Peugeot 208 Test Drive | Claudio Casaroli prova | Esclusiva Ruote in Pista

The new 208 will play a key role in Peugeot's European stability and global consolidation, as evidenced by the more than 1,000 journalists currently flocking to Cascais to test drive the new flagship of the B-segment. After its highly acclaimed world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, the 208 will go on sale in Italy during the Open Doors weekend of April 14-15, with launch prices ranging from €12,400 to €19,150. The entry-level 1.0 VTi version will debut in September, priced at just €11,650. Peugeot's goal is clear and stated: to regain leadership in the segment by consolidating the 208 as a second-place car and re-engaging female drivers. The successor to the 207 (but for now the 207 SW and CC, as well as the 206 Plus, will remain in the range until stocks run out) represents a model of innovation, bringing energy and youthfulness, and fully reflects the evolution of lifestyles thanks to new connectivity and integration devices that are ushering in a new era of mobility. It is no coincidence that according to Peugeot management, 80% of sales will be versions equipped with the new touchscreen. The 208 has more compact external dimensions than the 207 (7 cm less, dropping to under 4 meters), is lighter (weight reduction between 110 and 173 kg), and is significantly more spacious inside (5 cm more for rear passengers) and has a larger trunk (15 liters more, to 311 liters). The steering wheel diameter (350 mm) has been reduced by 30 mm to make room for the tall instrument panel in a Head-Up Display style for a new driving position. Among the most notable aesthetic innovations are the floating grille, the moustache headlights, the three-stripe rear headlights, and the chrome trim at the window sills. Available in 3- and 5-door configurations, the new 208 represents a true generational leap, especially in terms of environmental friendliness. Average CO2 emissions have been reduced by 34 g/km thanks to weight reduction, improved aerodynamics, and the introduction of 3-cylinder gasoline engines, which, like the e-HDi engines, benefit from the Group's most modern technological innovations. New features include the Park Assist automatic parking system and the 7-inch color touchscreen, whose interface can be integrated with satellite navigation, an option for €500 for European markets. The engine section is the most interesting. The gasoline lineup will initially consist of the 4-cylinder 1.4-liter VTi with 95 hp and the 1.6-liter VTi with 120 hp, but the best is expected in the second half of the year with the debut of the "small but high-performance" 3-cylinder 1.0-liter VTi with 68 hp and 1.2-liter VTi with 82 hp, as well as the 1.6-liter THP turbocharged with 156 hp paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The gasoline engines represent the latest step in the PSA Group's downsizing strategy. Compared to a four-cylinder engine of equivalent power, fuel consumption and emissions are 25% lower. The diesel lineup will consist of the 4-cylinder 1.4-liter HDi with 68 hp and the 1.6-liter e-HDI with 92 and 115 hp. The 208 will therefore feature the new-generation e-HDI micro-hybrid technology with Stop&Start, already introduced on the 508 and 308, which improves everyday driving pleasure. Dynamically, the 208 honors the usual Peugeot quality with exemplary handling, a consistently responsive ride, and admirable steering precision. Peugeot 208 tested for you by Claudio Casaroli, with exclusive footage and interviews from Ruote in Pista Peugeot 208 Test Drive | Claudio Casaroli Tests | Ruote in Pista Exclusive No. 2168 SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL and we'll upload a new episode every week, as well as all the new videos from car manufacturers updated daily!    / subscription_c.  . FOLLOW US ON... WEB :: http://www.ruoteinpista.com/ FACEBOOK ::   / ruoteinpista   GOOGLE+ :: https://plus.google.com/+autolink271 INSTAGRAM ::   / ruote_in_pista