Peugeot 208 2012-

[Duell]

The Peugeot 208 is a supermini (B-segment) produced by the French automaker Peugeot and unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012. The first 208s were three door hatchbacks produced in 2011 at the company's new plant in Slovakia. In June 2012, as five door hatchbacks became available, production of the 208 also commenced at Peugeot's French plants at Mulhouse and at Poissy.

In 2013 a new GTi version will be released.

[jcp123]

Basically nice lines but I am just not sure about that c-scoop sculpting. Makes it look busy and gives it a sporty flair I am sure it's not able to back up. I do like the squared-off theme inside...reminds me to some extent of Honda Accord interiors only...better.

Incidentally, is France letting Peugeot square up its operations and finances yet?

[Ferrer]

In somewhat related news...

Automotive News Europe

I'm sorry but no. The 208 isn't premium and neither are other Peugeots. DSs are are a nice try but no cigar either. And plane jane Citroens, well they are as mainstream as it gets.

I wanted to write a little bit on how premium manufacturers have gone downmarket in recent years, but well I might as well take advantage of this. The thing is, with premium manufacturers going to the lower end of the market (and more importantly, low end pricing) mainstream manufacturers are going to have a very tough time. I mean, why buy a Peugeot when for a little extra you can have a Mercedes-Benz?

Premium manufacturers seem determined to take on traditional mainstream manufacturers strangleholds, B and C-segments, and this will make life a lot harder for Groups like PSA, FGA or Renault-Nissan.

[Duell]

2015 Facelift

[Duell]

208 #3