He Peugeot 208 It is the car of the moment. Not only because it was renewed a couple of months ago, but because it has become the new king of the market, displacing the Fiat Cronos, the best-selling vehicle in the country for the last three and a half years, from the top of the ranking.
The 208 had been “asking for a clue” for a long time. After the launch in 2020 of the new generation that made it an emblem of the national industry (it previously came from Brazil), the compact manufactured in Palomar became among the best sellers.
In 2021 it was fourth with 15,812 patented units, while in 2022 and 2023 it finished as the second best-selling model in the country with 25,649 and 36,454 units respectively. Its pace did not slow down in 2024, although it was somewhat contained while waiting for this renovation that replicates the current aesthetics of its European counterpart, incorporating a new mechanical assembly consisting of the turbo engine (T200) developed by Stellantis and adds technology to place it at the top of its segment.
That it is the new number one in sales is not a coincidence nor the result of a great marketing strategy. It is not the cheapest car either, although it is among the 10 cheapest in October.
The 208 has arguments to maintain its leadership. Among them, and perhaps not so well known, is that it is developed on a modern global platform (CMP) that ensures that the models manufactured in Palomar (there is also the new 2008) have certain quality standards and production processes that comply with standards of markets more demanding than ours.
Another fact is that it has an iintegration of national parts of 40% and greater than 50% at the regional level.
The new Peugeot 208 has a range made up of six versions equipped with two gasoline engine options: the well-known 1.6-liter 115 horsepower, associated with a five-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic transmission (available in four versions); and the 1.0 liter turbo, three-cylinder, 120 horsepoweraccompanied by a CVT-type automatic transmission (reserved for the two most equipped variants).
It is the only one in the range that is equipped with 17-inch wheels.Prices start from $22,550,000 (Active) and go up to $29,900,000 (GT).
Sporty aesthetics and turbo engine
Clarion tried the top-of-the-range version called “GT”, which has nothing to do with the 208 GT that came from Europe with the 1.2-liter, turbo, 130-horsepower Pure Tech engine.
The Argentine GT – like the rest of the range – does resemble the European one in terms of appearance. The most important changes compared to the previous one are in the front part where it debuts a group of headlights with a full LED lighting system, a larger grille that shows off the brand’s new logo, bumpers, and three daytime running lighting strips (also LED ), which give it that feline “claw type” trait.
The perceived quality of the 208 is among the best in the segment. This GT version is also characterized by adding black plastic inserts on the wheel arches, dark casings on the mirrors, rear spoiler and 17 inch diamond wheels.
Another peculiarity is its equipment, since it is the only one in the range with driving assistance systems, such as forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking and active lane keeping assist.
Inside, almost nothing changes. The i-Cockpit concept is still present as in the previous 208, with a digital instrument panel with a 3D effect, a rather small diameter hexagonal steering wheel (it incorporates the GT badge), and a 10-inch center console slightly oriented towards the driver with several physical keys that help to handle some functions more intuitively.
The board uses two screens to create a 3D image, as if it were a hologram.The only differences are that the leather upholstery has clear stitching, there are standard and Type-C USB ports, and the wireless phone charger is now available. more powerful and its drawer is refrigeratedpreventing the equipment from overheating.
The interior exhibits good quality of materials and finish but without differing too much from what can be found in the category.
The driving position is good. The steering wheel is adjustable in depth and height as is the seat (manual). Even so, the upper rim of the steering wheel does not allow the entire instrument to be seen, forcing the driver to move his head slightly to do so.
The daytime running lights scheme is now made up of three LED strips as if they were “claws”.For its part, space remains limited in the rear seatswhere there is little room for legs and head height. The trunk is also small, with a loading capacity of 311 liters.
Where it really comes into its own is in the walk. The 120 HP turbo engine gives it a plus agility and reaction which it does not achieve with the 1.6 aspirated 115 HP. And not so much because of those 5 extra HP, but because of its 200 Nm of torque starting at 1,750 revolutions, which allows it to have a immediate response at all times.
The CVT box also has efficient performance, unlike other similar boxes. That’s why the best of the mechanical package occurs both in the city and on the road.
On urban routes it offers a serene and comfortable ride. In addition, the steering is very efficient and fast, offering very good maneuverability, especially in small spaces.
The T200 engine has a chain distribution system. The behavior on the road is remarkable. The car travels with the poise of a larger model, planted well and responding in a great way, even on uneven surfaces.
The 208 GT is a fun car to drive; comfortable for those who do not need space, very well equipped and with a sporty look. It is the maximum exponent of a varied range with offers for all types of preferences and pockets.
Technical sheet
- Largo: 4.055 mm
- Ancho: 1.745 mm
- Alto: 1.453 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,538 mm
- Trunk: 311 dm3
- Fuel tank: 47 liters
- Tires: 205/45 R17
- Engine: Gasoline, three-cylinder, 1.0L turbo
- Power: 120 HP at 5,750 rpm
- Torque: 200 Nm a 1.750 rpm
- Traction: front
- Transmission: Automatic, CVT type
- Maximum speed: 185 km/h
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 9 seconds
- Average consumption: 8L/100 km
Featured equipment
- Front and front side airbags
- Curtain airbags
- Stability and traction control
- Hill Start Assist
- Collision risk alert
- Autonomous emergency brake
- Active Lane Keep Assist
- Reading maximum speed signs
- rear view camera
- Rear parking sensors
- Digital climate control
- 10” multimedia screen
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Inductive cell phone charger
- Fixed panoramic roof
- Leather upholstery
- Multifunction steering wheel adjustable in height and depth
