Peugeot 208 review
With its stunning looks, high-tech interior, and fun driving experience, the Peugeot 208 is one of the most stylish superminis you can buy.
Author: Charlie Harvey
17th Dec 2025 – 9 mins read
The Peugeot 208 is a car that proves small doesn't have to mean boring. It’s a supermini that’s packed with personality, from its sharp, aggressive styling to its futuristic and high-quality interior. The second-generation model, launched in 2020, was a huge step forward, bringing a level of style and technology that you’d normally expect to find in a much more expensive car. It even offers an all-electric version, the e-208, alongside its efficient petrol and diesel engines. Peugeot really went for it with this car, and it shows. It’s great fun to drive, with an agile feel that makes it perfect for zipping around town. While it might not be the most spacious car in its class, its head-turning looks and premium feel make it a hugely desirable choice. If you want a small car that makes you feel special every time you drive it, the 208 is a brilliant option.
Pros
- Stunning, head-turning design
- Fun and agile to drive
- High-quality, futuristic interior
Cons
- The cabin feels quite compact, especially in the back
- The small steering wheel and high-dials layout isn't for everyone
- Some rivals offer more boot space
Interior
Dashboard & tech
The inside of the 208 is just as striking as the outside. Peugeot calls its layout the 'i-Cockpit', and it’s dominated by two key features: a tiny steering wheel and a high-set digital driver's display. The idea is that you look over the wheel at the dials, not through it. It feels very different from other cars and really adds to the sporty, futuristic vibe. Higher-spec models get a cool 3D-effect display that looks fantastic.
The quality of the materials is excellent for a small car, with lots of soft-touch plastics and smart-looking piano black trim. You also get a central touchscreen with a row of stylish 'piano key' shortcut buttons underneath. It’s a cabin that feels genuinely premium and special.
Comfort
It’s easy to get comfortable in the front of the 208, with plenty of adjustment in the supportive seats. The driving position itself is what might divide opinion. The small steering wheel and high dials can take some getting used to, and some drivers might find that the wheel rim blocks their view of the digital display. It’s definitely a car you need to sit in to see if it works for you.
The ride is generally comfortable, striking a good balance between sportiness and soaking up bumps. It’s a pleasant car for daily driving and feels grown-up and refined on the motorway, making it a good all-rounder.
Quality
The 208 feels like a very high-quality product, and it’s a big part of what makes it feel more premium than many of its rivals. The cabin is full of nice materials, and everything feels solid and well put together.
From the tactile feel of the steering wheel to the satisfying click of the switches, it’s clear that Peugeot paid a lot of attention to the details. This high-quality feel, combined with the bold design, creates a cabin that feels much more expensive than it is. It's a lovely place to spend time.
Practicality & boot space
Interior space
The 208 is a supermini, so it’s never going to be hugely spacious, and the focus on style does mean practicality takes a slight back seat. The cabin feels quite cosy and compact. There’s enough room for adults in the front, but the back is a bit tight. While the five-door body style makes access easy, rear legroom is limited, so it's best for children or shorter journeys for adults.
The clever packaging of the all-electric e-208 model means that choosing the battery-powered version doesn't cost you any passenger space, which is a real bonus. The cabin has a decent number of storage spaces for your phone and keys, but some rivals do feel more spacious overall.
Boot space
At 311 litres, the boot in the Peugeot 208 is a decent size for a supermini. It’s bigger than what you’ll find in a Ford Fiesta, but smaller than the boots in a Renault Clio or Volkswagen Polo. It’s more than big enough for the weekly shop or a couple of weekend bags.
If you need to carry larger items, the rear seats fold down to open up a total of 1,106 litres of space. Just like in the cabin, the boot in the electric e-208 is exactly the same size as in the petrol and diesel models, so you don't lose any practicality by choosing the electric version.
Driving
Driving experience
Thanks to its small steering wheel and agile chassis, the 208 is a lot of fun to drive. It feels nimble and quick to react, darting into corners with enthusiasm. This makes it a brilliant car for navigating tight city streets and enjoyable on a twisty country road.
The steering is very light, which is great for parking but means you don’t get a huge amount of feedback from the road. It might not be quite as engaging as a Ford Fiesta, but it’s still one of the most entertaining cars in its class. The blend of agility and comfort makes it a very pleasant companion for everyday driving.
