New Peugeot 208 due 2012

A replacement for the 207, it arrives mid next year in Europe -- later in Australia. It will be available in two distinct body styles: three and five door.

Peugeot says the new model is not merely an evolution of 207 but is infact a clean slate design with new ambitions. Consequently, 208 embodies the most ambitious specification overhaul ever undertaken by Peugeot.

Perhaps the biggest change is to weight with the new car 110kg lighter on average compared to the 207 -- and as much as 173kg. The kick off weight is 975kg and accompanied by slippery aerodynamics, the 208 should be a considerable step up on its predecessor.

It's shrunk externally in length and height - itself a major move away from the mainstream which nearly always sees cars of specific segments grow with each new model.af 0.29, CdA of 0.61), and Peugeot has been able to increase interior spece despite smaller external dimensions.

There's a new look with a less confrontational grille. The body panels have a sculpted, athletic look giving the 208 a much more modern appearance. The two body styles have been given entirely different treatments. The interior continues the promise of innovation just like the exterior style.

Under the bonnet, carbon dioxide emissions are as much as 34g/km lower than the 207. It uses the latest generation engine technology and e-HDi micro-hybrid system on virtually all versions.

With five models, four of which are equipped with the new generation Stop & Start System (e-HDi). Petrol and diesel models will be available. The 208 introduces a new range of three-cylinder petrol engines, 1.0 and 1.2-litre VTi, which are particularly efficient and capable of better than 3.5-litres/100km.