2024 Peugeot 208 facelift makes it one spicy hatchback
We want Peugeot to bring the 2024 208 to the Philippines
Peugeot Philippines may be offering a slew of crossovers (plus a van) in their current lineup. But back in the day, the French automaker used to sell a hatchback, the 208. What's more, the model they were selling before was the hot hatch version dubbed the GTi.
Unfortunately, the 208 was discontinued for the Philippine market as Peugeot decided to focus on the more popular crossover segment. That means we missed our chance on getting the all-new 208 that was revealed in early 2019. We also didn't get the all-electric e-208 revealed last year.
Fast forward to the present day, and the 2024 Peugeot 208 facelift has officially been unveiled. Sporting a more aggressive front fascia and a sleeker rear end, the stylish hatchback looks more daring than ever. Immediately, your eyes are drawn to the claw-like LED daytime running lights. According to Peugeot, these were actually first introduced to the 9X8 Hypercar and helped give the 208 a sportier look. In fact, all variants come with the new lights but the GT gets an extended set that reaches all the way to the LED headlights.
Around the back, the 208 comes with a new LED light bar with “three juxtaposed red claws”. They now have a horizontal design but remain faithful to the original cluster design as before. And if those are not enough, Peugeot will also put extras on the GT version courtesy of black wheel arches and a black roof. Last but not least, new 16- and 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheel designs are available for the refreshed 208.
Step inside and the updated hatchback greets occupants with a pair of digital screens. Both measure 10 inches. One serves as the instrument cluster while the other is the touchscreen infotainment system. As before, there's the D-cut steering wheel that provides a sporty look and feel while the generous use of gloss piano black trim further gives the hatchback a more upmarket finish.
Other key features present inside the 2024 208 hatch include LED ambient lighting, a host of USB-C charging ports, a more powerful wireless charging pad, and front/rear cameras for better visibility while parking or maneuvering through tight spaces.
A choice of electrified internal combustion engines (ICE) is available for the 2024 Peugeot 208. Starting with the ICEs, there's a naturally-aspirated 1.2-liter three-cylinder that makes 75 PS and a turbocharged version that makes 100 PS. The former connects to a 5-speed manual while the latter gets a 6-speed manual.
Next is the electrified 1.2-liter PureTech 48V Hybrid powertrains. The assisted turbocharged engines are available in 100 PS and 136 PS versions and benefit from an electric motor integrated into the 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. The result is up to 15% lower fuel consumption and the ability for the powertrain to run on pure electric power at speeds of up to 30 km/h on a full charge.
Last but not least is the all-electric heart of the e-208. It has a 51 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an electric motor that puts out 156 PS and 260 Nm of torque. On a full charge, it has an estimated range of 400 km based on the WLTP cycle and comes with a 7.4 kW charging system. Available as an option is a more powerful 11 kW three-phase charger that allows the system to recharge from 20% to 80% in less than 25 minutes via a 100 kW fast charger.
The 2024 Peugeot 208 is set to arrive in European markets later this year while other countries could get it by early next year. There's no word yet if the updated 208 hatchback will be offered here given that crossovers are now more popular locally. But do you think Peugeot should at least offer the all-electric e-208 as a niche EV alongside the previewed e-2008? Let us know in the comments.
