| First Drive | Cascais, Portugal | Peugeot 208 1.6 HDi |
Key Facts
Model driven: Peugeot 208 1.6 e-HDi 115 Feline five-door
Pricing: £17,845 (208 starts at £9,995)
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body style: five-door hatchback
Rivals: Ford Fiesta, MINI Cooper D, Volkswagen Polo
CO? emissions: 99g/km
Combined economy: 74.3mpg
Top speed: 118mph
0-62mph: 9.7 seconds
Power: 115hp at 3,600rpm
Torque: 270Nm at 1,750rpm (overboost to 285Nm in 3rd-6th gears)
Worth Noting
Peugeot and BMW continue their relationship with regards to engine sharing and the 1.6-litre HDi engine is identical to that found under the bonnet of the MINI Cooper D. In the MINI it returns identical economy and emissions figures. The MINI isn't really a direct competitor for the Peugeot though.
Summary
We'll admit that the pick of the Peugeot 208 line-up is the surprising new 1.2-litre petrol model, and while it punches above its weight - mostly because of the lack of actual weight - a larger capacity diesel will suit some buyers. The 1.6-litre HDi unit works well in the new car, endowing it with long-legged cruising ability without denting too much of its core appeal.