VIDEO | Peugeot 208 hybrid test: PureTech, yes or no?

The Stellantis group, which enjoys tremendous success in the European market, has recently been involved in a controversy that has made it pay dearly for much of its reputation. We are referring to the famous endemic failure with the timing belt of the 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder engine, which has especially affected Peugeot .

As with almost everything that so many "enlightened" people speak about, not everything said about the subject has been true. Broadly speaking, we can affirm that with correct maintenance, no breakdown will necessarily occur. Now, in case the belt ends up breaking prematurely, as long as the last three maintenances have been done correctly, the mark of the lion would take care of repair it at no cost thanks to the extended warranty of 10 years or 175.000 km.

Peugeot 208 hybrid: now with Eco label

Be that as it may, in addition to the two traditional gasoline versions and two other 100% electric versions, the renewed Peugeot 208 incorporates from now on in its range two new microhybrid versions with Eco label which nip the problem in the bud by ditching the belt in favor of a timing chain.

El new Peugeot 208 hybrid -o Hybrid, as it is known in dealerships - is available with 100 and 136 HP of power. Both equip practically the same three-cylinder, 1,2-liter PureTech block, but solving the failure with the aforementioned technical modification. During the national presentation, we were able to drive the most powerful version of all - with the permission of the 156 HP electric car - and these are our conclusions...

A 208 with 100 hp is enough

Regarding performance, it must be said that a 100 hp version (either the traditional PureTech with C label or the Peugeot 208 hybrid, depending on the needs and the price you are willing to pay) already delivers with flying colors in most cases. It allows you both to move around in urban daily life while spending little (the average is around 6 l/100 km, even slightly less in MHEVs) and to face a long trip from time to time with complete peace of mind. The engine response is good and, although it may seem underpowered, it maintains cruising on fast roads with great ease.

Perhaps the 136 HP one may be a better option for those who are going to take advantage of the interior space and the four or five seats more frequently. In that case, the almost 40 extra HP will come in handy to relieve the work of the mechanics and so that the more than 1.500 kg total can move with more vigor. The handicap is that This power level is only associated with the highest trim, the GT, and therefore will be noticeably more expensive than the 100 HP ones. Specifically, it exceeds 22.000 euros.

News in the Peugeot 208 2024

The changes presented by this commercial mid-life redesign They are seen at first glance. Firstly, the front incorporates a somewhat larger grille at the bottom and with the new retro-type logo already present. In addition, the daytime running lights add two more vertical LED strips in the upper finishes to go from emulating the previous fangs of a lion to the current claws.

We also see new, more aerodynamic wheel designs on 16 and 17 inch size, as well as new, much more striking body colors. The best example, Águeda Yellow from the test unit, which is the only one that does not have an extra cost.

The rear part incorporates a new lettering from Peugeot larger, covering almost the entire dark area that joins both ends. In these, by the way, we find new pilots with horizontal daytime shapes instead of vertical ones, which gives a greater sensation of width. The dimensions do not change: it continues to exceed 4 meters in length by six centimeters, while it reaches 1,75 meters in width and 1,43 in height. The wheelbase is 2,54 meters.

Improvement in digitalization

Inside, the most notable novelty is the step from 7 to 10 inches of the central screen in all standard finishes. For the rest, we have good space for four adults or for two adults and three children, a quite positive feeling of quality (it is a step above the average in segment B) and the same configuration of the Peugeot i-Cockpit as It is advisable to allocate a few hours to get used to it if it catches us new.

La trunk capacity It varies between 265 and 309 liters, depending on whether we choose a zero-emission E-208 or a version with a combustion engine.

Dynamically there are no changes. The improvements in this section will wait a couple of years or three more until the generational leap, which will coincide with the release of the new STLA Small platform to retire the current CMP. Thus, we continue to enjoy a fairly balanced drive in terms of comfort and firmness: it is as noble in the daily routine of the city as on the asphalt of secondary schools and highways; although, yes, the seats in the Active and Allure finishes will force you to take the recommended breaks for the benefit of your back.

Prices of the new Peugeot 208 2024

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