Peugeot 208 review (2012-2019)
The Peugeot 208 is a stylish supermini that's good value for money and is available with a range of very fuel-efficient engines. It's good to drive and most versions have a decent level of standard features.
Pros
- It’s easy and fun to drive
- Stylish design inside and out
- Great fuel economy
Cons
- Dash layout not to all tastes
- Touchscreen can be fiddly to use
- Some rivals have more interior space
Summary
“Chic and cheerful, with elegant looks and low running costs.”
If you’re looking for a compact hatchback that looks great and is cost-effective to own, a used Peugeot 208 is a great choice.
The version we're looking at here is the first-generation 208, which was sold new between 2012 and 2019. It's available as either a three-door or five-door model, with a range of petrol or diesel engines. There's no hybrid or electric option. You'll find the 208 available in a wide selection of trims, with pretty basic ones at one end of the range and more luxurious or sporty ones (such at the high-performance GTi model) at the other.
What’s the interior like?
“Looks good and has decent space, but the layout isn't to all tastes.”
The Peugeot 208's interior stands out for its smart, simple design and good-quality materials. It also has an unusual dashboard layout. There's a small steering wheel that you look over, rather than through, to see the instrument display and, depending on your height and preferred driving position, you might not find it as easy to see the display as in cars with a more conventional arrangement. While the oldest, least-expensive 208 models have a basic infotainment system, the majority have a central touchscreen that looks great but can be a bit fiddly and slow to respond.
Front seat comfort is pretty good and there's lots of headroom and legroom for the driver and front passenger. Space in the back seats is about average for this kind of car, so there's just about enough for two adults. Boot capacity is average too, at 285 litres up to the load cover. If you want a more family-friendly small hatchback cars such as the Honda Jazz or Skoda Fabia are worth a look.
What’s it like to drive?
“The Peugeot 208 is easy to drive with a range of good engines.”
The 208 is nippy and fun to drive. In general it's very easygoing, with light steering that's a real bonus when parking. While a Ford Fiesta has a more responsive feel, the 208 is agile and undemanding to drive. Ride comfort is generally good, although things can get a bit bumpy on versions with larger alloy wheels.
There’s a good range of petrol and diesel engines. The lowest-powered petrol engine is a bit gutless, but the rest of the petrol engines feel very perky and eager. Likewise, the entry-level diesel engine is a bit weak but the others are strong enough to give good acceleration.
Is it cost-efficient to buy and run?
“The 208 has efficient engines and is good value for money.”
The Peugeot 208 offers great value for money, with competitive prices and especially fuel-efficient engines.
Insurance costs may be a group or two higher than the supermini average but this won’t make a big difference. Tax costs will be low so a 208 won’t be expensive to run.
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Which one is best for you?
The entry-level Access trim is rather basic but Active has a great kit list which is worth looking out for when buying used. It includes 15-inch alloy wheels and LED running lights, as well as the cruise control and Bluetooth that's included in the entry-level Access version.
The GT Line trim is stylish and sporty. It features big 17-inch alloys as well as dual-zone climate control, which allows you to stay warm while your passenger enjoys a cooler temperature if they wish.
