Peugeot Joins the 3-Cylinder Trend

It's almost a 3-cylinder boom these days, with new power units being announced one after another.Volkswagen "up!"Its 1-liter 3-cylinder is one example, and Ford has also announced the development of an EcoBoost engine of the same displacement. Furthermore,BMW is developing a 1.5-liter power unit, with 500cc per cylinder, which will likely be turbocharged and combined with an electric motor. Market introduction is likely just a matter of time.

Among Japanese domestic cars, excluding minicars, the 1.2-liter inline 3-cylinder engines found in the "March" and "Note" are noteworthy. The "Note" uses a supercharger to achieve power comparable to the class above. The use of forced induction can be seen as a European approach.

Now, the car we are introducing here is one such example. Powered by a 1.2-liter inline 3-cylinder engine, it is thePeugeot "208".



Of course, as you can see from the catalog, there are also lineups with a 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engine and its turbocharged variant. During this test drive, I also drove the non-turbo 120ps model, which offered a remarkably agile and enjoyable ride. The fact that it can run so nimbly with a 4-speed automatic transmission is perhaps a testament to the engineering prowess of a hot hatch nation. The pleasure of steering was evident even in a single lane change.

This is due to final tuning, but it wouldn't mean anything without a solid basic chassis. No matter how stiff the suspension or how linear the power steering is set, it's all for naught if the body flexes excessively.

In that regard, the new "208" is exceptionally well-executed. Within a minute of driving, you can feel the robust body changing direction precisely as you turn the steering wheel, as if it were a single unit. It offers excellent feedback, approaching the level of German sports cars.

Driving with a 5-Speed Manual

Another notable aspect is the innovative packaging of the new model. This becomes clearer when comparing it to the"207". While maintaining the same wheelbase, the overall length has been reduced, yet the cabin space has been increased, along with expanded cargo capacity.

In simple terms, this means the front and rear overhangs have been shortened, enhancing its dynamic performance. One might wonder why the wheelbase wasn't extended? However, that's where Peugeot's intelligence lies. The era of simply enlarging cars to create more cabin space is over. They clearly state that this is now an era that demands greater space efficiency.



Let's turn our attention to the model equipped with the 3-cylinder engine. The Japanese specification model is the "208 Allure," released on December 1, 2012. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.2-liter inline 3-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 82ps.

The vehicle weight of 1,070 kg is 110 kg less than the "208 Cielo" with its 4-cylinder engine. This weight can certainly be described as lightweight.

However, this car has another highlight: it comes with a 5-speed manual transmission. With a manual shifter, you can briskly drive the 82ps 3-cylinder unit through quick shifts. As any French car enthusiast knows, this is the essence of a hot hatch. The joy of shifting gears rapidly is unparalleled. Well, perhaps the view from the passenger seat might be a bit chilly, but still.

A Rare Gem

Thus, I encountered a rather niche car after a long time. Operating a high-revving unit with a satisfyingly tactile shifter is truly enjoyable. But its appeal doesn't end there. The elegant exterior design and the high-quality interior finish exude a sense of luxury unique to French cars. The difference compared to Japanese cars in the same class is evident. This car would surely captivate the lady you've invited to sit in the passenger seat.



Regardless, in a country where manual transmissions are becoming an endangered species, the "208 Allure" is undoubtedly a precious vehicle. For those looking for something like this, why not consider purchasing it before it's discontinued? It's sure to bring you a happy car life as a second or third car.

Peugeot 208 Allure
Body Dimensions | Length 3,960 x Width 1,750 x Height 1,470 mm
Wheelbase | 2,540 mm
Weight | 1,070 kg
Engine | 1,199cc Inline 3-cylinder DOHC
Max Output | 60 kW (82ps) / 5,000 rpm
Max Torque | 118 Nm / 2,750 rpm
Transmission | 5-speed Manual
Drivetrain | FF
Tires | 195/55R16
Brakes (Front/Rear) | Ventilated Discs / Drums
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 19.0 km/ℓ
Price | ¥1,990,000

Peugeot 208 Cielo
Body Dimensions | Length 3,960 x Width 1,750 x Height 1,470 mm
Wheelbase | 2,540 mm
Weight | 1,180 kg
Engine | 1,598cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC
Max Output | 88 kW (120ps) / 6,000 rpm
Max Torque | 160 Nm / 4,250 rpm
Transmission | 4-speed Automatic
Drivetrain | FF
Tires | 195/55R16
Brakes (Front/Rear) | Ventilated Discs / Discs
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 13.4 km/ℓ
Price | ¥2,400,000

Peugeot 208 GT
Body Dimensions | Length 3,960 x Width 1,750 x Height 1,470 mm
Wheelbase | 2,540 mm
Weight | 1,200 kg
Engine | 1,598cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Turbo
Max Output | 115 kW (156ps) / 6,000 rpm
Max Torque | 240 Nm / 1,400-3,500 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed Manual
Drivetrain | FF
Tires | 205/45R17
Brakes (Front/Rear) | Ventilated Discs / Discs
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 15.2 km/ℓ
Price | ¥2,580,000