Peugeot 208
| Company type | Subcompact car model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Peugeot 207 |
| Founded | November 2012 |
| Headquarters | Trnava, Mulhouse, Poissy , Slovakia, France |
| Products | Subcompact cars (B-segment) |
The Peugeot 208 is a subcompact car (classified as B-segment in Europe) manufactured by the French carmaker Peugeot. Introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012, it serves as a smaller alternative to the 308, succeeding the 207 that same year. The model is now in its second generation.
First generation (A9; 2012)
Under the direction of Pierre Authier, who also oversaw the design of the Peugeot 2008 Mk1, the initial version of the Peugeot 208 was launched as a three-door hatchback in November 2011. Production began at PSA’s new facility in Trnava, Slovakia. The five-door variant followed in June 2012, with manufacturing later expanding to Peugeot’s plants located in Mulhouse and Poissy, France.
Design
Known internally as "A9," the first-generation 208 is constructed on the PSA PF1 platform. Revealed at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, it features a lighter body compared to the 207 while offering increased cabin space. Its boot volume measures , which is larger than its predecessor, and rear legroom has grown by .
Design leadership was provided by Pierre Authier, with Sylvain Henry responsible for exterior styling, Adam Bazydlo handling interior design, and Marie Sanou overseeing colour schemes and trim options. Notable features include a tablet-style infotainment screen, a panoramic glass roof equipped with LED lighting, and an aerodynamic profile boasting a drag coefficient of just 0.29.
The three-door variant was discontinued by mid-2018, and production of this generation ceased in Europe by 2019. However, manufacturing continued in Brazil from January 2013 until March 2020, when it was replaced by the second-generation model imported from Argentina.
Presentation
At its debut in 2012, the 208 was available with five petrol engines and three diesel options. Peugeot emphasized reducing vehicle weight to enhance fuel efficiency, safety standards, and overall driving performance. Key engineering highlights include an aluminium front beam absorber, a downsized front subframe, laser-welded roof construction, extensive use of lightweight materials such as and panels, along with enhanced engine sound insulation. Overall weight was reduced by approximately compared to the 207.
The Mk1 208 also ventured into the hot hatch market segment with the introduction of the GTi version in February 2013, featuring a 1.6-litre petrol engine. The XY trim level was positioned between the standard model and GTi for customers seeking a sportier option. Diesel variants were noted for their superior fuel economy.
A mid-2015 facelift refreshed exterior styling and incorporated additional safety technologies. This update introduced the premium GT-Line trim equipped with a touchscreen interface supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In November 2014, Peugeot launched a limited-edition "30th Anniversary" version of the 208 GTi. By 2018, diesel engine offerings were consolidated into a streamlined 1.5-litre range.
208 GTi
Debuting in September 2012 as the high-performance variant of the first-generation model, the three-door 208 GTi weighed , making it lighter than its predecessor, the 207 GTi.
It featured widened front and rear track widths by and respectively, fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels sporting 205/45 tyres and larger front disc brakes measuring , equipped with functional ventilation. Suspension and steering systems were upgraded to improve driving dynamics.
The powertrain consisted of a turbocharged 1.6-litre inline-four Prince engine delivering at 5,800 rpm and of torque at 1,700 rpm. This engine was mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and shared across other models such as the Peugeot RCZ, select Mini Hatch versions, and various Citroën vehicles.
The original GTi was later replaced by a PeugeotSport-tuned edition derived from the limited '30ème Anniversaire Edition,' which featured increased power output , revised suspension settings, optional two-tone paintwork, and updated bumper designs.
Plans existed for an even more potent 208 R model intended to sit above the GTi; however, this variant was never brought to market.
208 GTi 30th by Peugeot Sport
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the 205 GTi launched in 1984, Peugeot introduced the exclusive "30th by Peugeot Sport" edition. This model was equipped with a specially tuned engine by Peugeot Sport and incorporated several upgrades beyond the standard 208 GTi. These improvements included a Torsen limited-slip differential sourced from the RCZ R, as well as enhanced suspension and steering systems. The braking setup was also upgraded, featuring front discs coupled with 4-piston fixed Brembo calipers.
The vehicle made its debut at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed and became available for purchase in France starting November 2014.
Powertrain
All petrol variants comply with Euro 5 emissions standards, while diesel models produce CO2 emissions of 99 g/km or less. Alongside the four-cylinder petrol engines carried over from the previous generation, September 2012 saw the introduction of two new three-cylinder units with variable valve timing technology: a 1.0 VTi generating , and a 1.2 VTi delivering .
