But will it be the same without the soundtrack?
Peugeot’s peppy little hatchback, the 208, is a very interesting compact car. It has a rather pretty interior, refined manners on the road, and a zingy 1.2-litre turbocharged PureTech petrol mill that provides more than enough shove for daily driving while using as little fuel as it can.
It enjoys a solid, confidence-inspiring ride & the PureTech 3-cylinder mill is characterful and punchy, which is why it’s won engine of of the year 4-years in a row. Of course, there’s also the hotter 208 GTi model that uses a 1.6-litre turbo mill, which has a thrummy note that definitely plays a role in the experience. But if given its way, Peugeot may take that part of the fun out of the equation.
Peugeot might just be on its way to offering the new 208 GTi (due in 2019 also) with an all-electric powertrain, if reports by AutoExpress are to be believed. Peugeot supremo Jean-Pierre Imparato spoke to the UK publication and had this to say:
“I don’t want the future to be boring. My message will be that each time I launch a new car, it will be electrified. Bu you will buy your Peugeot, and you will choose your drivetrain.” — Jean-Pierre Imparato, Chief Executive Officer, Peugeot
This could perhaps signal the beginning of electrification from Peugeot Sport, which has in the past made the 308R Hybrid to show off its capability of taking electrified powertrains and dialling them up to eleven. Imparato also appears to be of the opinion that high-performance electrified cars are the future:
“In the coming 10-years, the power will be easier to achieve with electric. It will not be a premium marker anymore; Premium brands will have to find something else f they want to be different. [Peugeot] will be able to put cars onto the market with 400kW/ That changes everything.” — Jean-Pierre Imparato, Chief Executive Officer, Peugeot
What is clear though is that the 208 will come with as many drivetrain options as PSA can feasibly offer it with. Imparato went on to say that “the guys in Paris will be electric, the guys who do 100,000-miles per year will be diesel, and the average guy will be in petrol” but all three would drive a 208. That means that they’ll go against the trend of abandoning diesel, which could see the little family car gain some sales in Europe against brands that have moved away from the stuff.
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