Peugeot officially announced they have ditched all 2012 endurance programme, including Le Mans 24 Hours.

The reason? Challenging economic environment in Europe, according to Peugeot. The French car maker is going to have a busy year in terms of new vehicle launches – including the 208, 3008 HYbrid4, 508 RXH, 508 HYbrid4 and 4008, which is why they decided to concentrate 2012 resources on commercial performance.

But it’s not like all the Motorsport employees are going to be let go. They will be offered redeployment solutions within the Group thanks to a “special system set up to oversee and lead occupational training/retraining as well as internal mobility”.

It’s a shame really, not having the magnificent Peugeot 908 on the grid at this year’s Le Mans big race. Audi is probably sad too. Sure, not having the 908 around means an easier win for them, but it will be no fun.

Damn you economy!

As always before a new models arrives at dealerships, car makers try to get rid of what they have left of the old model by offering discounts or value-added packages. That’s when you can get some storming deals.

Now good  news for Australians. Peugeot just announced an updated version of the 207 CC which comes with lots of features, for free.

It has the same price as the last year model ($33,490 for the 1.6L man and $35, 490 for the automatic), but it comes with Bluetooth phone and a USB port, leather seat trim and 16-inch alloy wheels, all as standard.

Other standard features include automatically folding steel roof, cruise control with speed limiter, dual zone climate control air conditioning, electronic stability program, four airbags, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist.

The 2012MY 207 CC also gets some visual tweaks, such as the new Lion badging, black meter dials, a black interior roof colour and “Boyington” dashboard trim accents. As for the engine, the 1.6 liter unit makes 88kW of power at 6000rpm and 160Nm of torque at 4250rpm.

It’s a good deal, getting new features for the same price as before, but in a couple of months the new 208 will be out and that will make the 207 look old and kinda undesirable.

The all-new Peugeot 208 will hit the UK showrooms in June 2012 in both 3 and 5-door formats, and with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines.

The 208 is not only much, much better-looking than the outgoing 207, it is also remarkably more efficient and cleaner. In fact thanks to the new range of three-cylinder engines, and e-HDi micro-hybrid Stop & Start System on virtually all versions, it achieves CO₂ emissions of 34g/km lower than the 207.

Speaking of 3-cylinder engines, the 208 can be had with the 1.0- and 1.2-litre VTi, which are particularly efficient, with a range starting at 99g/km of CO₂ (delivering 65.7mpg). The one liter is the one also put in the 107 city car.

The diesel range also includes some very good engines, including a 1.4 liter that;s capable of an incredible 83.1  mpg. Our favorite of the bunch is the 1.6 liter turbo petrol because it makes a very decent 156bhp while returning a respectable 48 mpg.

208 diesel range:

• 1.4l HDi FAP 50kW (68bhp), 160Nm, 5-speed manual gearbox; CO₂: 98g/km, 74.3mpg
• 1.4l e-HDi FAP 50kW (68bhp), 160Nm,5-speed EGC, Stop & Start; CO₂: 87g/km, 83.1mpg
• 1.6l e-HDi FAP 68kW (92bhp), 230Nm, 5-speed manual , Stop & Start; CO₂: 98g/km,74.3mpg
• 1.6l e-HDi FAP 68kW (92bhp), 230Nm, 6-speed EGC , Stop & Start; CO₂: 98g/km ⁽¹⁾,74.3mpg
• 1.6l e-HDi FAP 84kW (115bhp), 285 ⁽²⁾Nm, 6-speed manual gearbox, Stop &Start; CO₂: 99g/km,74.3mpg

208 petrol range:

• 1.0l VTi  50kW (68bhp); 95Nm, 5-speed manual gearbox; 99g/km ⁽¹⁾ ,65.7mpg
• 1.2l VTi  60kW (82bhp); 118Nm, 5-speed manual gearbox; 104g/km ⁽¹⁾ ,62.8mpg
• 1.4l VTi  70kW (95bhp); 136Nm, 5-speed manual gearbox: 129g/km  ,50.4mpg
• 1.6l VTi  88kW (120bhp); 160Nm, 5-speed manual gearbox: 134g/km,48.7mpg
• 1.6l THP 115kW (156bhp), 240/260 ⁽²⁾Nm, 6-speed manual gearbox; CO₂: 135 g/km⁽¹⁾ ,48.7mpg

⁽¹⁾ New 1.0 l and 1.2 l 3-cylinder engines, 1.4 l e-HDi and 1.6 l THP versions available summer 2012

⁽²⁾ Value with overboost

As for the features, the fluffy hatchback comes with all the amenities you expect from a car of this class, plus a 7″ colour touch screen with carefully designed graphics (resolution 800 x 480) and intuitive operation. It allows easy access to the various functions: radio, Bluetooth hands-free kit or music files via a USB connection or audio streaming.

