Peugeot 208 PureTech tested

By THOMAS HUONG | 6 September 2017


The new 1.2-litre turbocharged Peugeot 208 PureTech B-segment hatchback is generously kitted, and promises a lot in lowering your petrol costs.

We took the car for four days, and found it to be a very competent and well-packaged machine.

Like the previous naturally 1.6-litre VTi engined 208, the new 208 PureTech is equipped with nice kit.

These include front and rear LED lights, automatic headlights and wipers, "Follow Me Home" security lighting, automatic dual-zone air-conditioning, auto dimming rear view mirror, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, four one-touch up/down powered windows, steering wheel controls for infotainment system, as well as a barnful of safety features that earned it a maximum five-star Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) safety rating.

Peugeot 208 Puretech Carsifu (19)


There's also a seven-inch touchscreen mated to a six-speaker Arkamys 3D Sound audio system with USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

Owners of the previous 208 would know how impressive this audio system is, as it provides exceptional sound clarity and detail.

The touchscreen can also display driving data such as fuel consumption, distance travelled, average speed and distance remaining before refuelling.

Peugeot 208 Puretech Carsifu (1)


There's no centre storage box between the front seats, but you do get adequate storage space for small items with seat back pockets, four cup holders and pockets on all the doors.

Like the previous 208, rear cargo room can be up to 1,152 litres with the 60/40 foldable rear seats.

There is also adequate rear leg room with its 2,538mm wheelbase.

Peugeot 208 Puretech Carsifu (6)


Another carryover from the previous 208 is the Peugeot i-Cockpit where the steering wheel is rather small, and the driver looks at the meter cluster from above the steering wheel, rather than through it.

As we have said before, this is something that one gets used to quickly, and we feel this gives us better steering control.

The cabin has a sporty look with metallic surfaces, a black-themed interior and 3D Techmat fabric seats that were supportive and comfortable.

Now, let's take a look at the main highlight here, namely the Peugeot PureTech 3-cylinder petrol engine which has won top honours, including the 2015, 2016 and 2017 International engine of the year award in the 1.0-litre to 1.4-litre category.

Peugeot 208 Puretech Carsifu (2)


The 1.2-litre PureTech engine can provide the power and performance of a 1.6-litre engine, but the fuel efficiency of a smaller engine.

It uses an aluminium cast-iron-lined block (for quicker engine warm up), low friction materials and a revised cooling system to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

It's billed as being able to achieve a miserly 4.2 litres per 100km (extra-urban cycle - highway driving); and with a 50-litre petrol tank, that can translate into an incredible 1,190km driving range.

On the mixed driving cycle, fuel consumption is rated at 5 litres per 100km.

Peugeot 208 Puretech Carsifu (7)


However, in reality, over the course of four days and 505km, driving at an average speed of 41kph on mixed city-highway routes, the car's trip meter showed our fuel consumption at 8.2 litres per 100km.

We were quite impressed with this, as we are heavy-footed drivers who get impatient in slow-moving traffic, and we performed a fair bit of hard acceleration with the car when checking out its driving behaviour.

It's worth noting that at 1,080kg, the 208 PureTech is about 70kg lighter than its predecessor.

Peugeot 208 Puretech Carsifu (18)


The improved fuel economy is also partly due to its Auto engine Stop-Start feature, which deactivates the engine at standstill and restarts when the accelerator is pressed.

The Auto start-stop function is smooth enough, although we felt response could be better by being a tad quicker on engine re-starts.

If you don't like it, you can choose to turn off the Auto engine Stop-Start feature.

This feature is also subject to external temperature conditions, as it deactivated and could not be switched on, during a hot day; we think it's because the engine is needed to maintain a comfortable temperature within the cabin.

Peugeot 208 Puretech Carsifu (12)


The Aisin-sourced 6-speed automatic gearbox is a smooth and quick shifter, and we noted that tachometer showed 1,600 to 1,700rpm at 80kph and 2,300rpm at 110kph.

Although it is a punchy powertrain, we did note some turbo lag when we stepped hard on the accelerator pedal.

Also, we noticed some judder and vibration at parking speeds, as well as when the transmission is shifting up from 5th to 6th gear as the car picks up speed.

Peugeot 208 Puretech Carsifu (9)


Regarding the driving experience, the 208 PureTech runs on Michelin Energy Saver tyres sized 195/55 R16 and delivers marvellous handling, and impressive road holding at high speeds.

The electric power steering is precise, and the car has a smooth ride quality.

In summary, the 208 PureTech is a nicely packaged set of wheels, although we feel that the powertrain could use some refinement.

Priced at RM87,245 on-the-road without insurance and with a five-year or 120,000km (whichever is first) warranty, it provides great value for money.

Peugeot 208 Puretech Carsifu (3)

Peugeot 208 PureTech

Engine: 1,199cc turbocharged, direct petrol injection, 3-inline cylinders, DOHC 12 valve, VTI (variable valve timing)
Maximum power: 112ps at 5,500rpm
Maximum torque: 205Nm from 1,500rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic with Quickshift
Features: Six airbags, ABS, emergency brake assist (EBA), electronic brake distribution (EBD), electronic stability programme (ESP), anti skid regulator (ASR), dynamic stability control (DSC), hill start assist, all-round disc brakes, anti-whiplash front seats' headrests, ISOFIX points for child seats
Fuel tank: 50 litres
Acceleration (0 to 100kph): 9.8 seconds
Top speed: 190kph
Price: RM87,245 on-the-road without insurance; five-year or 120,000km (whichever is first) warranty, three-year free 24-hour Peugeot Roadside Assistance, access to Peugeot Lounge at Subang Airport, Peugeot Privilege membership


Keywords

Overview

Styling
80%
Comfort
70%
Performance
70%
Safety
80%
Value
80%

CarSifu's Rating: 7.6