Launched in 2012 as a replacement for the ageing 207, the Peugeot 208 was designed from a clean sheet and bolted onto an upgraded version of the PSA PF1 platform. It also received new and updated four-cylinder engines and debuted a couple of three-cylinder gasoline units dubbed PureTech. Another important feature that debuted with the hatchback is the i-Cockpit, combining the compact steering wheel with high-level instrumentation, and TouchScreen technology. The i-Cockpit is now available in just about any Peugeot out there. In 2013, the 208 spawned a race-spec T16 Pikes Peak version that set a new record at the famous hill-climb event. A facelift was introduced for the 2015 model year.

Sold for nearly four years now, the Peugeot 208 is here to stay for a couple more years until the French introduce a redesigned model. Although it's not to say that the hatchback is outdated, Peugeot is doing its best to keep the lineup fresh and the customers coming into dealerships. For 2016, the French firm introduced two new special-edition models, one of which is the Active Design. Based on the Active trim, the Active Design comes with extra standard features and brings customers savings of up to £2,240.

The not-so-good news is that the model is only available in the United Kingdom for the time being. Still, let's have a closer look at the 208 Active Design to find out what makes it special.

Keep reading to learn all about the Peugeot 208 Active Design

2017 Peugeot 208 Active Design

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 Peugeot 208 Active Design
  • Engine/Motor: inline-3
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

What makes the Peugeot 208 Active Design Special

Available for both the three- and five-door versions, the Active Design comes with a few extra features on the outside. The special package replaces the standard 16-inch Titane wheels of the Active trim with 16-inch Technical Grey alloys and ditches the chrome mirror caps in favor of gloss-black shells. The foglamp finishers are also finished in gloss-black. Further personalization comes from the Equalizer grille, usually an option for any trim below the sporty GT Line, which features the relatively new horizontal chrome inserts.

Additionally, two exterior personalization packs are available: the Menthol White pack complements Hurricane Grey, Orange Power and Virtual Blue paints, while the Lime Yellow pack is available on Bianca White, Hurricane Grey, and Nera Black finishes. These packages add white or bright-yellow accents to the mirror caps and front bumper.

The French firm had nothing to say about the Active Design's interior, so it's safe to assume customers will get the same cabin that comes with the Active trim. This includes the latest features that come with the 208, including the i-Cockpit, seven-inch touchscreen display, and a raised instrument panel. The seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system features Apple CarPlay, DAB radio, to go with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. Air conditioning and cruise control are also standard equipment. Additionally, it gets the Visibility Pack with automatic headlamps, windscreen wipers, and an electrochrome rear view mirror. The Black Cran cloth trim is carried over from the standard Active model, but the Menthol White and Lime Yellow packs add white and yellow accents to the dashboard and door panels.

Under the hood, the Active Design sports a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine. The unit is rated at 82 horsepower and it's one of the most efficient units offered with the current 208. The three-pot mates to a five-speed manual gearbox with no option for an automatic.

Pricing for the Active Design starts from £13,985 (about $18,190 as of August 2016), a £820 (some $1,070) premium over the standard Active model. Peugeot says that customers will save £1,200 (around $1,560) in extra features by ordering the Active Design, and an additional £1,040 (about $1,350) if they choose to finance with Peugeot Passport or Just Add Fuel programs.