FANS of the Peugeot 208 look like having to pay the price of progress when the all-new versions of the hugely-popular supermini go on sale early next year.

Prices for the extensively revised and better-equipped range will start from £16,250 for the 1.2L PureTech 75 S&S 5-speed manual in Active trim - an increase of almost £1,350 over the current entry-level model. Further up the range, the £20,350, 100hp, 1.5 Blue HDi diesel with a six speed gearbox costs £1,585 more than the outgoing equivalent.

But if prices for conventionally-powered versions are on the rise, the brand-new electric version of the new 208 will cost from just £25,050 after the £3,500 plug-in car grant has been taken off - and that looks very competitive indeed compared with electric models already on the market.

It will even undercut the new Vauxhall e-Corsa which shares the 208's underpinnings and electric power system. It will also hit the market early next year, priced from £26,490 after the plug-in car grant is applied.

As before, the new 208 will be available in Active, Allure and GT Line trim with a choice of petrol, diesel or electric power.The zero-emission e-208 is also available in range-topping GT trim priced at £29,650, including the government grant.

The e-208 is Peugeot's first new generation, 100 per cent electric vehicle and uses a 50kWh battery and 136hp electric motor to provide a 211 mile range from a full charge according to WLTP testing. All e-208 models come with three driving modes - Sport, Normal and Eco - and support rapid charging up to 100kWh, with an 80 per cent charge taking just 30 minutes.

Peugeot is pushing the boat out in terms of standard kit. Entry level Active models come with 16-inch alloy wheels (steel wheels for the e-208), active safety braking with pedestrian detection, electric and heated door mirrors and LED daytime running lights. The e-208 in Active trim also features pre-heating functionality and automatic air conditioning.

From Allure trim upwards there's what the company calls an i-Cockpit with a compact multifunction steering wheel, configurable head-up display, either a seven or ten-inch HD colour touchscreen and satin chrome ‘piano' toggle switches. The interior environment can also be personalised with a choice of eight LED mood lighting colours.