Ergonomics regenerated
- Unique dashboard layout blends superb style with unrivalled functionality
- Award-winning 7-inch colour touch screen for infotainment system
- Optimised packaging with more passenger and luggage space
- Refined acoustics and vibration comfort levels
While the architecture and exterior styling have been boldly regenerated for the new Peugeot 208, the interior has also been completely re-thought in terms of layout and design.
It breaks the established codes to offer entirely new levels of driving ergonomics, focusing on a clear and natural layout benefitting ease of driving, manoeuvrability and precision. Moreover, it creates a more intimate relationship between car and driver, while simplifying and refining the man-machine interface.
The design of the dashboard blends both floating and graphic style lines. A high level of tactile quality and an obsessive attention to detail is evident throughout.
For instance, the vents at the end of the dashboard evoke the shape of a cat’s eye, and the numerous ‘faceted’ components echo certain elements of the exterior styling (such as the grille, roof, and the cut-out of the boot).
Everything has been considered and reconsidered, from the shape of the door trim pads to the gear lever.
One of the defining features of the 208 interior is the head-up style instrument panel, which is derived from the successful layout first employed in Peugeot’s trend-setting 3008 crossover.
Raising the cluster has positioned it closer to the driver’s natural field of vision for easier and clearer visibility. This makes it ideal for everyday driving, while also imparting a sportier character.
The interior of the instrument panel has been given a high-tech treatment, with analogue dials retained as a reference to precision mechanics, but joined by a digital readout on which the vehicle speed is always clearly visible. Innovative back-lighting effects emphasise purity, sophistication and elegance.
Consistent with the advanced ergonomics of its instruments and controls, the two high-spec 208 derivatives (Active and Allure) boast a large 7-inch (18 cm) colour touch screen for simple, intuitive operation of the various multimedia functions.
These include the tuner, Bluetooth telephony, and playing music files via audio streaming or the built-in USB connection.
The high-quality screen was awarded “Comfort Innovation of the Year” by an international jury of motoring journalists at the 2012 Automotive Interiors Expo in Stuttgart. It uses an 800×480 resolution, along with carefully designed graphics to ensure superb functionality and control.
The display adopts a semi-floating style, and is positioned prominently within easy reach and at eye level for maximum safety and ease of use, while retaining a sense of ergonomic harmony with the dashboard’s controls and switchgear.
The entry-level 208 Access is fitted with a front-loading CD receiver offering Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and located in the same position for optimised functionality. Both audio systems can be remotely operated with the fingertip controls found on the steering wheel, thus further enhancing driver convenience.
A further step adopted for the new-style interior is the use of a smaller diameter steering wheel.
The development team conducted extensive testing and research to determine the ideal shape and size of wheel for the new cabin environment. The result is a smaller steering wheel that makes low-speed manoeuvres easier, while enhancing the driving experience.
The 208 features the same wheelbase as its predecessor, but achieves significant improvements in space and comfort terms. This is especially true for rear occupants. More compact front seat backs allow a 52 mm increase in knee room compared to the 207 – which already offered excellent rear accommodation in its class.
Day-to-day practicality is boosted by numerous well thought-out storage compartments, located strategically throughout the cabin. These include a deep recess situated in front of the gear lever which is ideal for cold drink cans or smart phones.
The front door pockets are generously proportioned, while the rear doors are equipped with stowage pockets. There’s even a refrigerated glovebox.
Despite the more compact overall dimensions of the 208, optimised packaging has allowed for a 15-litre increase in luggage capacity, with the total under-shelf boot volume now 311 litres (285 dm3 using the VDA standard).
The rear seats can be folded in one simple movement to unleash a full 1 152 litres (1 076 dm3) of loading space.
Building on the sophisticated ambience of the new car, the acoustic and vibration comfort levels have been raised to new heights. Following on from the development work done on the 508, powertrain noise has been traced to the source, which enables more specific insulation measures to be used.
The result is a markedly quieter cabin compared to the 207, while requiring less sound-deadening material, with commensurate benefits as far as weight reduction is concerned.,
As a result, the ambience of the passenger compartment reflects the execution of the new 208 as a whole: vehicle: simple, sophisticated, technologically advanced, intuitive and contemporary.
