Performance and efficiency regenerated
- New 1,2-litre three-cylinder engine delivers superior efficiency, linked to lively performance
- Refined and economical 1,6-litre four-cylinder engine
- Five-speed manual gearbox provides optimum ratio spread
The arrival of the Peugeot 208 heralds a new era of high-efficiency petrol engines with the introduction of an all-new 1,2-litre three-cylinder unit, while a refined 1,6-litre four-cylinder model powers the flagship model.
Reflecting the latest stage of the PSA Peugeot Citroën Group’s downsizing strategy, the new-generation EB2 three-cylinder engine represents a true breakthrough in terms of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, while offering lively performance for the entry-level 208 models.
The new powerplant has been designed to be both very compact and light. It uses an aluminium alloy cylinder block and cylinder head, with the exhaust manifold innovatively integrated in the cylinder head.
The power plant also benefits from numerous advanced features such as a variable valve timing (VVT) system on both the inlet and exhaust camshafts, as well as a variable capacity oil pump to maximise efficiency.
As a result of this high-tech design, the 1.2 VTi is a remarkable 21 kg lighter than a four-cylinder engine of equivalent power.
The 1 199 cc engine is credited with a maximum power output of 60 kW at 5 750 r/min, linked to an impressive 118 Nm of torque at just 2 750 r/min. A five-speed manual transmission is standard.
In this guise, the 1.2 VTi-based drivetrain achieves a combined cycle fuel consumption of just 4,5 litres/100 km. This drops to as little as 3,9 litres/100 km in the open-road cycle – thus ensuring a generous driving range from the 50-litre tank in all conditions.
The CO2 emissions rating of just 104 g/km testifies to the environmentally-friendly credentials of this engine – and also ensures that the three-cylinder 208 won’t attract any CO2 tax penalties.
Aided by its impressively low kerb weight of just 975 kg, the Peugeot 208 1.2 VTi – which is available in entry-level Access specification or mid-range Active guise – is capable of accelerating from standstill to 100 km/h in a lively 12,2 sec, before attaining a top speed of 175 km/h.
A 1,6-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine assumes range-topping status for the 208 line-up in SA. This unit has proven its spirited character in several other Peugeot models, and continues to offer an ideal balance between performance and efficiency.
The 1 598 cc unit develops 88 kW of power at 6 000 r/min, accompanied by a torque peak of 160 Nm at 4 250 r/min. Mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, it is capable of using as little as 5,8 litres of fuel per 100 km in the combined cycle, or just 4,5 l/100 km on the open road. The associated CO2 figure is a very competitive134 g/km.
As with its smaller-engined sibling, a low kerb mass of 1 090 kg ensures solid overall performance, despite the lavish equipment on board this top-spec model. The 0-100 km/h sprint takes a mere 9,9 sec, allied to a 190 km/h top speed.
Essentially, therefore, both drivetrain options offered in the new Peugeot 208 range link frugal fuel consumption, low emissions and high efficiency levels to the sparkling performance Peugeot owners have come to expect of the brand’s products
