Available in three and five-door styles, the car is 110kg lighter on average compared than the 207, shorter and marginally lower but with more internal space.

Average CO₂ emissions are 34g/km lower than the 207. With five models, four of which are equipped with the new-generation Stop & Start System (e-HDi), the diesel range starts at 87g/km of CO2 (delivering fuel economy of 83.1mpg) with the highest 99g/km. The 208 introduces a new range of three-cylinder petrol engines, 1.0- and 1.2-litre VTi, starting at 99g/km of CO₂ (delivering 65.7mpg).

The 208 will be launched in mainland Europe in the spring and for the UK in the summer of 2012.