The Peugeot 208 was unveiled nearly seven years ago
and now we’re finally getting a good glimpse at the next-generation model. Snapped undergoing testing in
Southern Europe, the redesigned 208 GTi looks pretty promising despite being
covered by extensive camouflage. A large part of this is due to the fact that
the hatchback will adopt the same design language which debuted on the stylish
508 and 508 SW earlier this year.
Starting up front, the car has a slender grille
which is flanked by distinctive lighting units that feature three vertical
elements. Further below, there’s a large lower air intake and fang-like LED
daytime running lights.
The model has a pronounced front overhang, but it
appears the car will have streamlined bodywork and a stylish shoulder line. The
hatchback also adopts a more rakish windscreen and a traditional greenhouse. The rear end is more evolutionary
and we can see the 208 will have a large spoiler and 508-inspired taillights.
The car also has a dual exhaust system and a license plate area which has been
relocated to the bumper.
Peugeot has been tight-lipped about specifications,
but the 208 will ride on the new EMP1 architecture which will debut on the DS3
Crossback. Engine options could be shared between the models, but there’s no
word on specifics as the DS3 Crossback won’t be unveiled until the Paris Motor
Show this fall.
While engine options remain a mystery, Peugeot has
already confirmed plans for an electric model which will ride on the e-CMP architecture.
The model is expected to have a 50 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an electric
motor that produces around 113 hp. This setup may enable the
hatchback to travel more than 450 km between recharges.
Peugeot styling guru Gilles Vidal has suggested the
electric variant will closely resemble the standard model as he previously
stated “We do not need to shout about the fact that this car is the electric
version.” He added the upcoming 208 EV will “complement the 208 range, rather
than become its own version.” There have been rumors that the 208 GTi will also be offered in
electric guise. That’s unconfirmed at the moment, but it would be interesting
to see a small electric performance hatchback.
Cr : Carscoops
