The Peugeot 208 is getting a make-over and from June 2015 we will see a sportier, better equipped and more efficient little machine. The 208 has been doing well over the last three years and sales have been good for the manufacturer with over 1,000,000 of the vehicle produced to date.

The front of the vehicle will be more muscular in appearance donning a new bumper with a wider grille and some thicker chrome finishes. The chrome theme will carry on around the windows and the door mirror shells. Optional with the new-look 208 will be 16” and 17” alloy wheels which can be personalised with “painted, diamante or with sequential diamante or laser engraved finishes.”

The 208 will use the successful i-Cockpit with a smaller steering wheel and a large 7” touch screen. As ever the touch screen allows owners to control most of the functions within the car, which means the interior doesn’t hold a massive cluster of buttons. Through the screen people can access audio, optional navigation, telephone, vehicle information and internet. MirrorScreen is also an option with the car and what this does is replicate a smartphone screen onto the car’s screen.

In terms of safety the 208 will now offer Active City Brake which aids in avoiding accidents at speeds less than 30km/h. What this system does is brakes the car automatically if the sensors on the vehicle detects obstacles.

The 208 will also be available with the GT Line trim. This trim line comes in 3 or 5-door versions and comes with an “EQUALIZER” grille, GT Line badges, 17” diamante alloys wheels and more chrome. A GTi version by Peugeot Sport will also be available - this comes with 18” wheels, bucket seats and Peugeot Sport high performance parts.

The entire 208 engine line-up meets Euro 6 emissions standard. Most notable of all of the engines is the super-efficient BlueHDi 1.6litre diesel engine (5-speed) which we’re told offers the “segment and market consumption record” at 3litres per 100km. Other BlueHDi diesel engines include; 1.6 offering 75hp (5-speed) and a 1.6 offering 120hp (6-speed). Petrol engines on offer are; 1.0 litre 68bhp, a 1.2 litre 82bhp, a 1.2 litre 110bhp, a 1.6 litre 165bhp and the performance 1.6 litre 208bhp engine.

European sales will start from mid-June 2015. Prices and equipment levels for Ireland will be announced by Peugeot closer to launch.