The 1.0-litre engine achieves fuel efficiency figures of and emits just 99 g/km of CO2. The 1.2-litre three-cylinder is available in a turbocharged version branded PureTech 110 S&S (found on GT Line and Allure trims) or as a naturally aspirated PureTech 82 S&S variant (offered on Active, VTi, or XS trims). Transmission options include a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox.
Diesel powertrains start with the four-cylinder 1.4-litre e-HDi engine inherited from the Peugeot 207, producing and delivering fuel economy of , alongside CO2 emissions rated at 87 g/km.
2012–2015
| Petrol engines | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Configuration | Power, Torque @ rpm | Acceleration 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) (s) | Maximum speed | Gearbox | Kerb weight | Production years |
| 1.0 VTi | 999 cc (61.0 cu in) I3 | 50 kW (68 PS) @ 6000 rpm, 95 N⋅m (70 lb⋅ft) @ 3000 rpm | 14.0 | 163 km/h (101 mph) | 5-speed manual | 975 kg (2,150 lb) | 2012–2015 |
| 1.2 VTi | 1,199 cc (73.2 cu in) I3 | 60 kW (82 PS) @ 6000 rpm, 118 N⋅m (87 lb⋅ft) @ 2750 rpm | 12.2 | 175 km/h (109 mph) | 5-speed manual | 975 kg (2,150 lb) | 2012–2015 |
| 1.4 VTi | 1,397 cc (85.3 cu in) I4 | 70 kW (95 PS) @ 6000 rpm, 136[convert: needs unit name] @ 4000 rpm | 10.5 | 188 km/h (117 mph) | 5-speed manual | 1,070 kg (2,360 lb) | 2012–2015 |
| 1.6 VTi | 1,598 cc (97.5 cu in) I4 | 88 kW (120 PS) @6000 rpm, 160 N⋅m (118 lb⋅ft) @4250 rpm | "8.9" | "Template:Cvt"" | "5-speed manual" | "1090 kg" | "2012–2015" |
| "1.6 THP" | "1598 cc turbocharged I4" | "155 PS N/A, N/A" | "7.3" | "215 km/h" | "6-speed manual" | "1165 kg" | "2012–2015" |
| "GTI (1.6 THP)" | "1598 cc turbocharged I4" | "200-208 PS @6800/5800 rpm, 275 Nm @1700/1700-3000 rpm" | "6.8/6.5" | "230 km/h" | "6-speed manual" | "1160 kg" | "2013–2015" |
| Diesel engines | |||||||
| "1.4 HDi/e-HDi" | "1397 cc I4" | "68 PS @4000, 160 Nm @1750 rpm" | "13.5" | "163 km/h" | "5-speed manual" | "1050 kg" | "2012–2015" |
| "1.6 e-HDi" | "1560 cc turbocharged I4" | "92 PS @4000 rpm, 230 Nm @1750 rpm" | "10.9" | "185 km/h" | "5-speed manual" | "1080 kg" | "2012–2015" |
2015-2018
| Petrol engines | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Type | Power, Torque@rpm | 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) (s) | Top speed | Transmission | Kerb weight | Years |
| 1.0 Puretech | 999 cc Straight-three engine I3 | 68 PS at 6000 rpm, 95 Nm at 3000 rpm | 14 | 165 kph | 5-speed manual | 960 kg | 2015-2016 |
| 1.2 Puretech | 1199 cc I3 | 68 PS at 5750 rpm, 106 Nm at 2750 rpm | 13.8 | 166 kph | 5-speed manual | 960 kg | 2016-2019 |
| 1199 cc I3 | 82 PS at 5750 rpm, 118 Nm at 2750 rpm | 12.2 | 175 kph | 5-speed manual / automatic | 960 kg / 960 kg (AT) | 2015-2018 | |
| 1199 cc I3 | 83 PS at 5750 rpm, 118 Nm at 2750 rpm | 13.6 | 175 kph | 5-speed manual | 1080 kg | 2018-2019 | |
| 1199 cc turbo I3 | 110 PS at 5500 rpm, 205 Nm between 1500-1750 rpm | 9.3-9.6 | 188-190 kph | 5-speed manual / automatic | 1060-1090 kg (optional AT) | 2015-2019 | |
| 1.6 THP | 1598 cc turbo I4 | 208 PS at 6000 rpm, 300 Nm at 3000 rpm | 6.5 | 230 kph | 6-speed manual | 1160 kg | 2015-2016 |
| '\'1.5 BlueHDI\ | '1499 cc turbo I4' | '102 PS at 3500 rpm, 250 Nm at1750 rpm' | '10.5' | '188 kph' | '6-speed manual' | '1080 kg' | '2018-2019' |
| \'\'\'1.6 BlueHDI\'\'\' ' | '1560 cc turbo I4 ' | '75 PS to120 PS, torque ranging from230 to285 Nm ' | '13.3 to9.4 ' | '171 to190 kph ' | '5 or6-speed manual ' | '1065 to1115 kg ' | '2015-2018 ' |
Trims
The Peugeot 208 is available in several trim levels and configurations. As of the year 2019, the range includes:
- Active – Powered by either a 1.2L PureTech 82 S&S petrol engine or a 1.5L BlueHDi diesel unit, both mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.
