Peugeot pinning hopes on new 208

Peugeot’s 208 supermini arrives in showrooms this week, riding on a wave of expectation to levels not seen since the days of the iconic 205.

More than 3,500 orders have been taken for the car before the launch, above Peugeot’s own expectations.

Despite perceived difficult times for its parent company and other French brands, Peugeot’s UK operation has been setting impressive figures in recent months.

To the end of May Peugeot sold 2,000 more cars in the UK, its volume increasing 4.7 per cent, compared to the market as a whole rising 2.6 per cent. The brand’s market share climbed from 4.9 to 5.1 per cent.

The 107 city car was a particular success, sales increasing by some 30 per cent year-on-year, to 1,504 units compared to 1,062 in May 2011. And in its first full year 508 sales were up 69 per cent compared to combined 407/508 sales in May 2011.

Peugeot is also reporting strong figures for its LCV division. Volumes have stayed stable despite the market being 10 per cent down, Peugeot’s market share climbing from 7.8 to 8.6 per cent.

Sales of LCVs are up 40 per cent year-on-year, with 4,911 units sold compared to 3,507 in 2011.

The new 208 is lighter and smaller than its 207 predecessor, though with more room inside. It has already received many positive reviews, particularly for its design,

The car comes in three and five-door versions, in five trim levels, starting from £9,995.

Peugeot has also revised its engines, the diesels offering CO2 from only 87g/km and all falling below the 99g/km barrier, while the petrol engines start with an all-new three-cylinder with emissions of 99g/km.

Full Peugeot 208 First drive – on CarandVanNews before the end of the week.

Words by: Andrew Charman