One of the most popular vehicle brands in the UK also has one of the most interesting histories, dating back to 1810. Now, this brand’s beloved hatchback makes a UK comeback, with modern tech on the outside and retro thrills on the inside. While some may believe what’s on the inside that counts, this model shows that both the interior and exterior are equally important when it comes to a vehicle. Perhaps this beloved hatchback’s blend of modern and retro will also have you saying ‘oh la la!’
Moving from mills to motors
In 1810, a family business had a primary focus on producing a selection of items, including coffee grinders, hand tools, and even corset frames, in its grain mill-turned-steel foundry. It would be seven more decades before the business expanded its expertise to manufacturing bicycles in 1882. It became a proud sponsor of one of the first professional cycling teams. This team won the Tour de France ten times.
According to Carvolution, in 1889, the business manufactured its first automobile, a three-wheeled steam-powered vehicle, and its first four-wheeled, gasoline-fueled vehicle in 1890. Its factory played a vital role in WWI, producing military equipment for the French army. During WWII, it sabotaged production lines as resistance against the Germans, and it manufactured the first-of-its-kind small EV, then called the VLV.
The business rapidly transitioned into an automobile company, and its vehicles certainly made their mark in motorsports, with victories including several Dakar Rally wins, winning the first Paris-Rouen race, and a victory in 2009 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Now, one of its beloved hatchbacks is making a comeback in the UK.
Beloved hatchback makes a UK comeback
We are referring to none other than the French vehicle brand, Peugeot. The beloved hatchback, the Peugeot E-208, will exclusively be an EV, giving a nod to the brand’s rich history. The Peugeot family is one of the largest shareholders of a multinational automotive manufacturing company, Stellantis, and the new hatchback will be one of its most crucial models to date.
Seeing as Tesla’s Cybertruck has been banned across the UK, this new hatchback’s comeback could be bigger than anticipated. The Peugeot E-208 is equipped with Stellantis’ STLA Small platform. According to data from Jato Dynamics, the Peugeot E-208 had 109,146 sales in the first half of this year. While the new hatchback will be exclusively sold as an EV, the STLA Small platform can support hybrid set-ups as well.
As Peugeot boss Alain Favey said, Peugeot is:
“committed to a multi-energy offer.”
Combining modern and retro for all the thrills
The all-electric range features two engines to choose from. The first has a 268 mph range with 156 HP and features rapid charging to 80% in 27 minutes. The second has a 226 mph range with 136 HP and features rapid charging to 80% in 25 minutes.
Interior
Expect a radically transformed cabin, with enhanced safety and security measures, including speed limit recognition and recommendation. Features include a square, leather steering wheel, a carbon-effect dashboard, a Wireless Mirror Screen, DAB Radio, and voice recognition.
Exterior
Paying homage to the brand’s triumphs in motorsports, loyal supporters can expect the new hatchback with a sleek, sporty exterior and a new, modern signature. The door mirrors and rear cluster connecting strip will be gloss black, and customers can expect full LED lighting.
Depending on the style and engine you choose, the Peugeot E-208 can be purchased new from £29,095, highlighting its competitiveness in affordability. And thanks to the Electric Car Grant, interested UK customers could save £1,500. The popularity of EVs in the UK has significantly increased, so the comeback of this beloved hatchback should be a massive hit, especially with this mythical car disappearing after 20 years on UK roads. Hopefully, the Peugeot brand will outlive us all.