Refreshed Second-Gen Peugeot 208 And e-208 Bows

The second-gen Peugeot 208 and e-208 has been refreshed with prominent new exterior styling tweaks.

The second-gen Peugeot 208 hatchback range has been updated, with this latest 2024 model year iteration sporting significant styling tweaks inside and out. On top of which, its electrified e-208 version gained a peppier new motor too, and this comes on top of two new hybrid petrol-electric powertrain choices added.

Starting with the exterior, the most obvious change is the switch from the old lion logo and badging to Peugeot’s latest’s crest. In fact, this aligns with what we’ve seen in the refreshed 508 and 2008 that debuted earlier this year.

Biggest changes can be seen in the switch to the new Peugeot crest, plus the restyled LED lighting arrangements front and aft.

Along with that came bolder new tri-fang DRL signature plus a broader front grille. At the rear, the refreshed 208 sees its light bar has adapted in turn with three red ‘claws’ that extends across the full width of the tailgate.

On board, Peugeot’s novel i-Cockpit base cabin and dash design remains, meaning no changes in the ‘compact’ steering wheel size, design and somewhat awkward positioning in relations to the instrument display.

On board, changes are minimal, but there is a new 10-inch touchscreen offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity now.

What is new though is the 10-inch touchscreen previously reserved for higher-end variants, which is now standard across the board, though a high-definition panel is limited to Allure and GT models. Also new now too are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Besides that, the active driver assist (ADAS) suite on board has also been enhanced to include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, as well as road-sign recognition. This likely stems from compliance with the EU’s new GSR2 safety standards.

Pure-electric e-208 model now benefits with a peppier new 154 HP motor matched with a larger new 51 kWH battery, the latter boosting range up to 400 KM now too.

On to powertrains, and this latest refresh firstly sees the pure-electric e-208 gaining a peppier new 154 HP motor juiced by a larger new 51 kWH battery, the latter boosting range up to 400 KM now. Said battery also now accepts 100 kW DC rapid-charging inputs, thus allowing 20-80% charges in 25 minutes.

Next comes two new hybrid options that feature a 48-volt system working in tandem with Peugeot’s PureTech 100 HP and 136 HP petrol mills. Electrification sees both mills revving lower to improve fuel efficiency by 15%. Peugeot even claims these run on electric for more than 50% of the time in urban drives.

As for the regular combustion-powered option, the 1.2-litre 3-cyl mill from before remains, offering either 75 HP or 100 HP outputs. Additionally, these can be mated with either a 5-speed or 6-speed manual transmission options respectively.

Has Europe's best-selling hatchback been made just a touch better?

Peugeot has not yet announced pricing or availability of the new 208 and e-208, but given its status as Europe’s best-selling hatch, both models are expected to go on sale soon.

Locally, the previous generation Peugeot 208 (chassis code: A9) was offered by previous distributors Nasim Sdn Bhd in both pre-facelift and face-lifted forms. This second-gen follow-up didn’t make landfall in Malaysia and, given current distributors BAuto and their affinity for crossover SUVs, it seems unlikely that we’ll see this popular European hatch enter our market just yet.