Discover the main strengths and weaknesses of the Peugeot 208, a compact car that promises technology, modern design and efficient performance.
O Peugeot 208 G1, launched in Brazil in 2013, represented the first generation of this model in the country. Successor to the Peugeot 207, the 208 arrived with the mission of repositioning the French brand in the national market, offering a car with European design, greater technology and engine options that met the needs of Brazilian consumers.
Discover the Peugeot 208 G1 (2013 – 2020)
With the introduction into market, the Peugeot 208 G1 brought innovations that sought to regain consumer trust, offering a modern and efficient compact.
Its official debut took place in the first half of 2013, shortly after being shown at the 2012 Motor Show.
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The model stood out for its proposal to be an affordable car, but with advanced technologies for the time.
However, before buying a used Peugeot 208 G1, it is essential to check the vehicle's history to avoid problems such as stolen cars, crashes or cars with financial issues.
Checking the license plate is an important step to ensure a safe purchase.
Design was one of the strong points of the Peugeot 208 G1. Before its launch, the Peugeot 206 was the brand's main model in Brazil, with a striking design.
However, the 207, which was supposed to be its successor, was not as popular with the public, as the version launched in Brazil was an economical adaptation of the European model, maintaining the base of the 206.
With the 208, Peugeot got it right by bringing a modern design, identical to that of the European version, which won over consumers again.
The Peugeot 208 G1 stood out for its triangular headlights, which could receive low-light projectors, and a front with clean, elegant lines.
The “C” shaped taillights, with LED lighting, also contributed to a modern and attractive look.
The voluminous bumper, with the license plate positioned on the trunk lid, completed the model's distinctive design.
Vehicle performance
The Peugeot 208 G1 was launched with two options motorization. The first, a 1.5 Flex engine codenamed “TU4M”, was an update of the 1.4 engine used in the 207.
It generated up to 93 horsepower and 14,2 kgfm of torque. The second option was a 1.6 engine, also Flex, which delivered 122 horsepower and 16,4 kgfm of torque.
Both engines were aspirated, that is, they did not have a turbo, which was common for the time.
In terms of transmission, the 1.5 engine came exclusively with a five-speed manual gearbox, while the 1.6 could be equipped with the same manual transmission or a four-speed automatic.
The 208 G1's platform was the PF1, the same one used in the 206 and other Peugeot and Citroën models, such as the C3 and DS3, which guaranteed reliability and good performance.
Despite using an old platform, the Peugeot 208 G1 managed to deliver adequate performance for a car of its category.
Its drivability was praised, especially in models with manual transmission, which offered a more agile and responsive drive.
Technology and Comfort of the Peugeot 208 G1
The Peugeot 208 G1 brought several innovations technological solutions for the compact segment, positioning itself as one of the best equipped models in the category.
Since the entry-level version, the 208 already came with items such as air conditioning, electric steering, ABS brakes and dual front airbags, which made it an attractive option for those looking for safety and comfort in a compact car.
Another highlight was the i-Cockpit, a raised instrument panel concept, positioned above the steering wheel, which made it easier to view information while driving.
Furthermore, the 208 had a 7-inch floating multimedia center, positioned at the top of the center console, which was a novelty at the time.
The intermediate version of the 208 incorporated items such as a panoramic roof with fixed glass, a multifunctional leather steering wheel and native GPS in the multimedia center, features that were rare or non-existent in other cars in the same category.
The top-of-the-line version offered dual-zone digital air conditioning, headlights with LED daytime running lights and rain and twilight sensors, further raising the level of comfort and technology.
Advantages and disadvantages of buying this model
Among the main strengths of the Peugeot 208 G1 is its value for money. Node market used, it stands out for offering a good relationship between price and equipment, as well as satisfactory performance with the 1.5 and 1.6 engines.
The technology on board, even in the entry-level versions, is also an attraction, making the 208 an interesting choice for those looking for a compact car with a good list of standard features.
However, the 208 G1 also has some limitations. The internal space is one of the weak points, being one of the smallest hatches available on the Brazilian market, which can be a problem for those who need more space for passengers or luggage.
Furthermore, the four-speed automatic transmission, although reliable, compromises the car's performance, making it less agile compared to the manual version.
Another challenge when buying a used Peugeot 208 G1 is finding a model in good condition.
Problems such as yellowed headlights, wear on the interior finish and damage to the panoramic roof curtain are common in older models, requiring extra attention when purchasing.
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Mayonnaise by Luiz Souza