The New 208 Is Terrific
I had the pleasure of test-driving the Peugeot 208, once on the official launch of the vehicle in the picturesque village of Paternoster and the stark beauty of its surrounds. On that occasion Roger The Voice McCleary, who is famous for his commentating prowess, accompanied me. We trundled through the countryside singing the praises of the new Peugeot 208. We had just heard from Francis Harnie, managing director of Peugeot SA how The new 208, Peugeot enters a new era, he explained. It offers the most advanced design, the most sophisticated technology and the most efficient packaging yet seen in the subcompact category. The new 208 combines modernity with the spirit of the 206 and the practicality of the 207. From the technologically advanced new touch screen to the firm yet comfortable seats, the 208 was winning us both over. Roger and I were in agreement; this was one fine compact hatch. Then I had the pleasure of taking the Peugeot 208 1.6 for a little longer road test and again I was impressed. The nippy precision of the acceleration and brakes gave the 208 a confident temperament. The interior was spacious despite it being a smaller car. The range-topping 1,6-litre four-cylinder Peugeot 208 that I road tested produces 88 kilowatts and 160 Newton meters of torque. In a combined cycle, peuget report the fuel consumption as low as 5,8 litres per 100 kilometres. Personally I could never reach these figures because the nippy 208 was so much fun to drive, I could not slow down. I rushed at the traffic circles just to feel the precision steering and force myself into needing the gripping brakes.