Landing in Cape Town to try out the new 208 on its media launch, I must admit that I was expecting some kind of arty-farty city-based affair to experience Peugeot's new baby in its natural habitat.
But upon entering the car and checking out the route guide, it soon became clear that no city driving was on the agenda. Instead we'd get the treacherously twisty Bainskloof Pass and some long, and sometimes badly surfaced, stretches en route to Paternoster on the west coast. Were they trying to convince us it's a sports car? Either way, that was a very brave move, Peugeot.
Looking ahead of me I noticed another sign that Peugeot is trying to pull off the whole sporty driver's car thing - it has an abnormally small, and low-positioned, steering wheel. Peugeot says this set-up also makes for better manoeuvrability around town and driver can reposition it for both height and reach.
The next thing you're likely to notice is its large 18-inch touch screen interface that looks like an extension of your smart phone. It functions as a radio and will connect to your phone via Bluetooth but sadly there is no navigation. This, says Peugeot, is only likely to be offered on the flagship model next year.
The 208 is a completely new design that, compared to the 207 it replaces, is smaller and up to 173kg lighter, yet thanks to some clever packaging it's also more spacious. Peugeot says it has 5.2cm more rear knee room and that its boot volume has grown by 15 litres to 311 litres.
It does feel spacious inside, as well as rather classy - thanks to some good quality materials.
JUST THREE CYLINDERS
My big question mark hung over the performance though. The bottom and middle models are fitted with a brand new 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that's not turbocharged. As a result it musters just 60kW at 5750rpm and 118Nm at 2750rpm. Performance was actually quite acceptable and my impression was that it has just enough power to tackle the open road comfortably at sea level (I suspect it's going to be quite sluggish at Gauteng altitude) and its off-beat three-cylinder rhythm is actually quite entertaining. During the press conference that evening, one of Peugeot's speakers even admitted that the 1.2 is aimed at a more feminine market that's not concerned with kilowatts.
One thing's for sure, it will appeal to anyone looking to save money at the pumps as, on paper at least, it's the most economical petrol engine in its class - with an official claimed combined cycle figure of just 4.5 litres per 100km. This translates into a CO2 emissions number of 104g/km, which makes it almost as 'green' as a Toyota Prius.
Those who do have a bit more octane in their blood can still opt for the flagship model fitted with Peugeot's familiar 1.6-litre petrol engine, which pushes 88kW at 6000rpm and 160Nm at 4250rpm, at a cost of 5.8 l/100km on the mixed cycle. This motor makes for comfortable open road cruising, but its relatively long gear ratios mean it's not quite the sprinter you'd expect it to be. However, it is extremely quiet and composed at speeds well beyond the limit.
The 208 also proved agile enough through the twisty bits and stayed well planted even through the bumpy corners. My only gripes, in this context, concerned the light steering and, at least on the 1.2 model, a third gear ratio that feels a bit too tall. That light steering, though, will make it a pleasure in town, as will the smooth operation of the driving controls.
THE RANGE
1.2 VTi Access - R154 900
1.2 VTi Active - R169 900
1.6 VTi Allure - R189 900
As you'll see in the price table above, the 1.2-litre models seem too expensive for what they offer in power terms, but all models in the range are rather well equipped and there’s a five-year/60 000km maintenance plan included in the price.
Your entry-level into the range, the 1.2 Access, is fitted with air conditioning (which also refrigerates the cubby hole), electric front windows, trip computer, an MP3/USB/CD audio system with Bluetooth functionality, a height- and reach-adjustable steering wheel with audio controls and a height-adjustable driver's seat. Safety kit includes ABS and dual-front airbags.
The VTi Active adds the 18cm touch screen as well as cruise control with speed limiter, electrically operated mirrors with folding function, electric rear windows, height-adjustable passenger seat and side airbags. On the outside you'll tell it apart by 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, full exterior colour coding and a chrome grille surround.
If the range-topper allures you, you'll also enjoy dual zone climate control, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, electrochromatic rear-view mirror, leather-covered steering wheel and curtain-level front airbags. To set you apart from the Joneses, the Allure also packs 16-inch alloys, a 'glitter' grille and LED daytime running lights.
While some might accuse the 208's design of being a little fussy, it certainly stands out and is likely to find much appeal among young-hearted, trendy types. Just a pity that the even sportier three-door model is not being offered in South Africa.
Only the GTI will have this body shell and that's due next year. It's also fitted with the RCZ's 147kW 1.6 turbo engine. We can't wait.