Peugeot has released the first images and details of its all-new 208 compact hatchback that from next year takes over the baton from the existing 207, which is set to retire after a five-year lifespan.
The French manufacturer claims the newcomer is lighter than its predecessor, despite sharing the same 2540mm wheelbase, and it's reportedly answered criticism of the 207's uninvolving handling by endowing the 208 with the agility of the 205 (arguably the small-hatch benchmark for its era).
Contrary to the trend of cars ballooning in size with each successive generation, the 208 is actually 70mm shorter than its forerunner at 3960mm and about 10mm lower at 1492mm. What's more, the base model weighs just 975kg, which represents a saving of almost 200kg vis-à-vis the lightest 207.
Despite its smaller footprint, Peugeot claims the 208 offers more interior space than the 207 and luggage space has also swelled to 285 litres -- an increment of 15 litres.
The improvements are qualitative as well as quantitative, according to the manufacturer, as the comprehensively revamped cabin is said to be trimmed in better quality materials.
Externally, the 208 embodies similar design language to some of its recently released larger siblings such as the 508 and 3008.
The overall look is more streamlined, with a pronounced cab-forward layout, tapered-back headlights and boomerang-shaped taillights. There's also an interesting swage line on the flanks that curves down from the rump towards the lower extremity of the door.
The 207's 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol powerplants are canned in favour of a miserly range of 1.0 and 1.2-litre VTi units eking out between 55kW and 75kW, and there will also be five diesels on offer in Europe.
Would-be buyers here will need to be patient though, as the 208 won't debut locally until next October's Australian International Motor Show. A pumped-up 208 GTI version (which will ostensibly take on the highly entertaining Renaultsport Clio) is expected to follow in its wheeltracks.
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