LONG-TERM TEST: Peugeot 208 1.2 Active
With new vehicle prices and fuel costs seemingly locked in some kind of dark conspiracy against the average motorist these days, cars like the 1.2-litre three-cylinder Peugeot 208 are becoming a real consideration for many.
Peugeot went out to prove the economic mettle of this hatch at a media economy challenge back in June and after my co-driver and I struck the best balance between economy and time-keeping, with an average consumption of 5.19 litres per 100km, Peugeot dropped a 208 1.2 in each of our driveways for three months.
Interesting. While the economy run driving was fairly close to real world cruising, my style of driving would no doubt be right in the heart of everyday reality so the second economy challenge beckoned.
SIPS IN THE CITY
On Joburg's clogged avenues I'd drive as frugally as possible, yet I'd keep with the general pace of traffic and avoid slowing down the flow if you know what I mean. Doing this, my best weekly average came to 6.5 l/100km and my worst was 7.0 - figures that many cars would battle to match on the open road where there's no stopping and starting.
On that topic, rural roads would prove to be a bigger challenge as we hardly crept beyond 100km/h on Peugeot's economy challenge. To many people this is an acceptable rural road speed and at this velocity the 208 is hyper frugal.
Yet my right foot is a bit heavier than that and even when sticking in the region of 120km/h, even slightly below at times, it refused to nudge below the 6.0 l/100km mark. I suspect this has much to do with the 208 being a bit under-geared for highway use. Its five forward ratios are well suited to sprightly acceleration (more on that in a moment), but reach normal highway speeds and you'll find it revving into the 4000 zone. This is not necessarily an uncomfortable experience, as the car is well insulated enough to keep engine noise at bay, but it does affect economy.
FASTER THAN IT SOUNDS
During those moments when I was paying more attention to speed than economy, the 208 really surprised. The 1.2-litre normally aspirated three-cylinder motor sounds puny on paper - with just 60kW at 5750rpm and 118Nm at 2750. Yet on the road it feels quicker than you'd expect it to be; not fast but far from frustratingly slow. It's brisk enough between the lights and if you use the gearbox it'll deliver acceptable performance on the open road, even at Gauteng altitudes. Its three cylinder hum also brings a tinge of fun into your everyday driving experience.
Despite what the spec sheet tells you, this is anything but Peugeot purgatory.
FEELS LIKE A GO-KART
The overall driving experience is quite satisfying. The seats are cushy and supportive and the gearshift operates with easy precision, although the clutch is fairly spongy and has a late take but it's something I eventually got used to.
I really enjoyed the abnormally small steering wheel, which gives it a nimble, kart-like feel, and Peugeot has compensated for any ergonomic drawbacks by placing the instrument binnacle very high on the dash. It's not a completely effective set-up though as some of my colleagues complained that the steering wheel still blocked their view of the dials. I didn't have any trouble with that and whether or not you will really depends on your preferred driving position.
The interior is rather roomy for a car of this size and interior is solidly built. The Active model under scrutiny here is rather well kitted, coming with a user-friendly touch-screen infotainment system along with electric windows all round, electric folding mirrors and cruise control.
VERDICT
Its no fire cracker by any stretch of the imagination, but the little Peugeot is an enjoyable and easy-to-live-with city hatch that delivers beyond expectation.
Only trouble is, the 1.2 Active model sits in a hotly-contested segment and although its price of R184 800 is well within the ballpark, it doesn't stand out as being a top value choice, although it's well worth a look-in if economy is near the top of your priority list.
PRICE
Peugeot 208 1.2 Active (60kW) - R184 800
ALTERNATIVES
Fiat Punto 1.4 Easy (57kW) - R172 990
Ford Fiesta 1.4 Trend (71kW) - R196 500
Hyundai i20 1.4 Glide (73kW) - R191 900
Renault Clio 0.9T Dynamique (66kW) - R189 900
Toyota Yaris 1.3 XS (73kW) - R175 400
VW Polo 1.4 Comfortline (63kW) - R193 000