Review Spec Price and Manual

The Peugeot Sport is opening a new chapter in the sports variants of the Peugeot 208, and not least with the 208 R5. It is a true competition wildcat, and will supersede the 207 Super 2000, benchmark of the S2000 category as much for its technical performance as for its sporting and commercial performance.

Its contours and its technical assets continue Peugeots rallying tradition. Body built for asphalt (tarmac) and loose-surfaces (gravel), the Peugeot 208 R5 will compete in its first rallies and go on sale in the 2nd half of 2013 in order to be able to conquer the national and international championships the following season.

In the footsteps of success
As a pioneer, the 207 Super 2000 won everything and has without doubt had the greatest record in the category. It has accumulated six Intercontinental Rally Challenge titles, many crowns in various national championships and numerous victories worldwide including San Remo, the Tour de Corse and the Monte Carlo. One hundred and seven of these vehicles have been sold, run by private customers, importers or on behalf of Peugeot subsidiaries: South Africa, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, France, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic and in the UK. Drivers like Thierry Neuville and Kris Meeke were discovered and defined their skills at its wheel. So the Peugeot 208 R5 will have to demonstrate that it is a worthy successor to the 207 Super 2000.

The Peugeot 208 R5 benefits from all the expertise and experience of Peugeot Sport, acquired and recognised over many years. Under the direction of Alexis Avril, Technical Manager of Peugeot Sport, Bertrand Vallat, formerly responsible for the 207 S2000, is the Project Leader for the Peugeot 208 R5.

Performance and cost reduction
The R5 category consists of group A vehicles derived from a production model, of which at least 25,000 must have been produced. Launched for 2013 by the FIA, among its objectives is a noticeable reduction in costs, including operating expenditure. Therefore, the technical regulations will adopt the major assets of the S2000 category: four-wheel drive, five-speed sequential gearbox, no central differential and long travel suspension. This is also the case externally with widened tracks, a spoiler, the increase in the wheel arches to fit 18" wheels without forgetting the minimum weight set at 1200kg for the gravel (loose-surface) and asphalt (tarmac) version, as for the WRC.

"Based on an optimisation of costs", explains Bertrand Vallat, "the regulations impose, among other things, a maximum price for certain parts and technical limitations such as a minimum weight of components of the chassis and engine. In addition, a certain number of components of the vehicle must be similar. The hub carrier is a perfect example. All four must be identical. This makes operation considerably easier and limits costs and stocking."

Another major difference: the engine, the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated unit is replaced by the 1.6-litre turbo. The Peugeot 208 R5 will adopt the EP6 CDT as standard. "We are aiming for performance which is slightly higher than that of the S2000", emphasises Bertrand Vallat.

"We start with the 1.6-litre THP engine that is already a competition winner. We know that it is both reliable and powerful, and can achieve 280bhp. We have serious foundations with this engine as it is the same as that of the RCZ Racing Cup which currently develops 260 horsepower in its endurance version. We are also aiming for a very high level of durability and reliability in competition with a potential 5000 kilometres (according to the components and conditions), which also reduce the operating costs." Finally, the FIA has also set the maximum price for the R5s at €180,000 excluding taxes.

The 208: an asset
The Peugeot 208 R5 benefits from the product developments of the 208 production car, particularly in regards to the weight. The shell of the 208 has benefited from a weight reduction of approximately 40 kilos compared with its predecessor the 207. Its dimensions are an advantage for the Type R5 with its long wheelbase which provides excellent chassis stability. Also, being more compact, the 208 more agile and efficient as a result, key factors that are sought after in a competition car. All of these dynamic qualities of the 208 combine to give the R5 excellent road holding."

Commitments from 2013
The Peugeot 208 R5 has big ambitions. Designed and assembled in the workshops of Peugeot Sport in Vélizy, it begin a vast test programme from the end of 2012, both on asphalt and on loose surface (gravel). This continue throughout its life in order to constantly evolve developments for customers and subsidiaries in order to guarantee chances of victory in a very competitive sector. On sale during the second half of 2013, the 208 R5 compete at the highest level in key championships:

    Intercontinental Rally Challenge
    European Rally Championship
    National Championships

Right from the start of the project, the technical choices structuring the "A9" project (internal code name of the Peugeot 208) were directed on the basis of the PSA Groups platform 1 to obtain a particularly efficient "architectural performance" in order to obtain a vehicle which is compact, light, spacious and aerodynamic.

