combined Cycle (47mpg on test),
CO2 104g/km, VED road tax £0/£20, BIK tax 15%. Insurance group: 15E.
Warranty: 3-years/60,000-miles.
Dimensions/capacities: L 3,973, W 1,739mm, H 1,460mm, boot/load space 285 to 1,152-litres.
For: Brilliant new 1.2 turbo petrol engine and 6-speed fast acting auto gearbox, good fuel economy, low cost taxes, good to drive, responsive engine, visually pleasing GT-Line sports specification.
Against: Pricey, larger GT spec 17-inch wheels give a firm and noisy ride at times, not the roomiest of new generation supermini hatchbacks.
© David Miles