The car will also offer a new driving experience with small steering wheel which Peugeot is adamant is much more ergonimc and makes the car feel more agile.

Peugeot celebrates the all-new 208 with a limited edition of only 650 Ice Velvet models, offered in 18 European countries.

208 units of the 208 Ice Velvet is allocated to France, while the rest will be sold in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Italy, Luxembourg, Holland,  Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, UK, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland.

The Ice Velvet 208, offered only as 3-door hatchback, main features include a very cool  satin paint finish specially developed for this series, and new chrome detailing. The radiator grill, fog lights, panoramic glass roof and rear view mirrors are done in dark chrome, and the exhaust pipe and window surrounds in bright chrome.

Depending on the country, the 208 Ice Velvet can be had with either a petrol 1.6 VTi 120 engine, linked to a manual 5 speed gearbox or with a Diesel 1.6 e-HDi 115 engine, assisted by a manual 6 speed gearbox with a satin chrome gear knob.

The list of equipments and features for this special 208 includes items such as a large touch screen, satellite navigation, directional static lights, front lights with LED signature and DRL function, automatic air conditioning, panoramic glass roof with blue guide lights, sports seats, and…

The price for all this exclusivity and coolness is 23,500 EUR in France.

Peugeot today unveiled a new restyled version of its 107 micro car, with updated styling, new features and Reduced CO₂ to 99g/km.

The 107 is part of Peugeot-Citoren-Toyota alliance to make tiny cars on one single platform, but with different looks. The 107 is probably the most stylish one, especially with its new chunky design.

Styling changes over the previous model include a deeper lower front panel with a housing for the front fog lights, LED daytime running lights and a redesigned front bumper. The 2012 model also comes with three new trim levels of Access, Active and Allure, allowing customers to pay for the options they really want.You can spec the car up with items like alloy wheels and rev counter, Peugeot Connect Bluetooth and USB.

This fluffy Pug features an updated three-cylinder petrol engine which returns 66mpg and, as mentioned, emits no more than 99 g/km CO2.

Peugeot UK conduced a research on male obsession with cars and found out it’s even stronger than their obsession with their life partners!

According to this report, British men are more interested in spending time behind the wheel and under a bonnet than, you know, in bed with their girlfriends, or as Peugeot delicately put it: Brits are more concerned with wheels than heels.

The most important fact however is that 50% of men find their partner more difficult to maintain than their car, which is true. You car would rarely have a period, it won’t get jealous, it doesn’t talk all the time, it doesn’t tell you stop smoking, and all you have to buy it is some petrol or diesel time to time!

The only fact that is slightly pathetic is that 1 in 10 guys confessed to being more captivated with their cars’ alluring curves than their partners. A car can be extremely pretty, granted, but you can’t make love to it. Who gets turned on by looking at a car?!

The Peugeot ‘RCZ Study’ also found that gents can lavish more love and attention on their cars than their girlfriends, with men being three times happier spending cash on their car rather than their partner. Nearly a quarter of those surveyed in the West Midlands, spend more money on their cars than their partners (24%), closely followed by a fifth of those in Northern Ireland (20%). Overall, it appears men and women are harbouring a much bigger love for their motors than we may have realised:

• 50% of men admit they find their partner is more difficult to maintain than their car
• 17% of Brits spend more on their car than their other half
• 13% of respondents have been with their car longer than their partner
• 14% of people think a sporty car will help them get the girl or boy of their dreams
• Millions of us potentially spend more time with our cars than our partners (9% of the population in fact) and 8% of us would choose our car over our partner

Regional car lovers
The Peugeot ‘RCZ Study’ also sheds light on some interesting regional differences across the UK. More than half of people in the South East and West Midlands think their partner is more difficult to maintain than their car, (51%). Respondents in these regions also appear to be much happier spending time on their cars than their partner (19% in the South East and 16% in the West Midlands) and they are most likely to view their cars as the greatest symbol of success.

