GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Peugeot 208 cleans up

Peugeot has given its 208 a fresh new look for 2015. In comes a new front bumper, wider grille and more chrome brightwork plus LED running lamps if you opt for the higher-spec models.

At the rear the revised 208 range also gains new LED tail-light while inside there’s an all-new 7.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system on high-grade trims. The new system adds a mirror screen function for both Apple and Android phones.

A new sporty trim called 'GT Line' also joins the line-up. Introducing GTi styling elements like 17-inch alloys, gloss black surrounds to the grille, foglights and chrome exhaust tips. Inside the GT Line the 208 gets sport seats with red stitching, gloss black door handles and a sports steering wheel

A new bright new colour called Orange Power will also be available on the facelift range.

Under the bonnet Peugeot claims all of its engines now meet stringent Euro 6 emissions with all 208s fitted with the BlueHDI diesels now have emissions of less than 95g/km of CO2.

Most impressive is the revised 55kW and 74kW version of the 1.6-litre BlueHDI that, with the five-speed manual, can average 3.0L/100km while emitting just 79g/km of CO2.

A new 81kW version of the petrol turbocharged 1.2-litre has also been added. Called the PureTech 110, it’s the same engine you’ll find in larger 308 but in the smaller 208, thanks to the addition of stop-start tech and a five-speed manual, the frugal petrol emits just 103g/km of CO2.

Safety has also been enhanced on the 208 with the option of a reversing camera and a new active city braking feature.

Finally, the 208 GTi 30th Anniversary becomes a permanent part of the range as the renamed 'GTi by PEUGEOT Sport'. That’s good news for the those who missed out on the 20 limited cars that came here but bad news for those who bought one as an investment.

Peugeot is yet to announced final pricing and what exact models we’ll get here when the refreshed 208 arrives Down Under around October.

However, expect to see Australia's revised 208 range -- which will mirror the line-up of the larger 308 --  headlined by the new GT Line, the new 1.2-litre turbo triple to replace the current 1.6 petrol, and a new entry-level Access model beneath Active and Allure variants, followed by a refreshed 208 GTi.