Peugeot 208 Hatchback (Maruti Baleno Rival) Spotted In India Once Again

Peugeot 208 could be one of the initial products from the French automaker’s stable when it enters the market sometime in 2020

Earlier last year, the announcement of PSA and CK Birla Group partnering for an automobile joint venture showcased the sign of things to come. Under this synergy, the two brands will manufacture and sell vehicles in the Indian market by 2020. Touted to be a long-term alliance, the deal sees an initial investment close to €100 million (approx Rs. 700 crore) locally.

It will be used to establish vehicle assembly and powertrain producing plants in the state of Tamil Nadu. Part of the first agreement is that PSA Group will be responsible for a major stake in the JV company agreed with HMFCL (Hindustan Motors Financial Corporation Limited). It will take care of the assembly and distribution of PSA passenger vehicles in India.

Also Read: Peugeot to Make India Comeback by 2020 as PSA and JK Birla Sign Joint Venture

PSA took the opportunity for granted when multinationals could make sustainable business in India in the early ‘90s. In spite of entering at the earliest partnering Premier Automobiles, its departure from India came a complete shocker after just four years of presence. Years later, a return with Tata Group failed to materialise.

PSA seems to on the front foot this time around as it bought the Ambassador brand from CK Birla Group (owner of Hindustan Motors). Moreover, it purchased Opel and Vauxhall brands from General Motors in a massive $2.33 billion deal underlining its financial strength. With the buyout, PSA has become the second largest automaker in Europe following Volkswagen AG.

Also Read: Hindustan Motors’ Iconic Ambassador Brand Sold to Peugeot

It is no secret that the well-reputed global manufacturers are trying to get a stronghold in the immensely growing Indian automobile market. Despite the announcement of GM’s exit from local sales in 2016, the future only seems bright for the highly promising volume as well as premium spaces in the market with scope for bigger opportunities in the years to come.

We have let you into Kia’s plans of entering India as the sub-brand of Hyundai targets the lucrative volume spaces. However, it will have a brand new rival picking up where it left off in Europe as Peugeot is all set to make a comeback and the evidences of it have been caught on camera several times.

Also Read: Peugeot Buys Opel to Become Europe’s Second Largest Automaker

The 2017 Peugeot 208 has been spied testing on Indian roads suggesting that initial steps are well underway. In a nutshell, the 208 fits the bill perfectly for India if Peugeot decides launching the compact hatchback. The 208 is not a legendary name as a 308 in the French automaker’s car lineage but it reflects the modern character of the brand. Here is everything you need to know about the Peugeot 2018:

Peugeot 208 Key Rivals

Being a good seller in Europe, the B-segment super-mini will be slotted against rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai i20 and Honda Jazz in the premium hatchback segment.

Peugeot 208 Exterior Styling

Making world debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, the 208 is built on the PF1 platform. The test model spotted earlier wore a temporary registration plate and was either be brought as private import or for data acquirement, mechanical settings, dynamic adjustments and validation on the typical Indian road surfaces. But, now a group of Peugeots spied have been registered with Pune RTO.

The 208 comprises of signature brand styling and has a rather imposing front end. It has sweptback projector headlamp unit, sporty black grille assembly with chrome housing and round-shaped fog lamps that will get LED treatment in the top-spec variants. The front bumper also features chrome inserts while the side and rear profiles are equally appealing in nature.

Peugeot 208 Interior and Features

The Peugeot 2018 comprises of an all-black cabin and it comes equipped with a multi-functional three-spoke steering wheel with mounted controls. The central area houses a touchscreen infotainment system with the AC vent positioned just below. The side AC vents have silver inserts and door handles are finished in silver while there are also electrically adjustable ORVMs.

Other important features are white upholstery stitching, engine start-stop button, standard driver and co-passenger airbags, ABS with EBD and much more. We expect the equipment level to be very good to lure new buyers in the premium hatchback segment.

Peugeot 208 Expected Engine, Specifications

In foreign markets, the Peugeot 208 comes with several different engine options including a 1.0 VTi petrol making 68 hp and a 1.2 VTi with 82 hp. The performance based GTI variant used a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol motor developing 197 bhp and 275 Nm peak torque, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

The diesel range comprises of a four-cylinder 1.4 e HDi unit making 67 horsepower and 1.6 unit making 92 hp. The PureTech engine on a previous test mule could be a 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol mill as the previous prototype of the 208 spied back in 2015 used the same powertrain.

Peugeot 208 Dimensions

It measures 3,962 mm in length, 1,739 mm in width, 1,460 mm in height and has kerb weight 975 and 1,295 kg depending on the variants. It has a generous wheelbase of 2,538 mm.

Peugeot 208 India Price

It could be a worth offering in the Rs. 6 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh price bracket if/when it is given green light to enter India possibly by the end of this decade.

Peugeot 208 India Launch

We expect the French premium hatchback to launch in the country sometime by the end of this decade. Word on the street is that PSA will be focusing on bringing cars with SUV stance like the Renault Kwid to appeal for larger customer base as the initial product lineup could comprise of a crossover hatchback, a compact SUV and a MPV.

Peugeot 208 India Images

Spy Source: Team-BHP