First drive: Peugeot 208

The new Peugeot 208 will land in NZ in September, and is likely to be priced similarly to the outgoing 207. Photo / Supplied

While the Suzuki Swift may be New Zealand's most popular hatchback, Peugeot is set to give us the most stylish in the segment when it launches the 208 here in just over five months time.

New Zealand will only get the 1.6-litre CVT petrol auto in two five-door versions and a three-door sporty Allure mode.

Today in Portugal Driven tested the six-speed, five door petrol and three-door diesel auto versions of the all new hatch.

Both vehicles showed dynamic handling and snappy pace, while the six-speed easily won the torque competition.

The hatch is a totally new model from the 207 predecessor, with the refined interior gaining a makeover with such accents as a touchscreen and simple instrument panel.

The exterior gains a beefed up bonnet appearance and sloping rear but Peugeot has stayed with the wide 'toothy' front grille;

Prices are to be announced closer to the September 1 launch in New Zealand but are set to be around the same as the current 207.

Read more on Peugeot's new models from the Portugal launch event next week in Driven