Compactness and lightness
The reduced front overhang (- 6 cm compared with the 207) and the shorter rear overhang (- 1 cm) , alongwith the reduced weight of the vehicle, directly benefit improved proportions, agility and everyday practicality (parking, manoeuvres, etc.).

To obtain a maximum reduction in the weight of the vehicle, a true "hunt to eliminate excess weight" took place at the same time to create, overall, a "virtuous spiral", favouring fuel consumption, passive safety and the dynamic performance of the vehicle. Each component designed, each technique used, each part of the vehicle, etc. has been considered with this in mind, by every member of the project team working on the vehicle: aluminium front beam-absorber, size of the front subframe, laser welding of the roof, extensive use of VHSS and UHSS (Very High Strength Steel and Ultra High Strength Steel) panels, soundproofing of the engine at source, etc. Finally, the Peugeot 208 weighs 110 kg less than the 207 with the same 1.4l HDi engine, up to 173 kg less with the entry level petrol engine of comparable power; in short, a feat which allows the Peugeot 208 to start from a weight of 975 kg!

A generous passenger compartment
A wheelbase identical to that of the 207, the adoption of more compact front seat backs and an overall optimisation of the design provide significantly more space in the rear for passengers (+ 5 cm knee room compared with a 207 which already offers good provision) as well as a larger boot: 311 l liquid volume below the rear shelf (285 dm3 VDA standard) and up to 1152 l liquid volume (1076 dm3 VDA standard) when the rear seats are folded.

Note that this latter configuration is obtained very easily as the rear seat backs fold simply, with a single gesture.

Optimised aerodynamics
The dimensions of the Peugeot 208, in particular the width (-2 cm) and the height (-1 cm compared with the 207), its volumes which have been designed with particular attention, the care given to each of its parts (shields under the body, spoiler on certain versions, etc.) permit maximum optimisation of its aerodynamics. So, the best versions have a CdA of 0.61 (Cd of 0.29), which positions it among the best in its segment and which, again, favours fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Stylistic re-generation
"Agile, sensuous, athletic, intuitive, concentrated energy, generation jump"... these words were included in the specification of the A9 project and the stylists have succeeded in giving them meaning, coherence and illustrating them from volumes predisposing them to inspiration. From a compact silhouette, reduced overhangs, fluid lines between bonnet and windscreen pillar,... the aesthetic codes of the Marque have been re-invented, both in their main characteristics and in every detail.

A very charismatic front face
The front face, a true genetic signature, unveils a new, particularly charismatic face of the Marque. Its feline expression is more modern, rich and refined, with, in particular (according to version), LEDs and a light guide emphasising the expression of the headlamp unit, both day and night. The same care is given to each part, such as the treatment given to the foglamp surrounds.

As for the grille, this is modelled as a true floating sculpture. In fact, it appears to detach itself from the bodywork and float in the air, with its chrome surround of precisely formed sections. Inside it, a full and technological mesh, or chrome bars, reinforce the modernity and richness of the line. With this original design, it successfully expresses the idea of environmental efficiency: the optimised size of the air intake in fact suggests optimisation of its fuel consumption.

Finally, the front shows itself to be both strong and alive, soft and thoroughbred, technological and cheerful, natural and sophisticated.

Overall coherence of the design
The volume of the vehicle appears sculpted by the wind. From the "PEUGEOT" lettering machined in the block at the top of the grille issues a veritable spine which crosses the bonnet, bites into the top of the windscreen, leaves its mark in the centre of the roof and imprints its movement right to the rear and the line of the boot aperture. The rear lamps, true technological adornments, also incorporate a light signature with, notably, three illuminated claws. With their boomerang shape, and this is a technical feat, they appear at one with the body.

