The French may be famed for their artisanship when it comes to wine and cheese, but we often overlook their prowess on the car front. The new Peugeot 208 looks set to change all that, reinvigorating the French company’s brand core and breathing new life into the industry with its sleek design. The car, heralded as a ‘supermini’ (bigger than a city car but smaller than a small family car), has us very excited, so without further ado let’s have a look at the machine!
The 208 chops off another 173kg from the 207′s already featherweight bulk whilst upping the available legroom by 5cm. A big plus for the green-minded and those taller fans of Peugeot alike. The green aspect being increasingly important to its customers, Peugeot has ensured that the 208 emits under 100g/km of CO2. This is a cool move for the company as it knows it was treading in dangerous water with its previous models.
The biggest appeal for most isn’t in the 208′s weight or green credentials, of course, but rather in its fantastically aerodynamic and futuristic design. It is a stylish car with hints of lavishness, from the full-sky sunroof to appreciate those aerial vistas to the touchscreen computer system. Sleek touches abound, with the windscreen melding into the sunroof seamlessly. It all screams class in a demure way only the French could achieve. Peugeot’s classic touches and refined look are to be found everywhere on the car, reminding us why the company’s range has been so popular.
The car is available in three customisable designs for those urbanites who want to stand out from the crowd. Each appeals to a varied demographic, the ‘Ligne S’ aiming for the gearheads with its motorsport theme. The ‘Street’ is maybe for a younger crowd, or perhaps just a more adventurous one! The model that Peugeot will perhaps be pushing the most is ‘Graffic’ as it visually states everything the company is hoping to portray, with its decadent chrome finish for that hint of elegance. In any case, the 208 has come a long way from its predecessors and things can only get better for Peugeot.
About the author: Carl English is currently writing for carhoots.com. Having graduated from The University of Glasgow with an MA in English Language in 2011, he has been working with several publication companies in France and the UK. His interests lie primarily in digital content and online magazine production.
