"Many Photos" - RAY MASSEY eyes up Peugeot's perky new 208, which punches well above its weight

Punching well above its weight among the million-pound-plus supercars unveiled in Geneva this month was this rather more affordable hatchback...which arguably stole the show.

Early reservations for Peugeot's perky new 208 — with the latest and cleanest Euro 6d petrol and diesel engines, plus an all-electric 'e-208' version — can be made from April for delivery around the New Year.

This is a smart rival to the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta. Expect prices from around £15,000 to £20,000, with the battery-powered zero-emissions version from £23,000.

Super-mini: The new Peugeot 208 is a smart rival to the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta

The new second generation 208 is 30kg lighter and replaces the first which ran from 2012.

It is the spiritual successor to the legendary and much-loved Peugeot 205 that became an iconic 'yuppy' car of the Eighties, selling 5.3 million globally. 

New buyers can opt for a frugal 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged PureTech petrol engine that is available in 75 hp with a five-speed manual gearbox, 100 hp with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic, and 130 hp with eight-speed automatic.

Alternatively, there is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder BlueHDi turbo-charged diesel with a six-speed manual. 

And then there's the e-208 electric version. The battery-powered e-208 marks the beginning of a new generation of electric plug-in Peugeots. 

It is powered by a 100kW electric motor and a 50kWh battery, producing a range up to 211 miles.

Hands on: Driving aids for the new 208 include cruise control, lane assist, parking assist, and the latest automatic emergency brake assist

Stylish: It is the spiritual successor to the legendary and much-loved Peugeot 205 that became an iconic 'yuppy' car of the Eighties

In vogue: The top level electric e-208 GT trim level is enhanced with Alcantara grey upholstery and 17 in alloy wheels

This is the first step in the French firm's commitment to an electrified version of its entire range by 2023. 

Driving aids for the new 208 include cruise control, lane assist, parking assist, and the latest automatic emergency brake assist. At speeds of up to 85mph, the latter detects pedestrians and cyclists.

The top level electric e-208 GT trim level is enhanced with Alcantara grey upholstery and 17 in alloy wheels. 

AUDI'S LATEST VERSION OF R8 SUPERCAR IS FASTEST EVER 

Just as the EU and UK Government announced plans to fit speed limiters and Big Brother-style 'black box' data recorders to every new car by 2022, I was climbing into Audi's latest version of its 200 mph-plus R8 supercar — the German firm's fastest road car ever.

This engaging, suave and sophisticated two-seater R8 Coupe V10 Performance Carbon Black is one in a seven-strong line-up of new R8 Coupes and open-topped Spyders. Its aerodynamic looks are eye-catching and bold. 

Powerful: The 5.2-litre V10 engine is linked to a seven-speed dual clutch S-tronic automatic gearbox

This is a supercar with an understated side in new Ascari Blue metallic paintwork.

The 5.2-litre V10 engine is linked to a seven-speed dual clutch S-tronic automatic gearbox. From rest, the R8 Coupe accelerates to 62 mph in 3.1 seconds, rising to a top speed of 205 mph. The base price starts from £154,100.

HONDA ADDS PACE TO PRACTICALITY WITH HR-V SUV 

Honda has added pace to practicality with its HR-V compact sports utility vehicle.

Priced from £27,595 for the six-speed manual, the new HR-V Sport is packed with a 182 hp (PS) 1.5-litre turbo- charged four-cylinder petrol engine to create the Japanese car firm's fastest ever SUV.

Uplifting: the new HR-V Sport is packed with a 182 hp (PS) 1.5-litre turbo- charged four-cylinder petrol engine to create the Japanese car firm's fastest ever SUV 

It takes on Peugeot's award-winning 3008 and Mazda's CX-3. Acceleration is from rest to 62 mph in 7.8 seconds with a top speed of 133mph. 

Fuel economy for the six-speed manual averages 42.4 mpg with CO2 emissions at 151g/km. An automatic version is also available from £28,845.

• Following the Duke of Edinburgh's crash at Sandringham in January, one in seven drivers now think pensioners should display an 'E' plate on their car to show they are elderly, according to research by Privilege Car Insurance. It also reveals 42 per cent of motorists think drivers should retake their test when they reach 75.

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News Photo RAY MASSEY eyes up Peugeot's perky new 208, which punches well above its weight
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