The second-generation Peugeot "208" was a lively hot hatch with a sticky "cat foot"

Test Ride Report

February 12, 2021 08:00

How does the 208, which won Car of the Year in Europe and Japan, feel?

The body size of the "208 Allure" (2,599,000 yen) that I test drove is 4095 x 1745 x 1445mm (length x width x height), and the wheelbase is 2540mm. Only the GT line has a total height of 1465mm. Vehicle weight: 1,160 kg (1,170 kg for the GT line, plus 10 kg with a sunroof) Fang-like daytime running lights Tail lamps with claw motifs

<Since it was unveiled at the 2019 Geneva Show, sales have been strong and not only did it win the European Car of the Year, but it also landed in Japan in July 2020, becoming a Japanese import car.・Won the award of the year. It is a big French compact car that came after a long time. The name should have been "209" if it was the conventional method, but this time it was the second generation of 208 instead.

The in-line 3-cylinder DOHC 1.2-liter PureTech gasoline turbo engine produces a maximum output of 100PS/5500rpm and a maximum torque of 205Nm/1750rpm. It also complies with the exhaust gas regulation Euro 6, and the fuel consumption is 17.0km / L in WLTC mode.

Equipped with 16-inch Michelin "Primacy 4" tires, size 195/55R16 (205/45R17 for GT line), front camera equipped with monocular type rear under shiny black deco (excluding style)

An advanced meter that makes characters appear to float

The display on the back side and the two displays on the front panel that are reversed from the top are superimposed to create depth. The 7-inch touch screen, which realizes a three-dimensional meter, allows you to set operation settings such as air conditioning, audio, hands-free calls, and driving support systems.

A small-diameter steering wheel with a flat top and bottom is used. On the left side, there is a voice recognition function start button, volume adjustment button, and meter display switching dial. Lane keep assist and lane positioning assist switches are placed on the right dashboard of

The driver's seat and front passenger's seat have moderate side support, and the seat materials that support the body are fabric and leather seats.

The accelerator pedal responds well, giving you a pleasant feeling of acceleration.

If you press the "M" button on the shift lever, you can also use the paddle shifter in semi-manual mode Equipped with an electric parking brake.

The rear suspension does a great job too

High convenience with USB ports and wireless charging in the front and rear seats

Family of three with folding rear seats Equipped with a spare tire of the same size, although the manufacturer is different

Equipped with a USB Type-C port for charging on the passenger side of the center console There is a USB port on the driver's side of the center console. All grades are equipped with wireless charging that allows you to listen to your favorite music by inserting a memory stick into it. Two USB ports are also provided in the rear seats.

<In 2020, even Japanese cars such as "Yaris" and "Fit", and Note underwent a full model change at the end of 2020. I would like to recommend this new model 208. Especially for those who are looking for a compact car that will make you excited every time you drive and will make you crazy about running, this is the perfect car. It would be a waste to keep the French compact only for enthusiasts forever. Far from overcoming his unwillingness to eat 208, he realized that 208 has the power to make it his favorite food.

Akiko Marumo / car life journalist. After working as a movie voice actress and editor of a car magazine, she became independent in 2003. In addition to media appearances such as magazines, radio, TV, and talk shows, he also works as an eco and safe driving instructor. Many overseas motor shows and drive coverage. In 2004 and 2005, he participated in the Sahara Desert Rally and finished the race. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Japan (AJAJ). Since 2006, he has been a member of the Japan Car of the Year selection committee. Participated in endurance races as a representative of the racing team "TOKYO NEXT SPEED" formed by journalists. Together with Ms. Yumi Yoshida, she co-founded the Women's Club of the Car Industry, which encourages women to enjoy cars and revitalize the car society. Currently, various car life information is being disseminated on YouTube "Car Industry Women's Club Channel". In the past, his favorite cars were VW Beetle, Fiat 124 Spider, Mitsubishi Motors Galant VR4, Ford Mustang, Porsche 968, Honda CR-Z, etc. Currently, the new Subaru Levorg and Mercedes-Benz V-Class.