Why the French B-segment hatchback makes those offered by rival brands in Thailand look obsolete.
That’s a nice-looking car!
This is the latest generation of the Peugeot 208 which makes its world premiere at the Geneva motor show next month.
The B-segment hatchback has a completely redesigned exterior now made funkier via the use of plastic accents on the wheel arches.
The interior has been modernised via digital instrument panels, configurable head-up display and large infotainment screen. The steering wheel and gear lever have also been jazzed up.
The 208 sits on a new platform that weighs 30kg less than in its predecessor. As Peugeot is tied up with Citroen, DS, Opel and Vauxhall in Europe, expect the floorplan to be made to good use.
And you mean it’s electric-only now?
Not really. But this is the first time Peugeot has taken a mainstream model and offered it with the choice of all-electric power. It's pictured here in blue colour.
Maximum power is rated at 136hp and can allow the so-called e-208 to drive up to 338km (under the new WLTP method, and not the older NEDC mode still used in Thailand).
Peugeot says it takes 20hr to charge via domestic plug and 8hr with dedicated wallbox. And if using a 100kW rapid charging point, electric power can be replenished to 80% in 30min.
Combustion engines are still on offer, some of them including 100hp 1.5-litre diesel-turbo and 130hp 1.2-litre petrol-turbo. The latter unit is paired with eight-speed automatic. There are also lower outputs for the 1.2-litre focusing on economy.
Those Ecocars in Thailand look obsolete!
Don’t even mention about the 208 going all-electric. Most Ecocars in Thailand (B-segment ones like the Toyota Yaris) still use sub-100hp non-turbo motors with wheezy CVT auto ’boxes.
And apart from a digitised fascia, Peugeot has made available 10 driver-assist items in the new 208. There’s also electronic parking brake and smartphone app to remotely pre-operate the air-con system.
But as this segment is guarded with special excise tax and industrial perks, outsiders hardly stand a chance of tailoring competitive prices (even if assembled in this region).
Like several other European and Korean mass-market brands, Peugeot is slowly withering away in Thai passenger car market. A pity, considering how good the 208 looks upon first impressions.
