It is no secret that the PSA group, which owns Peugeot and Citroen brands, is coming to India pretty soon. Hence, we are expecting to see a wide range of cars under the Peugeot brand in India. While the company is yet to reveal any details of its Indian lineup, various rumours have already started flooding the Internet about what new models are expected to be offered in the country. One of the first Peugeot cars to be sold in India will likely be the Peugeot 208 hatchback. This will be launched in order to place a contender in the high-volume mid-size hatchback segment.
As a result, the Peugeot 208 is expected to be the main product for Peugeot in India. The company has already signed a deal with the CK Birla group, which manufactured the Hindustan Motors Ambassador. Under this contract, the PSA group (Peugeot owners) will invest Rs 700 crore in its Indian operations and will use CK Birla Group’s manufacturing plant in Chennai. The first Peugeot cars are expected to roll out of this factory sometime next year.
As for the 208 hatchback, Peugeot has made no announcement yet about how it will be specced for the Indian market. However, it is pretty clear that the company will be looking for heavy localisation of the 208 hatchback in order to keep prices competitive.
Here’s everything we know so for the upcoming Peugeot 208 hatchback in India!
Peugeot 208 India launch date
Peugeot has already announced that it will start operations in India from 2019. The Peugeot 208 hatchback is widely believed to be one of the first models that the French carmaker will launch in the country. However, no official announcement has been made yet. Nonetheless, we expect Peugeot to launch the 208 hatchback in India sometime in mid-2019, with deliveries starting immediately afterwards.
Peugeot 208 expected India price
The final pricing of the Peugeot 208 in India will entirely depend on how the car is built. If a significant amount of components are imported from other countries, the final pricing can be erroneously high. However, we expect Peugeot India to keep this in mind and focus on high levels of localisation. By doing so, the company is likely to achieve a price range of around Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Peugeot 208 India Specifications
What engines will the India-spec Peugeot 208 will come with is still a mystery! However, media reports suggest the possibility of a 3-cylinder Petrol engine from the company’s Puretech family to power the Peugeot 208 in India. The Puretech family of engines currently includes a 1.0-litre, a 1.2-litre, and a turbo 1.2-litre units. In India, the 208 hatchback is expected to be offered with the naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre block, that will be rated at around 79 bhp. A diesel engine option, likely of a 1.2-litre displacement, is also expected to be on offer. Transmission duties will be handled by either a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic.
Peugeot 208 expected features
- Multi-function 3-spoke steering wheel
- Touchscreen infotainment system
- Automatic climate control
- Electrically adjustable ORVMs
- Blacked out B-pillar
- All black cabin layout