Peugeot’s new-generation 208 subcompact hatchback is continuing its stellar sales performance. The high-tech hatch recorded 201 sales in May, up 13,6 percent on April 2013 levels, and 46,7 percent more than in March this year.
Demand for the 208 is outpacing overall passenger car vehicle sales trends, which saw the market grow by 6,3 percent compared to May 2012, and was also up 7,8 percent on April 2013 sales levels.
The growing popularity of the 208 is particularly significant against a backdrop of growing demand for smaller, more affordable, and more fuel-efficient cars.
“The 208 is a latest-generation subcompact, offering buyers a mix of technology, features and style that would have been unheard of only a few years ago,” says Francis Harnie, managing director of Peugeot South Africa.
“As a result, buyers are finding that buying down doesn’t have to entail a compromise as far as comfort, safety or performance is concerned, while still benefitting from value-added pricing and affordable ownership costs.”
The Peugeot 208 is currently offered with a choice of two efficient petrol drivetrains, utilising either a frugal 1,2-litre three-cylinder engine, or a more powerful four-cylinder 1,6-litre unit. Even at Reef altitudes, both models offer sparkling performance and impressive road manners, linked to exceptional economy
The 208 1.2 Active recently proved its frugality in an economy-based media challenge, which saw a fleet of six cars, piloted by media teams, completing a real-world route within pre-ordained time constraints.
The best fuel economy recorded over the 150 km route north of Johannesburg was an astonishing 3,382 litres/100 km, achieved by the team of Stuart Moir (Autodealer) and Tanyaradzwa Nyamajiyah (The New Age).
Adverse conditions, including extreme headwinds and rain, as well as a hilly route that included the daunting Franschhoek Pass, made the going tough for the Cape Town leg of the 208 economy challenge, but Ian Little (Tygerburger) and Hans Heese (Galimoto Media) were still able to record an impressive consumption figure of 5,205 litres/100 km over the 175 km distance.
“Of course, the rising cost of fuel means that economy is becoming an increasingly important aspect of a vehicle’s total running costs,” Harnie observes. “However, it is also important to remember that the 208 is supported by the Peugeot Premium Plan, a five-year full-maintenance plan that benefits overall running costs substantially.”
Harnie points out that the Premium Plan provides true motoring peace of mind, as well as protecting 208 owners against the impact of inflation or foreign exchange-related price increases. “The Premium Plan means that fuel and tyres are the only items for the owner’s account – and we know that the 208 sips fuel more sparingly than most!”
The 208 range is set to be expanded in the near future with the addition of the dynamic 147 kW 208 GTi flagship in July, followed by an even more frugal, and even more affordable, 1,0-litre entry-level model shortly afterwards.
