NEW PEUGEOT 208 GT

At first glance the 208 GT Hybrid clearly looks to be a descendent of the classic (and very dainty) Peugeot 205 of the 1980s. Of course it’s significantly bigger, and built up at both front and rear, but large alloys, black wheelarch extensions, a black roof and blackened rear windows make it appear daintier than it is in profile. Move around the car and you’ll notice those flanks have muscularity chiselled into the shoulder line. The headlights sit high above huge ‘cat’s claw’ DRLs that flank a huge radiator grille with a chequered pattern in the car’s body colour. In this case it’s Agueda Yellow, the only no-cost option. The standard wheels are a two-tone diamond cut design with gloss black inserts. At the back, a light bar links the high-set tail lights (the three-strip theme continues) and a subtle gloss-black roof spoiler is paired with a gloss black diffuser with small twin tailpipe.

Inside, the plush alcantara seat trim features intriguing green stitching and keylines. The ‘Dynamic’ seats have an excellent range of adjustment and there’s even electric lumbar adjustment and massage function for the driver. There’s a full-leather steering wheel with large column-mounted gear shifters and aluminium pedals. Look further and you notice the black roof lining and screen pillars, the gloss-black ‘Piano key’ toggle switches and carbon-effect dashboard and door panels. Peugeot’s i-Cockpit centres on that very compact multi-function steering wheel and 10-inch touchscreen. It does not work so well for tall drivers who might have to compromise their driving position to see all the instrumentation.

You have to reach some distance to hit the starter button and then the 1.2-litre ‘triple’ hesitates before firing. The engine now delivers 100kW and 230Nm from 1750rpm. The hybrid badge on the tailgate signals an electric motor is integrated into the dual-clutch transmission, producing extra torque at low revs and, claims Peugeot, a potential 15 per cent reduction in fuel consumption. The overall combined figure sits at 4.7L/100km. You get a little electric-only running, mainly when manoeuvring, and some engine-off, steady-state coasting. Shifts are smooth and quick and performance is suitably brisk when you need it to be thanks to that decent wave of low-down torque. Ease off the throttle and there’s an obvious degree of motor regen that is both audible and apparent in the mild braking effect. Push hard and the little Pug is neat and tidy through bends and grips very well. Cruise about and you’ll be equally rewarded with a supple ride and good cabin isolation.

Overall, the 208 GT impresses as a very convincing urban all-rounder with enough style, equipment and safety features to justify the $46k pricing. We may be well on the way to an electric future but the mild hybrid recipe seems to suit this French offering extremely well.