Peugeot 208: This French car is easy on the budget

The winning car has record fuel consumption figures of just 79 g/km CO2 and 3.0 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers. It is equipped as standard with the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) exhaust aftertreatment system, which reduces 90 percent of NOx. We were entrusted with a brand-new 208 Active Blue HDI 100 S&S for the 1000-kilometer test.

The (unladen) 1165-kilogram Frenchman hangs on the throttle well with a weekend load. The 1560 cubic centimeter, 100 hp unit doesn't show any weakness even on steep passages and can be spiraled through the switchbacks sportily with the directly responsive steering. The brakes are remarkably spontaneous. The five-speed gearshift could be a bit more precise, but the gear ratios are all perfectly coordinated.

Peugeot Suisse gives a discount of 5200 francs
Six airbags, ESP incl. ASR, tire pressure sensor, cruise control with two speed settings, LED pack and a lot more belong to the lush standard equipment of the likeable Frenchman. An automatic, instead of manual air conditioning would not have been bad. With rain and light sensors, parking assistance, heated seats and touchscreen with navigation system, the price of the car with these options is 26 550 francs. Peugeot Suisse offers a substantial discount of 5200 francs on this, so that the 208 Active Blue HDI 100 S&S including VAT comes in at 21 350 francs. Almost an outrageously good offer.

Finally, there is our test consumption. Well, we don't reach the minimum 3.0 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers with the new car. But with one to one-and-a-half liters more, we're always in the ballpark. And when the diesel unit has run a few thousand kilometers, it will be even less. Significantly less. Because the lion always laughs in the end.

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Photo: René Knorr