• 17% of people in Yorkshire and the Humber think their car is better looking than their partner, followed by 14% in Wales
• 15% of people in the West Midlands are most proud of showing off their car to friends and family rather than their partner, and they spend the most time admiring their cars (13%)
• 13% of people in Wales spend more time with their car than their partner
• Londoners would be more upset if their car was stolen than if they were dumped by their partner (15%) followed by people in Northern Ireland (14%)
• People in the East Midlands are least likely to talk about their car with their friends vs those in the West Midlands who would discuss their car (15%)

Peugeot 208 quite possibly the most important car the French company have ever made. It is supposed to repeat the enormous success of the lovely 206 and for that it relies heavily on its fancy design. That is what made the 206 such a big hit. Peugeot has put a lot of thought into this car, as explained by the top brass in these videos. Before that though we thought you might like to see the car’s lustrous promo clip again. So hit the jump.

Yesterday we brought to you the first official picture of the Peugeot 208. And today we have Peugeot’s official words and some videos of the car for you.

“With the 208, Peugeot has given itself the means to recreate an icon.” said Laurent Blanchet, Product Range Director, Automobiles Peugeot.

He does have a point. After the legendary 205 and the iconic 206, we had the terrible 207 which never lived up to the expectations. Now, turns out all Peugeot needed to get back on track was some inspiration from Citroen. This new 208 looks pretty special.

It’s not just the design. Everything about the 208 is better than its predecessor. It is is light (110kg lighter on average compared to the 207, and as much as –173kg! with a range which starts at 975kg), aerodynamic (Cd of 0.29, CdA of 0.61), and very compact (-7cm in length, -1cm in height), yet more spacious. It offers more room in the rear seats (+5cm at the knees) and a more generous boot (+15 dm3 in volume).

The interior is even better than the exterior. You can still feel the Citroen impact there, what with the fancy dials and the artistic dashboard, but it’s not as busy and vulgar as say a DS3.The small steering wheel is what Peugeot says will introduce new standards of ergonomics and results in a whole new driving experience.

We just hope the quality of the interior trims are as good as they good.

Peugeot 208 comes in 3 and 5-door versions, with five models, four of which are equipped with the new generation Stop & Start System (e-HDi), the diesel range starts at 87g/km of CO₂ (delivering fuel economy of 83.1 mpg) and never exceeds 99g!  The 208 introduces a new range of 3-cylinder petrol engines, 1.0- and 1.2-litre VTi, which are particularly efficient, with a range starting at 99g/km of CO₂ (delivering 65.7mpg).

The new Peugeot 208 will be launched in mainland Europe in the spring and for the UK in the summer of 2012. Check out videos of its exterior and interior for more details:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

And here’s the pictures again:

Official pictures and details of the all-new Peugeot 208 hit the web, revealing the car earlier than expected.

Peugeot had said before the new car will be a re-generation, which must mean the 208 is going to be the new 206, with the same striking design. While it looks pretty darn good, we’re not sure it’s a classic design like the 206. It’s too chintzy somehow!

But let’s not get bugged down on the 206, and look at the 208 a an all-new French chic hatchback that it is. There are lots of details in the car’s design, some good, some not very good. Peugeot is introducing a Citroen level of attention to details with the new car.

That is not surprising, as it is to all intents and purposes, a Citroen DS3. Not only it looks like it, it is also the same size as its sibling and uses the same engine lineup in which there is lots of HDi cleverness going on.

We are waiting for Peugeot’s official materials, but for now you can take a deeper look at the pictures of the new 208. After the rather disappointing 207, it is actually quite good.

Peugeot just released a video titled “Re-Generation” which can only be the teaser for the new 208. The Peugeot 206 was a phenomenon of design when it was launched back in 2000 or whenever it was, but then its reputation was ruined by the 207. Now with this re-generation, Peugeot wants to tell us they have come up with a proper successor to the great 206. We certainly hope so. The teaser video promises something jolly exciting. Watch it after the jump.

Brought to you by the PSA brotherhood, with a bit of help from Mitsubishi, here’s Peugeot’s version of the Citroen Aircross, called the 4008.

The 4008 is apparently for those who don’t like the look of the Aircross. That said, the 4008 is not exactly conservative. It has Peugeot’s feline touches all over it. Next to its Japanese and Korean rival, it actually looks great.

Some of its cool features include glass panoramic roof, Open & Go system, 18″ alloy wheels, a touch screen navigation system, and reversing camera.

Like its brother, this compact SUV comes with a four-wheel-drive system with three transmission modes: “2WD” two-wheel drive, “4WD” four-wheel drive and “LOCK” locking of the four-wheel drive. In the two four-wheel drive modes – 4WD and LOCK – the distribution of the torque between the front and the rear is managed electronically.

