FUN RIDE: Photo shows a Peugeot 208. The all new Peugeot 208 has redefined the meaning of ‘fun’ in driving as the recently launched hatchback brings about a whole new level of excitement in a feature-rich B-segment vehicle slotted in an affordable price range under the six-figure mark.
KUCHING: The all new Peugeot 208 has redefined the meaning of ‘fun’ in driving as the recently launched hatchback brings about a whole new level of excitement in a feature-rich B-segment vehicle slotted in an affordable price range under the six-figure mark.
The latest B-segment offering from the French automaker comes in two variants, the first being a three-door featuring 17 inch alloy wheels, a gorgeous sunroof taking up most of the hardtop along with extra ‘bling’ chrome accents.
The second 208 model is a five-door variant with 16-inch alloy wheels. Both are powered by a four-cylinder 1.6-litre normally aspirated engine mated to a four-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission with a toggle-activated ‘Sports’ mode.
The 208 paid respect to the legendary 205 which won several accolades in its active lifetime in Peugeot’s pride of lions. This was evident in the recurring theme of boomerangs in the aerodynamic 208, signifying a return trajectory to the 205’s legacy.
FEATURES GALORE: The features are found to be abundant in the five-door Peugeot 208, especially in the aesthetics realm as it has front and rear LED lighting, interactive HD colour touchscreen at the centre console, near heads up instrument panel and dual zone temperature controls.
When test-driven by The Borneo Post, the features were found to be abundant in the five-door 208, especially in the aesthetics realm as it had front and rear LED lighting, interactive high definition (HD) colour touchscreen at the centre console, near heads up instrument panel and dual zone temperature controls, a rare feature in this segment.
The seven inch HD touchscreen was the heart of the interior, giving access to the multiple functions such as radio, MP3 via USB and Bluetooth, all fed into six speakers giving full and rich audio response. There was no optical disc player as the 208 was the 21st century’s first Peugeot to forgo it.
It was also rich in safety features as it had six airbags, advanced electronic power steering System, anti-lock braking system (ABS), emergency brake assist (EBA), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), electronic stability programme (ESP) with Anti Skid Regulator and Dynamic Stability Control, to name a few.
All in all, the overall package was found to be quite appealing as all the features packed into the vehicle made quite a value for money statement, with the ‘cool, youthful and vibrant’ lifestyle theme making it quite attractive to the young and young at heart.
Upon turning the key to on mode, the vehicle performed a systems diagnostic (which was quite interesting to observe) and when started, the exterior noise was quite pleasantly suppressed to a comfortable level in the cabin.
Driving up to a local resort along the coast for a test drive, taking on the long and meandering roads was quite a delight as the 208 performed very smoothly in terms on acceleration, handling, stability and the overall driving experience.
To summarise, the 208 represents and brings back the joy of owning and driving a motor vehicle as it is quite a marvel to drive and fuel efficient (with a stated 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres) while being backed by a five year unlimited mileage warranty.
Furthermore, it is an integral part of Peugeot’s proactive measures to stay green with reduced emissions while 25 per cent of the polymers in the vehicle originate from recycled and natural materials.
Packed to the brim with features galore (too numerous for this review), the 208 is at the helm of a new breed of eco-designed automobile highlighted by the culmination of value for money, low cost ownership and sheer fun.