A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.3/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.1
Comfort & Interior
4.6
Running Costs
3.9
Practicality
3.7
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a small car that stands out from the crowd? The Peugeot 208 might be exactly what you need. This stylish supermini combines eye-catching French design with practical everyday usability, making it one of the most distinctive choices in the small car market. It’s perfect for drivers who want something that looks special but doesn’t compromise on the essentials.
The 208 has made a real impression since its redesign, offering a premium feel that rivals like the Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo struggle to match. The interior is particularly impressive, featuring a modern digital cockpit and quality materials that feel more expensive than the price suggests. Peugeot has clearly focused on making the 208 feel upmarket, with attention to detail that’s rare in this class.
What really sets the 208 apart is the choice of powertrains, including the fully electric e-208 variant. The driving experience is refined and composed, making both city driving and longer journeys comfortable. While it may not be the most spacious car in its class, the 208 more than makes up for it with style, technology, and a genuinely premium feel. If you want a small car that feels anything but basic, the 208 deserves serious consideration.
What's the Peugeot 208 Like to Drive?
The Peugeot 208 offers a well-rounded range of engines that prioritise smoothness and efficiency over outright performance. The 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engines are the most popular choice, available with 75, 100, or 130 horsepower. The 100hp version strikes the best balance, offering adequate power for most driving situations while returning excellent fuel economy. For those wanting more punch, the GT variant with 130hp provides genuinely quick acceleration and makes motorway driving effortless.
The electric e-208 deserves special mention, delivering instant torque and near-silent operation that transforms the driving experience. All versions handle with typical French flair, feeling agile and engaging on twisty roads. The steering is well-weighted and precise, giving you confidence when parking or navigating tight spaces. The suspension setup prioritises comfort over sportiness, soaking up road imperfections effectively. This makes the 208 an excellent choice for daily commuting, where comfort matters more than ultimate handling precision. The compact hatchback feels stable and composed at higher speeds too.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.2L 3-cylinder PureTech / Electric
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Power Output
75 - 136 bhp
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0-60 mph
9.3 - 8.1 seconds
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MPG Combined
50 - 58 mpg
- Boot Space
- 311 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Peugeot 208: Comfort & Features
Step inside the 208 and you’ll immediately notice the high quality interior that sets it apart from many rivals. The dashboard design is modern and distinctive, featuring Peugeot’s i-Cockpit layout with a small steering wheel and raised instrument display. The materials used throughout feel premium, with soft-touch plastics in key areas and stylish trim accents. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making longer journeys pleasant rather than tiring.
The infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration making smartphone connectivity seamless. Higher trim levels add features like wireless charging and premium audio systems. One area where the 208 particularly excels is refinement. Road and wind noise are well suppressed, creating a calm and quiet cabin environment. The air conditioning works effectively, and the overall build quality feels solid and dependable. While rear seat space is limited, the front of the cabin feels genuinely premium and well thought out.
The Peugeot 208 succeeds in bringing genuine style and sophistication to the competitive small car market. Its distinctive design, premium interior quality, and refined driving experience create a package that feels more expensive than it actually is. The availability of the electric e-208 adds another dimension, offering buyers a zero-emission option without compromising on style or comfort.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Peugeot 208?
The Peugeot 208 offers competitive running costs that make it an attractive proposition for budget-conscious buyers. The efficient PureTech petrol engines deliver excellent real-world fuel economy, typically achieving between 45-55 mpg in mixed driving conditions. Insurance groups are reasonable for the class, ranging from group 10 to 18 depending on the engine choice. The electric e-208 takes running costs to another level entirely, with minimal charging costs compared to traditional fuel.
Purchase prices start from around £18,000 for entry-level models, positioning the 208 competitively against mainstream rivals. Higher specification models can reach £25,000, but they come well-equipped with desirable features. Servicing costs are reasonable, and Peugeot’s warranty coverage provides peace of mind. car finance options are readily available, making the 208 accessible to buyers who prefer monthly payments. The combination of efficient engines, competitive pricing, and strong residual values makes the 208 a sensible financial choice in the long term.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Peugeot 208
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Ford Fiesta
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Seat Ibiza
|
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £18,000 | £17,500 | £16,500 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.2L PureTech 75hp | 1.0L EcoBoost 95hp | 1.0L TSI 95hp |
| Power | 75 bhp | 95 bhp | 95 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 13.2 seconds | 11.2 seconds | 11.9 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 58 mpg | 53 mpg | 55 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 311 litres | 292 litres | 355 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Premium interior, Electric option, Stylish design | Proven reliability, Fun handling, Wide model range | Spacious cabin, Good value, Solid build quality |
Peugeot 208 Practicality & Boot Space
For a small car, the Peugeot 208 offers reasonable practicality that works well for singles, couples, or small families. The 311-litre boot is a decent size for the class, easily accommodating weekly shopping or a couple of suitcases for a weekend trip. The rear seats fold down to expand cargo space when needed, though the opening isn’t the largest. Inside the cabin, there are adequate storage spaces for phones, drinks, and everyday items.
Where the 208 shows its limitations is in rear passenger space. While fine for children or shorter adults on brief journeys, taller passengers will find legroom quite tight. The compact dimensions are actually a major advantage in urban environments, making the 208 incredibly easy to park and manoeuvre through narrow streets. For buyers who primarily use the rear seats occasionally, the 208’s practicality is perfectly adequate. It strikes a good balance for buyers considering used Peugeot cars, offering enough space for real-world use without being unnecessarily large.
I absolutely love my 208. The interior feels so much more expensive than other small cars I looked at, and the ride quality is excellent. The only downside is the rear seats are quite tight, but for my daily use it’s perfect.
The Peugeot 208 stands out in the crowded small car market by delivering genuine style, quality, and sophistication. It successfully combines attractive French design with practical everyday usability, creating a car that feels special to own and drive. The premium interior, refined driving manners, and efficient engines make it an excellent choice for discerning buyers who want more than just basic transportation.
You choose the 208 because you want a small car that doesn’t feel like a compromise on quality or style. The electric e-208 option adds even more appeal for environmentally conscious buyers. While it may not be the most spacious or cheapest option available, it excels in the areas that matter most for daily driving comfort, build quality, and desirability. For buyers seeking cars under £10,000 on the used market, earlier 208 models offer excellent value.