You can have the car with four engines, two petrols and two diesels:

• Petrol
  • 1.6l 85 kW (116hp) / 152 Nm – 5-speed manual
  • 2.0l 113 kW (150hp) / 198 Nm – 5-speed manual or CVT
• HDi Diesel
  • 1.6l HDi FAP 82 kW (112hp) / 270 – 280 Nm with overboost – 6-speed manual
  • 1.8l HDi FAP 110 kW (150hp) / 300 Nm – 6-speed manual

The 4008 will go on sale initially in international markets from 2012 second quarter.

Peugeot announced they received orders for all the 300 units of the 300 units of 508 RXH Limited Edition special series in just 3 days.

The orders book went open at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show to accept reservations from 12 European countries: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Spain, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, United Kingdom and Switzerland.

Those lucky enough to get one now have to wait until Spring 2012 to take delivery of their 48,950 Euro Pug.

The limited version of the crossover version of the gorgeous 508 comes with special features, such as a high-end exclusive finish with an alcantara leather interior, heated electric memory seats, hands-free ignition, quad-zone automatic climate control, Hi-Fi JBL pack, Xenon headlights, motorised tailgate, numbered aluminium plate, special dashboard decor and 18? high-angle forged aluminium wheel rims, as well as front and rear parking assistance.

The car is powered by a 200 hp petrol electric system with emissions of 107 g/km CO2, 4-wheel drive, and fully electric mode.

Peugeot has started taking orders for the new 3008 HYbrid4 i the UK, which is priced from £26,995.

The 3008 HYbrid4 is the first car in the world to offer a hybrid powertrain consisting of a diesel engine and an electric motor. It has a total output of 200bhp, 4WD, Zero Emission mode, 74 mpg fuel consumption and CO₂ from just 99g/km.

This Peugeot also offers reduced ownership costs through improved fuel economy, reduced Vehicle Excise Duty and BIK taxation, strong residual values and exemption from the London Congestion Charge. And it’s practical, and it’s well-equipped.

So on paper it is a brilliant car. But my God is it ugly! Plus, it combines two of the most uncool items in motoring, hybrid and diesel. If you decided you can live with that, there are two versions to choose from, a 99g/km CO₂ at £26,995 and 104g/km CO₂ at £28,495.

Peugeot revealed the RCZ Sport race car, developed for the customer competition cup in 2012, at Albi circuit, France. The car is basically the same as the production version, but is 250kg lighter, has more power at 250 hp, and is fitted with 6-speed sequential transmission. And at 54,900 Euro it is one of the most affordable motorsports in Europe.

Here’s the official presentation video for the stunning Peugeot HX1 Concept. And like the car itself it is pretty lustrous and cool, featuring a good-looking couple and cool cinematic tricks. It’s titled the Metamorphosis. The HX1 might look like a sleek coupe, but it is in fact a six-seat people carrier. If it’s the future of MPVs, bring it on!

The elegant and great-looking Peugeot RCZ Asphalt limited edition will be offered with a diesel engine.

Before you start complaining that such a nice car should not be had with an oil burner, we have to point out this 2.0 liter diesel engine has the same 200 hp output as the 1.6 liter turbo in the petrol version. But if offers more torque and lower fuel consumption.

And let’s be honest, what you really want from the RCZ Asphalt is the matte paint, those superb 19-inch wheels, and dual chrome exhausts pipes!

Peugeot RCZ Asphalt Diesel will make its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Read more about the petrol-powered version here.

Peugeot HX1 unveiled as the French car maker’s surprise for the Frankfurt Motor Show. The innovative car comes with many firsts for Peugeot.

Apart from the unique and pretty awesome styling, the HX1 is also a showcase of new ideas for greater practicality. It is designed to accommodate six people inside, but it’s far from your ordinary MPV. It is low (1.373 m) and wide (1.990 m overall).

The car has extreme aerodynamics, and that means it’s got flaps and bits which deploy at speed and change aero characteristics of the car for better efficiency. It includes turbine wheels and a spoiler and two side skirts located at the top of the tailgate that are deployed above 100 km/h (62.1mph). In fact it has the capability to adapt itself to its environment, to life conditions, driving conditions, etc. and at any time.

What’s more, the HX1 is powered by the firm’s acclaimed Hybrid4 powerplant integrating “plug-in” technology.

The system consists of an internal combustion diesel engine at the front (powering the front wheels) and an electric motor to the rear (powering the rear wheels). The combined output is 220 kW (299 bhp), 150 kW (204 hp) of which coming from the diesel engine and 70 kW (95 bhp) from the electric motor. The car can cover up to 30 km (18.6 miles) in all-electric drive mode. The HX1 thus obtains a combined fuel consumption of just 3.2 litre/100 km with CO2 emissions of 83 g/km.