Two differentiated body types
The muscular sculpted body sides offer an identity, a posture which is very different in the 3-door and 5-door body types. The doors of this latter appear to be crossed by a "nerve" running from the rear lamps towards the front. On the top-of-the-range versions, the glazing is entirely surrounded with chrome, a feature never seen before in the segment. The profile of the 3-door is much more sculpted, hollowed out, in the image of the SR1 concept car (presented in January 2010 and chronologically designed alongside the 208). Another detail on this, the shape and movement of the quarter panel look at a glance like that of the 205, another iconic Peugeot.

Completely re-thought instruments and controls
Sometimes, things are noticed that seem intangible. A hatchback has 4 wheels, a steering wheel... and through this we read the instrument panel. The history of the motor vehicle, technical developments, habits,... have established this as fact.

Then one day someone has an idea.
What if, to make manoeuvring easier and increase driving sensations, the diameter of the steering wheel were reduced? And what if, to make it easier to read the information on the instrument panel and increase comfort and safety by eliminating the need for the driver to take his eyes off the road, the position of the instrument panel were raised?

Here again, the Peugeot 208 does not undergo development: It breaks the established codes to offer new driving ergonomics, clear, natural, benefiting ease of driving, manoeuvrability, precision,... a more intimate relationship with the vehicle, the feeling of being at one with it.

The numerous people who have tested it, in all situations, are won over by the agility that the vehicle offers, a promise of practicality for everyday manoeuvres. Some drivers see in it a stimulating and interactive environment, others find more sporty attributes, with a more sensitive position, and an ease and precision of involvement passed down in certain situations.

The touch screen: intuitive connectivity
In keeping with its time, consistent with the new ergonomics of its instruments and controls, the Peugeot 208 will offer the majority of its customers, that is from the 2nd level of the range (i.e. approximately 80% of the mix!) a large 7" colour touch screen with carefully designed graphics (resolution 800 x 480) and intuitive operation.

It allows easy access to the various functions: radio, Bluetooth hands-free kit or playing music files via a USB connection or audio streaming.

The screen adopts a semi-floating style as the designers wanted to highlight it in a way which is very enhancing. It is positioned prominently, within easy reach and at eye level, for maximum safety, comfort and harmony with the other components of the dashboard.

Access to reasonably priced navigation
This graphic touch interface is pre-equipped for the navigation option with map of Europe. And this is available at a reasonable price, less than 500 euros, placing it in a very competitive position in the motor vehicle domain of on-board navigation systems.

A pure, contemporary and refined interior ambiance
The instruments and controls, which have been re-thought structurally, have provided a previously unheard of field of expression for the stylists.

The design of the dashboard blends style lines which are both floating and graphic. Concern for perceived quality can be seen everywhere, the obsessive attention to detail, like the vents at the end of the dashboard in the shape of a cats eye, the numerous "faceted" components echoing certain sections of the exterior style (grille, roof, cut-out of the boot...)... everything has been thought about and re-thought, from the shape of the door trim pads to the gear lever.

The grouping of all the audio controls on the touch screen also permits simplification of the "manmachine" interface with a significant reduction in the number of buttons and controls, favouring a pure and modern design.

Ambiance lighting, decorations... attention to detail
The interior of the instrument panel has been given a very technological treatment, with analogue dials as a reference to precision mechanics, a digital screen on which the speed is always clearly visible and back-lighting effects giving the whole purity and elegance.

Furthermore, the light ambiance has been paid particular attention by the stylists with predominantly white lighting, very top-of-the-range, particularly for the displays, or LEDs with a bluish light outlining the glass panoramic roof at night, if fitted on the vehicle, with a "comet" effect (varying shades of blue).

The decorations are also very elaborate and available according to ambiance and range level. Lacquered black on the front panel, decorations of varying shades of black/blue or dark chrome on the door crossbars,... a range with numerous personalities which are always in a contemporary and refined ambiance.

An interior offering day-to-day practicality
This interior offers no less day-to-day practicality as a result, with numerous well-thought-out storage compartments, such as the deep compartment situated in front of the gear lever which can be used for cans or as an area for a Smartphone, or the generous door pockets, etc.

Well-designed acoustics
This ambiance is also particularly well designed in terms of acoustics and vibration comfort. Following the example of the work carried out on the 508, by tracking the noise to the source (acoustic "encapsulation" of the power trains), the silence on board has been significantly improved compared with the 207, while at the same time contributing to reducing the weight of the vehicle.

