Peugeot 208 returns as electric hatch

The new Peugeot E-208 shapes up as a compact hatchback that swaps petrol power for electric propulsion.

The Peugeot E-208 is on its way to Australia.

Peugeot will introduce a new electric hatchback to Australia in 2024.

The new Peugeot E-208 shapes up as a compact hatchback that swaps petrol power for an electric propulsion.

Peugeot is bringing an electric hatch to Australia in the E-208.

Full Australian details for the model have not been confirmed.

European examples of the Peugeot E-208 are powered by a 100kW electric motor linked to a 50kWh battery with around 350 kilometres of driving range.

The Peugeot E-208 will be one of the smallest EVs on sale.

The front-wheel-drive hatch can accelerate to 100km/h in 8.1 seconds. It promises to be one of the smallest and lightest electric cars on the market.

But it is unlikely to join the BYD Dolphin, MG4 and GWM Ora as one of the cheapest electric cars on sale.

The Peugeot E-208 has a beautifully detailed cabin.

Peugeot has pitched the E-208 as a premium machine with a classy cabin, sharp styling and generous standard features in the UK.

Right-hand-drive examples of the car cost £34,845 ($66,621) drive-away in Britain, where it costs almost as much as the 508 GT sedan.

In Australia, the Peugeot 508 GT is currently offered for $62,990 drive-away, suggesting the new electric car could land for $60,000 or so.

Peugeot’s hatchback history includes the sporty 205 GTi hot hatch. Photo: Iain Curry

That’s a far cry from the previous Peugeot 208, which launched locally for $18,490 back in 2012.

The Peugeot 208 nameplate has been absent from Australian dealerships for the last five years as buyers shifted from tiny hatchbacks to compact SUVs.

Compact hatchbacks such as the Peugeot 208, Renault Clio and Ford Fiesta disappeared from Australian showrooms. Picture: Matt Turner.

Rival machines such as the Ford Fiesta, Honda Jazz, Hyundai i20, Nissan Micra and Renault Clio joined the Peugeot on the sidelines as manufacturers focused on more lucrative SUVs.

But higher asking prices for electric cars have helped justify a return for the little Peugeot.

Originally published as Peugeot 208 returns as electric hatch