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The 208 gives form to and refines the new aesthetic codes of the Marque. The ‘floating’ grille, light signatures, ‘boomerang’ rear lamps – each detail is designed in complete coherence with the general volume, structured by a ‘spine’ the impression of which is even visible on the roof. Sculpted, athletic, both pure and sophisticated, its style projects the marque towards a renewed and attractive modernity, suggesting sensuousness and energy, smoothness and mischief.
The 208 boasts greater interior space and luggage volume compared to the previous model, with 5 cm more knee room and a luggage volume of 311L, which is comparable to cars one class larger. Various weight saving technologies have also been utilised to make the car up to 173 kg lighter which boosts performance, handling, and fuel economy significantly.
Bold break from tradition
The interior of the 208 features a bold break from tradition in the form of the innovative ‘head up instrument panel’. Instead of looking at the instruments through the steering wheel, the driver looks over the steering wheel, which has been reduced in size to give a sportier feel, to a raised instrument panel that is more in the line of sight. This new layout increases visibility, reduces driver distraction, and with its full colour display, provides the driver with information on everything from vehicle speed, to radio and media information without having to stray their eyes far from the road.
The 208’s interior is truly a special place to be in, with top notch materials, including available leather upholstery or a funky ‘Urban Vintage’ interior, the cabin utilises LED lights to softly bathe the interior in white light, giving a very upmarket feel. The instruments have been given a ‘comet effect’, with various shades of blue LED lighting, which is echoed in the LED rails of the panoramic glass roof. Driving the 208 at night is truly an experience!
Positioning itself firmly as a premium small car, every version of the 208 comes standard with a large, high resolution 7” touchscreen display, which itself is styled to appear to float off the flowing dashboard. Keeping with the times, the 208 features means to connect an iPod or pen drive with music, or even to stream MP3s wirelessly via Bluetooth.
Obsessive attention to detail
Concern for perceived quality can be seen everywhere, the obsessive attention to detail, like the vents at the end of the dashboard in the shape of a cat’s eye, and the numerous ‘faceted’ components echoing certain sections of the exterior style (grille, roof, cut-out of the boot), everything has been given considerable thought, from the stylised interior door handles, to the leather and metal gear lever, to the soft-touch dashboard, and even the key, which has the style and quality of a key of a large, expensive luxury car.
Placing a firm emphasis on the safety of its occupants, the 208 comes standard with six airbags, ABS with an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) to prevent skidding and a best in class crash safety rating with 5-stars awarded by Euro NCAP. It was, in fact the first car in its class to achieve the 5-star rating under the new, stricter crash test regulations. .
An unbelievable feature in a car of its class is the ‘city park’ function, which not only measures parallel parking spaces and informs the driver if the car will fit easily, but also automatically controls the steering to park the vehicle for you!
In an age where everyone claims to be ‘green’, the 208 proves its merits by showcasing an entirely recycled rear bumper (a world first), as well as several other parts. This bumper alone will allow a saving of 1,600 tonnes of oil per year.
Renowned media personality ShyamaleeTudawe, beautician Ramani Fernando, and fashion designer and educator Niroshini Leanage all experienced the new Peugeot 208 first hand, and wholeheartedly endorsed it for the sophisticated career women of today.