- Signature (also known as Allure) – Utilizes the same engine and transmission options as Active but distinguishes itself with unique exterior styling and wheel designs.
- Tech Edition – Incorporates a turbocharged 1.2L PureTech engine producing110 hp, available with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, complementing the Active and Signature trims.
- GT-Line – The premium variant featuring 1.2L engines delivering110 bhp paired with either six-speed automatic or five-speed manual gearboxes, alongside the 1.5L diesel option. It is characterized by sporty hatchback styling and16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.
Other available trims encompass Access, Access Plus, Style, Lime, XY, GTI models, Roland Garros editions, Intuitive, and Feline trims, some offered as limited editions.
Safety
Euro NCAP
The Peugeot208 model from2012 attained a five-star rating from Euro NCAP, achieving high marks in adult occupant protection (88%), child safety (78%), pedestrian safety (61%), and an overall safety score of83%.
Latin NCAP
In Latin American assessments, the basic208 equipped with two airbags received four stars for adult occupant protection and three stars for child safety in2014. The2016 version without ESC but with two airbags scored two stars for adults and three stars for children.
Second generation (P21;2019)
Introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March2019 and released throughout Europe during the summer of that year, the second-generation Peugeot208 also debuted an all-electric variant known as the e-208.
This generation utilizes the Common Modular Platform (CMP), shared with models such as the Peugeot2008, DS3 Crossback, and Opel Corsa. The platform enhancements resulted in a weight reduction of roughly30 kg and improvements in aerodynamics and ride quality by decreasing noise, vibration, and harshness.
Inside, it features Peugeot's i-Cockpit layout with a digital instrument panel, smaller steering wheel, and touchscreen infotainment system designed to minimize physical controls. Advanced driver assistance technologies are offered including adaptive cruise control with lane centering, automated parking capabilities, and blind spot detection. Vehicles equipped with manual transmissions support cruise control down to18 mph; meanwhile automatic versions and the e-208 can handle stop-and-go traffic conditions efficiently.
Technical Specifications
The 208 is available with a variety of powertrain configurations, including traditional petrol and diesel engines as well as an electric motor. The petrol lineup features 1.2-litre three-cylinder PureTech units, offered in naturally aspirated EB2FA producing , turbocharged EB2DT with , and turbocharged EB2DTS delivering . For the Argentine market, a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated EC5 engine is utilized, available in petrol-only or ethanol-compatible flex-fuel versions for Brazilian exports.
The diesel option consists of a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine generating . In Morocco, customers can select the older 1.6 HDi engine with . Peugeot has not disclosed any Sport variants or their powertrains; the development of a petrol-powered 208 GTi ceased in 2017 due to stricter CO2 regulations, with future GTi models potentially based on the e-208 platform.
e-208 Electric Version
The second-generation 208 range includes the e-208 battery electric model, which shares its platform with the conventional petrol and diesel versions. This common architecture enables customers to pick their preferred propulsion system and allows all variants to be assembled on the same production line at Stellantis’ Trnava facility in Slovakia.
Compared to its internal combustion counterparts, the e-208 weighs roughly more and features a slightly wider rear track to house its battery pack. It is equipped with a heat-pump managed 50 kWh battery, a electric motor, and a 6.6 kW onboard charger, offering a WLTP driving range of . Charging is facilitated through CCS Combo Type 2 connectors (or CHAdeMO in Japan), supporting DC fast charging up to 100 kW. AC charging is capped at 7.4 kW, with an optional upgrade to three-phase 11 kW available. Regenerative braking intensity can be adjusted via the gear selector.
