2021 Peugeot 208: The most inspiring iteration to date

After introducing the refreshed 3008 in South Africa, the French automaker unveiled the new 208 hatchback in May. Sharing its platform with the Opel Corsa, the 2021 Peugeot 208 comes with updated styling and a host of standard features that make it stand apart in its segment.

Comparing it to the previous model, the 2021 Peugeot 208 boasts a fresh bumper style, wider grille, fang-like daytime running lights, 2-tone (black and chrome) headlights and restructured fog lights. The range-topping GT looks slightly different due to shiny black mirrors, shiny black wheel arches, and full LED headlights.

We can find up to two spoilers at the back, depending on the variant you choose, as well as Peugeot’s LED claw-effect taillights connected into a sleek black finishing strip. 

Inside, the 2021 Peugeot 208 gains the brand’s third-generation i-Cockpit with a 3-dimensional digital heads-up instrument cluster, a 7- or 10-inch infotainment display supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a 180-degree colour rear-view parking display from the camera. The steering wheel is compact, and the cabin gives an upscale feel.

Peugeot offers the 208 hatchback in three trim levels: Active, Allure and the range-topping GT. It comes with two engine choices - a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre and a turbocharged 3-cylinder 1.2-litre PureTech. 

The entry-level Active comes equipped with the naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre mill generating 55 kW and 118 NM, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. You cannot have it with the automatic.

The mid-level Allure gets the more potent turbo petrol unit creating 74 kW and 205 Nm, mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Opting for the auto gearbox bumps power up to 96 kW and 230 Nm of torque for the Allure and the GT.

Peugeot has ensured the safety of passengers inside the 208 through traffic sign recognition, driver attention alert, lane-keeping assist, automatic headlights, hill start assist, active safety brake, a 180-degree rear camera, and park assist sensors. 

The good thing about the new 2021 Peugeot 208 is its host of standard features for the entry-level model. Gizmos like multifunction trip computer, cruise control, push-button start, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto friendly), and a 3.5-inch instrument panel display all come pre-configured.

The best of the lot is the 208 GT that adds heated front seats in addition to a range of active safety facilities consisting of lane-keeping assist, speed limit recognition, and blind-spot monitoring. Other welcome inclusions are programmable mood lighting and an inductive charging pad.

If these features aren’t enough to make up your mind, you should know that the 208 received the 2020 European Car of The Year award and remained the best-selling car in Europe in the first Q1 of this year. 

The 2021 Peugeot 208 Active starts at R289,900. The Allure costs R349,900 with the manual and R379,900 with the automatic transmission. Finally, the top-of-the-line GT goes for R424,900. All the models in the lineup come with Peugeot’s 5-year/100,000km warranty and at least 3-year/60,000 km service plan.

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