2012 Peugeot 208 Preview Rendering

Peugeot is on the march toward an image overhaul. This much is clear in the recently-revealed Peugeot 508, February's 'Peugeot 5 by 5' concept and January's stunning SR1 roadster experiment.

Even the new 3008 (see our review here) demonstrates a clear new direction for the French carmaker.

Smaller headlights, a bonnet less overwhelming, and a grille that looks more like a grille than a child with an orange peel smile. This is the new Peugeot, and it's a good look.

Replacing the 407, the all-new 508 is expected to launch in Europe early next year. Next in line is likely the next-generation 20X (to be dubbed 208 if history is any indication): the current 207, launched in 2006, is rapidly approaching the end of its lifecycle.

Drawing from all three of the brand's latest projects, our new 2012 Peugeot 208 preview rendering (top of article) offers a glimpse of what we might expect from the next hatch to represent the 20X family.

Rumours of a 207 successor have been circulating for more than a year now, reports suggesting a late 2011 or early 2012 debut is on the cards. As we near the end of 2010, we should soon see test cars making the rounds.