Architecture regenerated
- Compact, light and spacious
- Smaller on the outside, larger on the inside
- Shorter front and rear overhangs
- Weight reduced by up to 173 kg
From the very outset, the objective of the new Peugeot 208 development programme was to design and develop a segment-defining vehicle that would be compact, lightweight, spacious and aerodynamic.
Using the PSA Group’s Platform 1 as its basis, the technical team set out to create a particularly efficient structural architecture that would provide the platform for these goals by allowing for a vehicle that was more compact on the outside, but would be able to offer a larger, more spacious interior.
As a result, the front overhang of the 208 was reduced by 60 mm compared to the 207, while the rear overhang is 10 mm shorter. This directly benefits the car’s overall proportions, which are more compact, and therefore afford greater agility and everyday practicality, for instance when manoeuvring in restricted parking areas.
In order to obtain the maximum reduction in weight – and in turn, reduce fuel consumption, improve passive safety and enhance dynamic performance – each component employed in the new 208 was designed to be as light and efficient as possible.
A wide range of advanced solutions were developed and employed for the 208, including the use of an aluminium front beam-absorber, while the shape and dimensions of the front subframe were also optimised.
Laser welding of the roof, together with the extensive use of very high strength steel (VHSS) and ultra high strength steel (UHSS) panels also paid handsome dividends as far as both rigidity and weight reduction are concerned.
The sound-deadening measures were also extended to new levels of efficiency. Following the example set by the 508, powertrain noise was traced to the source to improve acoustics and vibration comfort, while also reducing weight.
As a result, compared to the 207, the new Peugeot 208 weighs up to 173 kg less with the entry-level petrol of comparable power, thus allowing a base weight of as little as 975 kg, depending on model and specification.
Despite the more compact dimensions, the wheelbase is identical to that of that of the 207. By adopting more compact front seatbacks, and optimising the overall configuration and design of the cabin, significantly more space is now provided for the 208’s rear occupants.
There is more than 50 mm of additional knee room, compared to the 207, which was already among the best in class. The luggage compartment has been expanded by 15 litres too, with a full 311 litres (or 285 dm3) of cargo space below the rear shelf, and up to 1 152 litres (1 076 dm3) when the rear seats are folded down.
The optimised design and layout of the 208 is further complemented by the innovative hatchback’s refined aerodynamics. Each facet of the design was carefully considered, including the use of airflow shields under the body to minimise drag.
Thus, the new 208 achieves a drag coefficient (Cd) of as little as 0.29, which positions it among the best in its segment. In turn, this contributes significantly to the car’s reduce fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions.