Finally, the atmosphere of the passenger compartment is in harmony with the rest of the vehicle: simple and sophisticated, technological and intuitive, modern and high quality.

A range of high-performance power trains
The weight, the aerodynamics, the very low and ultra low rolling resistance tyres and, of course, the expertise and technological innovation of the Group in the engine domain are factors which allow the 208 range to move to a new level in the CO2 performance of a vehicle of the Marque. The efficiency of the HDi PEF diesel engines and the VTi and THP petrol engines, reinforced by the arrival of a new generation of 3-cylinder petrol engines, in fact contributes to the reduction of 34 g/km in the average emissions of CO2 of the Peugeot 208 range compared with the launch range of the 207, and a difference of up to 46 g for the entry-level petrol engine. So, the 208 is aiming to take up the position of leader in its segment.

Peugeot 208 diesel range:

Peugeot 208 petrol range:

An extended e-HDi range
After its launch of the 508 and the new 308 in 2011, the 208 will benefit from the e-HDi technology on 4 of its 5 diesel power trains. Fast, effective and silent, this new generation Stop&Start system permits the combining of reduced fuel consumption and emissions of CO2 (up to -15% in town) with maximum pleasure of use, thanks to the stopping of the engine and almost instantaneous restarting, without any noise or vibration. So, with the Peugeot 208 this technology, widely acclaimed at its launch, is made accessible to the maximum number of customers, favouring their day-to-day fuel consumption and driving pleasure.

New generation of 3-cylinder engines
A new stage in the Groups downsizing strategy, this new generation of engine block permits a true breakthrough in terms of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, while offering a good level of performance for the "entry-level" versions.

Designed by the PSA Peugeot Citroën Group and produced at its Trémery factory in France, the 1.0 l and 1.2 l VTi versions will allow the 208 to offer petrol versions at 99 g/km and 104 g/km of CO2. These normally aspirated indirect injection engines have respective maximum powers of 50 and 60 kW (68 and 82 hp) at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 95 and 118 Nm at 3,000 and 2,750 rpm respectively. This block is designed to be both very compact and light, with an aluminium alloy cylinder block and cylinder head, the exhaust manifold integrated in the cylinder head... It also benefits from numerous technological features such as the variable valve timing system (VVT) on the inlet and exhaust camshafts or the variable capacity oil pump.

A new stage in eco-design
Eco-design is another area in which the Peugeot 208 had to prove itself a pioneer. With the integration of 25% "green materials" out of the 170 kg of polymers (excluding rubber) present on the vehicle (compared with 7% on the 207), the 208 enters a new stage in terms of ecodesign. In particular, it has an entirely recycled rear bumper, which is a world first for these materials, until now used only for concealed parts, as well as a radiator frame and fan which are also entirely recycled.

This type of bumper, alone, will allow a saving of 1600 tonnes of oil in a year. These green materials also make up numerous parts or functions of the vehicle (wheel arch interior, rear bumper, soundproofing, boot mat, steering wheel, seats, engine cover, air filter, etc.).

A low consumption and ultra-efficient version
Pulling together the very essence of the A9 project by reviewing every aspect of design, the low consumption version achieves an aerodynamic performance (Cx de 0,29 ) thanks to the optimisation of air flows : front grill, rear spoiler, low air resistant wheel trims, ultra-low resistance tyres, deflector. In this way, with the 1.4 l e-HDi FAP 50 kW (68 ch) linked to a 5 speed gearbox, CO2 emissions are limited to 87 g/km, which corresponds to a combined consumption of 3,4 l/100km (83.1mpg).

This version demonstrates its performance with specific components being perfectly integrated in the style and sought-after appearance : front grill in Manhattan satin paint finish with chrome edging, black gloss rear spoiler, two tone alloys.

According to the level of finish chosen (Access or Active) this version can be equiped with a number of fittings : touch screen, panoramic glass roof, 15" Alloy Wheels, rear parking sensors, metallic paint, etc.

Road-holding: the Marques expertise
The Peugeot Marque has demonstrated the full extent of its expertise in developing a new combination, at a very high level as regards the road-holding of its Peugeot 208, in order to carry forward and enrich the idea of driving pleasure, while adapting it to the expectations of todays customers.