Introduced in October 2019, the e-208's demand surpassed initial forecasts; Peugeot had anticipated annual sales of around 30,000 units (representing 10% of total 208 output), yet pre-orders for the e-208 accounted for approximately one-quarter of all bookings. The maximum yearly production capacity stands at 60,000 units.
In early 2021, the e-208 received recognition as North Macedonia’s "Most Desired Electric Car" at the Golden Steering Wheel awards.
Facelift Update
Peugeot revealed an updated version of the second-generation 208 in July 2023. This refresh brings a redesigned front fascia featuring new headlights, grille, and bumper design, alongside revamped LED taillights. Standard equipment now includes LED headlights and partial LED rear lights, with full LED lighting available as an option. While the grille maintains its overall size, it incorporates body-colored elements except on base trims; meanwhile, the front bumper introduces three vertical lines forming a new light signature and daytime running lights. Additionally, new exterior paint options were added.
Inside the cabin, the infotainment system has been upgraded to a standard 10-inch touchscreen (up from 7 inches), although entry-level models retain an analogue instrument cluster. New fabric upholstery choices have also been introduced.
The PureTech 75 and PureTech 100 manual transmissions remain unchanged; however, automatic versions of PureTech 100 and PureTech 130 now include a mild hybrid system operating at 48V that allows limited electric-only driving. The e-208 benefits from an updated powertrain delivering 115 kW and boasts an extended range of up to 400 km.
South American Version
Since July 2020, Peugeot has been manufacturing the second-generation 208 at its Buenos Aires facility for distribution throughout South America, exporting approximately 60% of output beyond Argentina’s borders. Only internal combustion engine models are produced locally; electric e-208 units continue to be imported.
The Argentinian variant retains about 95% design commonality with its European counterpart but incorporates adaptations suited to local conditions such as increased ground clearance by 10–12 mm, an improved approach angle of 16° compared to Europe’s 14°, and cost-saving substitutions like steel components replacing aluminum. It also features different rear seating configurations and a larger fuel tank capacity.
Powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre EC5F engine rated at 114 PS, this model serves regional markets effectively. Following Stellantis’ formation from PSA and FCA in May 2022, Peugeot introduced an entry-level naturally aspirated Fiat-sourced Firefly 1.0-litre engine in Brazil’s lineup—offering outputs of either 71 or 75 PS depending on fuel type—to meet demand for affordable B-segment hatchbacks.
Starting mid-2022, some Chilean-market units have been supplied from Argentina alongside European imports. In September 2023, Peugeot expanded Brazil’s offerings by adding Fiat’s turbocharged 1.0-litre engine producing 130 PS to the range.
Powertrain (Europe)
| Petrol Engines | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Configuration | Power, Torque @ rpm | Acceleration 0–100 km/h (0-62 mph) (s) | Maximum Speed | Gearbox | Template:Chem Emissions (g/km) | Production Years |
| 1.2 PureTech 75 S&S | 1,199 cc (73.2 cu in) Inline 3-cylinder | 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) at 5750, 118 N⋅m (87 lb⋅ft) at 2750 | 13.2 | 102 mph (164 km/h) | 5-speed manual | 93–98 | 2019– |
| 1.2 PureTech 100 S&S | 1,199 cc (73.2 cu in) Inline 3-cylinder | 100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp) at 5500, 205 N⋅m (151 lb⋅ft) at 1750 | 9.9 | 117 mph (188 km/h) | 6-speed manual | 96–102 | 2019– |
| 1.2 PureTech 100 EAT8 S&S | 1,199 cc (73.2 cu in) Inline 3-cylinder | 100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp) at 5500, 205 N⋅m (151 lb⋅ft) at 1750 | 10.8 | 117 mph (188 km/h) | 8-speed automatic | 97–104 | 2019– |
| 1.2 PureTech 130 EAT8 S&S | 1,199 cc (73.2 cu in) Inline 3-cylinder | 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) at 5500, 230 N⋅m (170 lb⋅ft) at 1750 | 8.7 | "129 mph (208 km/h)" | "8-speed automatic" | "101–108" | "2019–" |
| Diesel Engine |
|---|
| Model | Configuration | Power, Torque @ rpm | Acceleration 0–100 km/h (s) | Maximum Speed | Gearbox | Template:Chem Emissions (g/km) | Production Years |
