Test drive Peugeot 208: We invite ladies
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Test drive Peugeot 208: We invite ladies

Test drive Peugeot 208: We invite ladies

Since the 207 was unable to replicate the success of the 205 and 206, the 208 is now faced with the challenge of bringing Peugeot back to the top of small car sales. Detailed practical test of the new model of the French company.

Few have any real reason to boast that they have made millions of women happy. The Peugeot 205 was among the lucky few to accomplish this feat, and so was its successor, the 206. In total, more than 12 million copies of the two "lions" were sold, at least half of which were bought by ladies of different ages and with different social status. It seems that Peugeot was at some point dizzy from this impressive success, because the 207 was not only 20 centimeters longer and 200 kilograms heavier than its predecessor, but also looked at the world with a stern expression, led by a predator. front grill. The reaction of the most beautiful part of humanity turned out to be unequivocal - the model sold 2,3 million cars, which in itself is considerable, but far from the results of 205 and 206.

A good start

Now the 208 is designed to regain the lost position of the brand - this is a small class car, again really small (body length reduced by seven centimeters compared to the previous generation), light again (weight reduced by 100 kg) and it is not too expensive (prices start from 20 927 leva). And let's not forget the most important thing: 208 no longer frowns, but has a friendly and sympathetic face. The disadvantage of such a stylistic turn is that when you first meet 208 people you have to look very carefully until you recognize him as a representative of the Peugeot brand.

The interior is a notable leap in quality over the 207. The dashboard isn't overly massive, the center console doesn't rest on the knees, the armrest folds down, and the interior space is really well used this time around. The 208 features a state-of-the-art touchscreen infotainment system with intuitive controls. Confusing buttons with incomprehensible purpose? This is already history.

Consistent approach

It is as simple as possible to control the car's functions, the on-board computer with a color display can display various information about the state of the car. The only unpleasant detail is that the controls are located high on the dashboard and therefore the driver's eye must pass through the steering wheel, and not through the steering wheel. According to the French theory, this should help the driver keep his eyes on the road, but in practice, if the steering wheel does not shift sharply down, most of the information on the dashboard remains hidden. Which is really annoying, because the controls themselves are clear and convenient.

The seats provide pleasant ride comfort with one single detail: for some reason Peugeot continues to believe that the seat heating buttons are integral to the seats themselves, so when the doors are closed, the driver and passenger do not know if the heater is working. enters or not, except by touch. The Allure tested is fitted as standard with sport seats, the thick side bolsters that look pretty impressive, but in turn they turn out to be one idea softer than expected, and therefore the body support is rather modest.

When the asymmetrically split rear seat back is folded down, a decent amount of load is achieved, but a step forms in the boot floor. Otherwise, the nominal trunk volume of 285 liters is 15 liters more than the 207 (and also 5 liters more than the VW Polo), the payload of 455 kg is also quite satisfactory.

The real part

The 1,6-liter Peugeot diesel engine develops 115 horsepower and, overcoming its weakness at the lowest revs, provides good throttle response. The engine pulls very well over 2000 rpm and is not afraid of high revs, only the six-gear shift of the transmission could have been more precise. The 208 builders were clearly trying to fit the car for a more dynamic driving style. Both the steering system and the suspension have distinctly sporty settings to keep the car stable and safe on the road. Peugeot has made significant advances in steering that is much straighter and more precise than before. Alas, on uneven areas, the 208 jumps quite cheerfully, and a distinct knock is heard from the rear axle.

The tested modification has much to be proud of in terms of fuel consumption: consumption in the standardized cycle for economical driving was only 4,1 l / 100 km - a value worthy of an example in the class. The standard start-stop system, of course, also contributes to the economy of the car. With modern driver assistance systems, things are not so optimistic - at the moment they are completely absent, xenon headlights are not even included in the list of accessories.

Peugeot 208 may not receive excellent marks in absolutely all respects, but with its pleasant appearance, safe behavior, low fuel consumption, spacious interior and modern infotainment system, it is a worthy successor to 205 and 206. And this, taking into account safety, will be adequately appreciated by representatives the weaker sex.

text: Dani Heine, Boyan Boshnakov

Evaluation

Peugeot 208 e-HDi FAP 115 Allure

The Peugeot 208 earns points for its balanced handling and a range of practical qualities. Driving comfort could be better, the lack of driver assistance systems is also among the things that need to be improved.

technical details

Peugeot 208 e-HDi FAP 115 Allure
Working volume-
Power115 k.s. at 3600 rpm
Maximum

torque

-
Acceleration

0-100 km / h

9,5 with
Braking distances

at a speed of 100 km / h

37 m
full speed190 km / h
Average consumption

fuel in the test

5,5 l
Base Price34 309 levov

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