Peugeot has announced that the new 208 supermini will have a starting price of €18,300 when it goes on sale in Ireland this week.
Pricey, but well-equipped
Order books are already open for the 208 at Irish dealers, and the first deliveries of cars will happen in early 2020. Peugeot has also announced that the electric e-208 will cost from €27,3345 inclusive of Government grants and rebates.
That €18,300 price tag puts the 208 at the upper end of the small hatchback market, but Peugeot will presumably be hoping that it can carry a slightly more premium air about itself. It will be interesting to see how the new Opel Corsa, which uses the same platform and engines, will be priced relative to the 208 when that goes on sale.
Mind you, expensive it might be, but the basic 208 Active model comes with a long list of standard equipment, including 16-inch alloy wheels, tyre pressure monitor, ESP with Hill Assist, multifunctional leather steering wheel, hands free start, alarm, six airbags, air conditioning, comfort seats, cruise control and speed limiter, extended traffic sign recognition, auto headlamps, DAB radio, rear parking sensors, the Peugeot i-Cockpit interior (which includes a seven-inch touchscreen, mirrorscreen mobile phone connection, USB socket, compact steering wheel and customisable digital heads up display) and a smartphone holder. That's all standard on the 75hp 1.2-litre petrol versions.
Electric version comes with more toys
Step up to the e-208 electric version, in Active trim, and you'll also get automatic climate control, front central armrest, two USB sockets in the rear, electric parking brake, auto wipers and advanced automatic emergency braking system. The 136hp electric unit with a 50kWh battery, develops 260Nm of torque. With three drive modes on offer, (Eco, Normal and Sport), the e-208 delivers 0-100km/h in 8.1 seconds in Sport Mode. Drive range is up to 340km, on the WLTP test. The battery is guaranteed for eight years or 160,000km. Interior and boot-space are identical to the petrol or diesel versions as the batteries are distributed under the floor pan.
The second trim level, Allure, starts from €21,450 and comes with the 100hp turbocharged version of the 1.2 petrol engine. Standard equipment includes electric folding mirrors, an electro-chrome rear view mirror, automatic climate control, front central armrest, two USB sockets in the front and rear, electric parking brake, auto wipers and front and rear parking sensors. All Allure models also have as standard half-leather upholstery, rear electric windows, rear door privacy glass and quartz 3D instrument cluster.
GT-Line and GT versions
GT-Line models, also starting with the 100hp engine, kick off at €23,595, and come with 17-inch alloys, frameless electro-chrome rear view mirror, full LED headlamps, LED side indicators, high beam assist, reversing camera, ambient lighting, full grain leather multifunction steering wheel and GT Line badge and styling.
There will also be a GT version of the e-208, retailing from €32,660, inclusive of SEAI grant and VRT relief, and has as standard, hands-free access, active blindspot detection, Alcantara fabric with half leather-effect, front passenger seat height adjustment, heated seats and GT badging and styling.
Colin Sheridan, Sales and Marketing Director at Gowan Distributors, Peugeot Importer in Ireland, said: "The all-new 208 is the first vehicle in Peugeot's line-up to fulfil the company's new philosophy of 'choose your Peugeot model, choose your petrol, diesel or electric powertrain.' With a very strong 20-series heritage and existing customer base already in Ireland, I have no doubt the excellent press reviews stemming from the international press launch in October, will attract many conquest sales. We very much look forward with confidence to the arrival of the new 208 and e-208 and the new-201 registration plate."