|---|
| '1.5 BlueHDi 100' | '1,499 cc (91.5 cu in) Inline 4-cylinder' | '102 PS (75 kW; 101 hp) at 3500, 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) at 1750' | '10.2' | '117 mph (188 km/h)' | '6-speed manual' | '84–92' | '2019–' |
| Electric Motor (e-208) |
|---|
| Battery | Power, Torque | Acceleration 0–100 km/h (s) | Maximum Speed | Transmission | Range (WLTP) | Production Years | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| '50 kWh lithium-ion' | '136 PS, 260–300 Nm' | '8.1' | '93 mph' | 'Single-speed automatic' | '340 km' | '2019–2021' |
| '50 kWh lithium-ion' | '136 PS, 260–300 Nm' | 'N/A' | '93 mph' | 'Single-speed automatic' | '362 km' | '2021–2023' |
| '51 kWh lithium-ion' | '156 PS, 260–300 Nm' | 'N/A' | 'N/A' | 'Single-speed automatic' | '400 km' | '2023–present' |
Safety
Euro NCAP
In the 2019 Euro NCAP evaluation, the Peugeot 208 1.2 Puretech 75 (LHD) achieved a four-star rating. It earned scores of 34.7 points (91%) for adult occupant safety, 42.5 points (86%) for child protection, and 26.9 points (56%) concerning pedestrian safety, culminating in an overall safety score of 71% with a total of 9.2 points.
Latin NCAP
Under the updated protocol applied in 2021 and equipped with a basic Latin American specification featuring four airbags and Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), the Peugeot 208 was awarded a two-star rating by Latin NCAP, which corresponds roughly to the Euro NCAP standards from the year 2014.
Sales
By February 2013, Peugeot had reached the milestone of manufacturing its 300,000th 208 model. The following table presents annual production and sales statistics, underscoring the vehicle’s commercial success:
| Year | Europe | Brazil | Global production | Global sales | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 198 | — | Template:TBA | 631 | |
| 2012 | 160,047 | — | 242,900 | 220,800 | Cumulative production totaled 243,600 units. |
| 2013 | 237,266 | 20,715 | 333,800 | 334,439 | Total production reached 577,400 units. |
| 2014 | 214,547 | 23,523 | |||
| 2015 | 228,088 | 13,334 | |||
| 2016 | 247,379 | 10,769 | |||
| 2017 | 242,589 | 12,157 | |||
| 2018 | 230,107 | 7,093 | |||
| 2019 | 224,848 | 5,608 | |||
| 2020 | 199,316 | 4,403 | |||
| 2021 | 195,728 | 16,345 | |||
| 2022 | 206,816 | 29,879 | |||
| 2023 | 28,634 | ||||
| 2024 | 17,717 |
Motorsport
208 T16 Pikes Peak
In April 2013, Sébastien Loeb conducted testing of the 208 T16 at Mont Ventoux. This model is a lightweight machine inspired by the standard 208 but equipped with the rear wing from the Peugeot 908 and powered by a 3.2-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine generating , enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 1.8 seconds. The powerplant is derived from the racing-spec PSA ES/L engine V6 developed by Sodemo Moteurs, previously utilized in the Courage C60 Le Mans prototype between 2001 and 2003.
At the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb held on June 30, 2013, Loeb shattered Rhys Millen’s 2012 record on the first fully paved route with a new time of 8:13.878—an impressive improvement over the prior best of 9:46.164. Additionally, this vehicle claimed victory in the hillclimb event at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Racing
In 2018, the Peugeot 208 GTi 30th Edition secured the overall championship in the inaugural Classic Sports Car Club Turbo Tin Tops Series, a competition dedicated to forced induction front-wheel-drive vehicles.
Rallycross
Team Peugeot-Hansen achieved the manufacturers’ championship in the FIA World Rallycross Championship in November 2015. That same year, Jérôme Grosset-Janin finished as runner-up in the FIA European Rallycross Championship.
Driving a Peugeot 208, Timmy Hansen won the 2019 FIA World Rallycross Championship, while Hansen MJP captured the teams’ title.
Rally
Juha Salo claimed victory in the Finnish Rally Championship for two consecutive years: 2015 and 2016.
Awards
The Peugeot 208 was honored with the 'Best Cars' accolade for best city car by readers of l’Automobile magazine.
On January 26, 2016, thirteen journalists representing Kilomètres Entreprise awarded its Blue HDi 100 variant with the "Business Cars of the Year" prize in the "Versatile Business 2016" category.