Another party piece of the HX1 is the unique and frankly vulgar doors make the car look like a Transformer when they open!

The interior is just as stunning as the exterior. Besides teh fusturistic design, it features the materials used (floor and fittings in natural oak with inlaid fibre optics, brushed metal, leather, etc.), existing equipment (digital displays, touch-sensitive screens, etc.), designed lighting (LED spotlights, strips backlit by the natural lighting on the headlining, etc.); all contributing to make a magnificent place to be in.

The two sculpted rear seats are reclinable, a set of controls are grouped in the centre armrest. The centre console includes a minibar and a coffee machine, a discreet acknowledgement to the extensive history of Peugeot products. This console is adorned with white Carrare marble, specially milled “by hand”, which contributes to the exclusive and modern environment.

RHX is a new variant of the gorgeous Peugeot 508. Powered by a HYbrid4 diesel-electric system, the car is something between a crossover and an estate.

The all-wheel-drive Peugeot 508 RHX gets the same 2.0 l HDi FAP HYbrid4 drive train as the 3008 hybrid, with 147 kW (200 bhp), and a maximum torque of 450 Nm. In 100% electric mode it is of course emission-free, but even with the diesel unit involved it averages 4.2 l/100 km (70.6 mpg), with emissions of 109 g/km of CO2.

Even better than its powertrain is the car’s looks and functionality. For starters, it’s based on the 508 which is a great looking car, and the jacked-up body makes an interesting vehicle. Not dull like a station wagon but not that big as a SUV either.

It does have some distinctive features that set it apart form the sedan, apart from the back-end of course, including distinctive LED lights visible both at day and night, giving an impression of three vertical ‘lions’ claws on each side of its ‘floating’ grille, the style of which is even more striking.

The interior too benefits from special features with distinctive colours and luxurious materials, like its premium quality interior and upholstery. It also comes with a rich list of features, including Open & Go system, electric front seats, head up display, 18″ wheels, panoramic glass roof, dark-tinted acoustic laminated side windows, latest generation audio and satellite navigation unit, it welcomes its occupants with care, refinement and a high level of comfort.

Peugeot 508 RXH makes its debut at IAA and goes on sale in spring 2012.

Peugeot is now taking orders for the 75 right-hand-drive RCZ Asphalt special edition they are bringing to UK. And they are asking £29,995 for each one.

So, what do you get for your 30 grand? Well, you get a Peugeot RCZ for s start which is a fantastic looking coupe, and it’s powered by the 200bhp THP petrol engine which is not that sporty, but gutsy enough to match the incredible looks. It also features a bespoke high level specification over the top-of-the-range GT trim.

The Asphalt treatment which is the reason you have to pay so much extra for the car includes exclusive Matt exterior Telluric grey paintwork with black roof, ‘Asphalt’ badging, 19” Solstice black alloy wheels, complemented with matching black brake callipers. The interior is equally striking with bespoke ‘Asphalt’ branded and stitched Nappa leather trim, an Alcantara / leather steering wheel and gear stick, with bespoke ‘Asphalt’ sill covers and floor mats.

The car also gets a few extra goodies that the GT doesn’t get, such as front and rear parking aid, auto lighting (with approach and follow me home modes), Peugeot Connect Media Navigation and a top-of-the-range JBL sound system.

If you try really hard, you can convince yourself it is good value!

2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed will see the world’s coolest electric car, Peugeot EX1, running up the hill.

Don’t let the fact that the EX1 is an electric car put you down. This EV is not built for saving the planet, it’s built for fun! The car’s powered by by two electric motors driving each axle with a combined power output of 340bhp, with torque at the wheels of 1680Nm which enables impressive acceleration with a capability of 0-62mph in just 3.49 seconds. It’s already set many world speed records for electric vehicles. It’s even been featured in Top Gear last year.

Peugeot’s stand also includes other exciting models. Main highlights include UK debut of petrol-hybrid HR1 – a Compact MPV concept,  the new 308 CC (Coupé Cabriolet), the popular and stylish RCZ Sports Coupé, in the form of the new Asphalt LE of which only 75 are available in the UK, the 508, the 3008 HYbrid4, and competition cars including 908 Endurance Race car, and Guy Wilks’ Peugeot 207 S2000 IRC Rally Car.

On Thursday, Peugeot is running a number RCZ Sports Coupés and new 508s in both Saloon and SW body style guises in the 2^nd Goodwood Moving Motor Show.