A SIGNIFICANT facelift is coming to the Peugeot 208 with new looks, new powertrains and more technology arriving on both the electric and petrol versions.

Due for release later in the year, the new 208 has a striking lighting arrangement front and rear, an enhanced i-Cockpit instrument display, more range for the E-208 EV and two new hybrid power systems.

The electric E-208 has Peugeot's new 156bhp motor which not only increases its range from 217 to 248 miles but also speeds up recharging times which now can be done to 80 per cent in less than 25 minutes using a fast charger.

Peugeot is also introducing two hybrid powertrains to the range featuring the PureTech 100bhp and 136bhp petrol engines linked up to an electrified six-speed automatic gearbox which includes an electric motor.

The car maker says that thanks to a battery that recharges during driving, the technology offers extra torque at low revs and up to 15 per cent lower fuel consumption.

In urban driving, the new 208 Hybrid 100 and Hybrid 136 can operate for more than 50 per cent of the time in zero-emission electric mode.

The Peugeot 208 remains available with a choice of two configurations, a PureTech 75 with a five-speed manual gearbox and a PureTech 100 with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The new cars come with a redesigned front that sees styling cues from its 9X8 Hypercar and brings the 208 into line with the looks of the new 508 and 2008.

At the rear, the lights are redesigned while on the inside there's a restyled instrument panel with Peugeot's i-Connect system now standard as is a 10-inch touchscreen.

There are also more USB sockets on the interior and on GT models a more powerful wireless smartphone charger.

Driving aids now include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with collision warning: detects pedestrians and cyclists, day or night, from 4mph up to 87mph, extended road sign recognition, active lane departure warning with lane correction and blind-spot monitoring.

With the new 208 and E-208 Peugeot has streamlined the choice of trims available with both models now coming in either Active, Allure or GT specifications.

Prices are still to be announced but are expected to start from around £21,000.