So, the aim of establishing it as a benchmark in its segment led to the wish to retain the acknowledged stability and dynamism of the 207 but without compromising on comfort.

Served by its pseudo-MacPherson front suspension, its deformable crossmember rear suspension, the excellence of its spring-damper assemblies and the fine-tuning by the Lions experts in this area, the road-holding of the 208 also benefits from the efforts to reduce weight to gain as much in terms of dynamism as in comfort.

This combination is also adapted to the performance of the vehicles various engines to offer coherent and progressive range steps, in line with customer expectations.

So, on the Peugeot 208 1.6 l THP with 115 kW (156 hp) available in summer 2012, the front subframe is reinforced to offer rigidity and guidance for the front suspension in line with the performance potential of its engine.

Adapted braking, ESP as standard
The braking system is in line with the performance of the engines. The 208 is fitted with front brake discs in 2 different sizes: 266 x 22 mm and 302 x 26 mm for the 1.6 l THP 115 kW (156 hp) version. At the rear, the range is fitted with 249 x 9 mm discs or 8" drums for the 3 cylinder petrol engines, the 1.4 l HDi PEF and the 1.4 l e-HDi PEF.

Another notable fact for a vehicle, all 208s are fitted with ESP as standard of the new generation in Europe, including ASR (traction control), CDS (stability control), EBA (emergency braking assistance) and EBFD (electronic brake force distribution). This ESP can be disconnected by the driver on the Peugeot 208 1.6 l THP 115kW (156 hp).

Renewed sensations, thanks to an innovative design and equipment
The 208 also succeeds in renewing the driving pleasure of its driver through these new instruments and controls. With its small steering wheel, but also its instrument panel placed in a high position and its large colour touch screen, the 208 offers its user an entirely new driving experience. Its ergonomics provide sensations of manoeuvrability and agility at low speed in particular.

These indicative sensations are served by its electric power steering. A new "brushless type" steering system, developed on the vehicle to take into account its new combination in terms of balance and weight. As on the 207, the steering has to conform to the expertise of the Marque: precise and informative, while being particularly manoeuvrable at low speeds.

At the end of 2012, the Peugeot 208 will acquire further equipment, rare in the B segment, also making the drivers daily life in town considerably easier: the Park Assist function. When a parallel parking space is identified, the system manoeuvres the steering automatically to park the vehicle without any assistance from the driver who simply has to control the accelerator and brake pedals. Magic!

According to version, the 208 may also be equipped with static directional lighting which optimises lateral visibility at low speed (below 25 mph [40 km/h]) in urban conditions, at intersections, during parking manoeuvres, on winding roads, etc. In fact, the light beam from one of the two foglamps lights the inside of the corresponding turn, according to the angle of the steering wheel and the pressing of the direction indicator.

Primary, secondary and tertiary safety of the highest level
The Peugeot 208 benefits from a high level of primary safety, through its road-holding and design ("head-up instrument panel", ESP as standard, cruise control/speed limiter on many versions ...).

The vehicle is also designed to provide secondary safety of a higher level than that of the 207, the best in the segment.

Its deformable structure includes in particular an aluminium "beam-absorber" at the front, which also makes it possible to reduce the length of the overhang. Here again, safety benefits fully from the limiting of the overall weight of the vehicle.

The Peugeot 208 is fitted with effective restraining devices: 2 front air bags, 2 front side air bags, 2 curtain air bags, 2 Isofix locations with 3 anchorage points in the rear.

Numerous other devices (active footrest, collapsible steering column, retention pin guaranteeing the connection between the door and the centre pillar...) limit the consequences of an impact for the occupants of the vehicle.

The Peugeot 208 also benefits from the Marques leadership in terms of tertiary safety by offering, as on most vehicles in the range, a system which offers the Peugeot Connect SOS and Peugeot Connect Assistance services free of charge and with no time limit.

As a reminder, Peugeot Connect SOS, currently available in 10 European countries and in more than 600,000 Peugeot vehicles, permits location of the vehicle and dispatching of the appropriate emergency services in the event of an incident. Since its launch in 2003, it has permitted rapid intervention by the emergency services in nea