Peugeot going for bold with new 208

A new Lion is about to leap into view! In a UK exclusive, Auto Express can bring you these amazing pictures of the all-new Peugeot 208.

Scooped by Auto Plus, our sister magazine in France, the Ford Fiesta rival gets a dramatic look which takes some of its inspiration from the RC Hybrid concept, revealed at the Paris Motor Show last September.

As you can see from Auto Plus’s spy shot and our main illustration, the 207 replacement features a more prominent nose with a huge badge, enormous headlights and bold air intakes.

The car is the work of new Peugeot chief designer Jean-Pierre Ploue, who has joined from fellow PSA firm Citroen, and replaces Jerome Galix. His job is to differentiate the two marques – and the radical 208 certainly does that.

At the rear, the restyle continues with large tail-lights and a sporty lower bumper, which incorporates twin diffusers. The new car will debut a host of super-efficient turbocharged petrol and diesel powerplants, and is set to be fitted with a start-stop system that switches off the engine in stationary traffic to save fuel and cut emissions.

Three and five-door cars will be available, although buyers will have to be patient – as the 208 isn’t due here until 2012.