After leaving DS with luxury categories and Citroën focused on niche markets, Peugeot was freed to be PSA’s main marque. In other words, the biggest responsible for the best-selling categories. This approach is interesting because it restricts the company to a particular customer, and therefore allows it to satisfy them more. In Peugeot’s case, this new intention has been executed by making their cars better both literally and figuratively. The first part means they are receiving new platforms, more modern manufacturing technologies, more efficient motors and more comfortable cabins. The company wants people to be attracted by the qualities of its cars, rather than by low prices. The second part can be better introduced with 208’s very first facelift.
One of the best values for which a company can be known is consistency, and Peugeot knows that. Instead of having the hatchback’s looks heavily changed, in order to “look younger”, it managed to make the original style look better. Up front, the headlights received dark finishing, the grille is wider, its frame alternates between chrome and black, and the fog lights feature a black-plastic frame with chrome strips that looks much better than the previous one. The sides show retouched mirrors and new wheels. The rear, in turn, took the maker’s current design language to a new level: the previous lion claw-shaped tail lights had their internal design redone so as to look like scratches made by a… lion claw. Could it get better than that?
208’s interior will give you very similar feelings. Since its sporty design is still quite attractive, Peugeot decided to keep most of it. This means you’ll still have that small steering wheel and a dashboard that lies above it. However, the materials are expected to have become better, specially the leather available at upscale trims, and there will be an updated infotainment system. The touchscreen that you can find above the air vents now features MirrorScreen, a new function which improves connectivity with smartphones and offers a series of new applications. Sportier trims get some trim details of their own, such as adding the red color to the front grille, touchscreen software, instrument cluster, and the internal stitching. But there are more news concerning this last bit.
If you like hot hatches but isn’t quite satisfied with the GTi, Peugeot can solve the problem in two ways. If you can’t afford it, the new GT Line loses the extra power and some visual aids so to ask less, while still being sportier than the conventional trims. If, in turn, you want more, you’ll be glad to know that the 30th anniversary edition became a regular: the only change through which it went is being called GTi by Peugeot Sport. Regarding engines, the whole range now meets Euro 6 standards; the BlueHDi 1.6 burns diesel and emits only 94 g/km of CO2. And there’s a new PureTech 1.2 with gasoline, which delivers 110 hp, and a new six-speed automatic transmission. This vehicle was officially presented during this year’s Geneva Auto Show.