There's just all sorts of good news coming out of Paris, isn't there?
Indeed so. Not only has PSA Peugeot Citroen managed to claw itself back from the financial precipice upon which it once stood (at least we think so, the financial statement it released sounded all positive but you know, too many numbers and that), but there's also word of an updated and revised 208 supermini.
Looks... er, the same.
Yes, well, if it ain't broke, don't fix it and all that. In fact, the lights are new on the front and back, there is a new, slightly bigger grille and new alloy wheels that can be, wait for it, laser engraved with a diamante pattern for added, er, bling.
Inside, buyers now get a leather-wrapped steering wheel on everything but the most basic model while the seven-inch touchscreen (also on everything but the basic one) gets updated software and 'MirrorScreen', which supposedly helps you to connect your smartphone to the car's systems.
There are two new safety features: an automatic urban braking setup, which slams on the anchors if it detects a crash about to happen, and a reversing camera.
More significantly, there's a new engine line-up including the 1.6-litre BlueHDi diesel engines, which can be had in outputs ranging from 75- to 120hp. That 75hp one has impressive official fuel economy of 94mpg. Even the top-power diesel emits just 95g/km of CO2, so we can safely say that the 208 is pretty efficient.
There's a new 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine too, with emissions of just 104g/km. The 68hp and 82hp naturally aspirated 1.2 petrols remain unchanged in the range.
There are also two new GTi versions. The range topping 208 is now the 'GTi by Peugeot Sport', essentially a 30th Anniversary 208 GTi but without the mad colour scheme. It gets tweaked suspension, a Torsen front differential, Brembo brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport tyres for some seriously brisk performance. Fancy the look but can't afford the full-fat GTi? Then how about a GT Line model, which keeps the standard petrol or diesel engines, but adds a body kit that mimics much of the GTi's more full-on look?
Neil Briscoe - 19 Feb 2015
