PARIS: Peugeot’s best selling model, the 208, returns with numerous changes inside and out and even includes two granular-to-the-touch colours, more personalisation options, new technology and improved engines.

The new Peugeot 208 intends to go on sale across Europe from June onwards with the addition of its new ‘textured paint’ finish of either Ice Grey or Ice Silver.

In addition, an optional personalisation pack of Lime Yellow or Menthol White is also offered, which can be applied to both the interior and exterior.

According to the French carmaker, the new textured colours not only emphasises the new 208’s curves, but is also easier to care for, is exceptionally resistant to micro-scratches and comes with a lifetime-of-the-car warranty.

The textured paint is applied by robots at the company’s Poissy manufacturing plant in France and has been patented by Peugeot.

According to the company, while the initial coats of anti-corrosion, primer and colour base remain the same as for conventional metallic paint, the innovation is in the composition and application of the lacquer.

The lacquer features fine particles of silica and micro-balloons of polyamide; the former gives the paint its matt appearance, toughness and granular properties, while the latter creates its special texture.

As for the new 208, it will cost exactly the same as pearlescent paint – at just £645 (RM3,650) and its colour palette comprises of 13 shades.

While the shades include the two textured colours, there are two solid colours of Bianca White and Hurricane Grey; seven metallic colours of new Orange Power, Aluminium, Shark Grey, Nera Black, Virtual Blue, Twilight Blue, and Rioja Red.

The list continues with a pearlescent Satin White, and a distinctive ‘Coupe Franche’ design that’s of textured Matt Black or Lacquered Red and is exclusively available on the 208 ‘GTi by PEUGEOT Sport’.

The two optional personalisation packs for the 208 throws in factory-fitted items such as ‘Equalizer’ grille with 3D-effect coloured markings; gloss black grille surround, front foglamp finishers with laser-engraved coloured line, matching coloured front and rear Peugeot lettering, Nera Black door mirror shells and coloured side repeaters.

The Menthol White and Lime Yellow packs can also be specified for the cabin interior that’s independent of the exterior pack chosen and includes items such as sport seats in prestige leather effect trim and Oxford cloth.

Coloured stitching can also be specified for the armrests in the door panels, perforated full-grain leather steering wheel and gear lever gaiter.

Specified colours can be applied to the front and rear door handles, the blade below the instrument panel and dashboard moulding, while being accompanied by satin chrome air vent finishers and height adjustable passenger’s seat.

In terms of safety, the 208 receives active city brake and a rear view camera, while four new Euro-6 compliant PureTech petrol or BlueHDi diesel engines will be mated to a new quick-shifting EAT6 automatic gearbox.

Further improvements include a new soft-touch dashboard material, white back-lighting for the instrument panel and blue LED light guides for versions equipped with a panoramic roof as well as offering the new GT Line finish that's influenced by the performance-oriented 208 GTi model.

Keywords