Performance
There’s a great range of engines to choose from. The star is the 1.2-litre 'PureTech' turbocharged petrol engine, which is available in a few different power outputs. It’s a fantastic engine that's punchy, characterful, and efficient. The 98bhp version is the sweet spot, offering a great balance of performance and economy.
For high-mileage drivers, there's an incredibly economical 1.5-litre diesel engine. And, of course, there’s the all-electric e-208. With its 134bhp electric motor, it’s the quickest model in the range, offering silent, instant acceleration that is perfect for city driving.
Running costs
Fuel economy, range & charging
Running costs for the 208 are impressively low across the board. The petrol engines are very efficient, with even the most powerful 127bhp version capable of over 50mpg. The diesel is the economy champion, officially returning over 71mpg.
The electric e-208 has an official range of up to 217 miles from its 50kWh battery. At home on a 7kW wallbox, a full charge takes around seven hours. When you’re out and about, a public 100kW rapid charger can top the battery up to 80% in about 30 minutes, making longer journeys easy to manage.
Value for money
The latest 208 is positioned as a more premium supermini, with a price that’s higher than rivals like the SEAT Ibiza. However, you do get a lot of style and standard equipment for your money. Because they are made in large numbers, they depreciate quite quickly, which is great news for used car buyers. You can find nearly-new examples with very low mileage for a significant saving on the new price, making it a brilliant-value buy.
Reliability & Warranty
Peugeot's reliability has improved a lot in recent years, and the 208 is generally considered to be one of its more dependable models. From new, all Peugeots come with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty. The battery in the e-208 is covered by a separate eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty for extra peace of mind.
Safety
Safety features
The latest 208 has not been tested by the safety experts at Euro NCAP, but the closely related Vauxhall Corsa received a four-star rating.
All models come with a good level of standard safety equipment, including autonomous emergency braking, which can help prevent a collision. You also get features like cruise control and lane-keeping assist on most models. The top-spec GT model adds even more advanced kit, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.
Trims & Engines
Trim levels
The 208 comes in a range of well-equipped trim levels.
Active: The entry-level model is generously equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, rear parking sensors, LED headlights, and a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Allure: This popular trim adds larger 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control, a digital driver display, and additional gloss black exterior styling details.
GT Line / GT: These top-spec trims give the 208 a really sporty look. They get unique alloy wheels, a gloss black roof, full LED headlights with Peugeot’s signature 'claw' daytime running lights, front parking sensors, and a reversing camera.
Engines
You have a choice of efficient petrol and diesel engines, plus a fully electric version.
1.2 PureTech Petrol: A three-cylinder engine available with 74bhp, 98bhp, or 127bhp. The 98bhp version is the best all-rounder.
1.5 BlueHDi Diesel: A 99bhp diesel engine that’s perfect for long-distance drivers who want maximum fuel economy.
e-208 Electric: A 134bhp electric motor paired with a 50kWh battery, offering a great blend of performance and a real-world range of around 170-190 miles.
Interior
Dashboard & tech
The inside of the 208 is just as striking as the outside. Peugeot calls its layout the 'i-Cockpit', and it’s dominated by two key features: a tiny steering wheel and a high-set digital driver's display. The idea is that you look over the wheel at the dials, not through it. It feels very different from other cars and really adds to the sporty, futuristic vibe. Higher-spec models get a cool 3D-effect display that looks fantastic.
The quality of the materials is excellent for a small car, with lots of soft-touch plastics and smart-looking piano black trim. You also get a central touchscreen with a row of stylish 'piano key' shortcut buttons underneath. It’s a cabin that feels genuinely premium and special.
Comfort
It’s easy to get comfortable in the front of the 208, with plenty of adjustment in the supportive seats. The driving position itself is what might divide opinion. The small steering wheel and high dials can take some getting used to, and some drivers might find that the wheel rim blocks their view of the digital display. It’s definitely a car you need to sit in to see if it works for you.
The ride is generally comfortable, striking a good balance between sportiness and soaking up bumps. It’s a pleasant car for daily driving and feels grown-up and refined on the motorway, making it a good all-rounder.
Quality
The 208 feels like a very high-quality product, and it’s a big part of what makes it feel more premium than many of its rivals. The cabin is full of nice materials, and everything feels solid and well put together.
From the tactile feel of the steering wheel to the satisfying click of the switches, it’s clear that Peugeot paid a lot of attention to the details. This high-quality feel, combined with the bold design, creates a cabin that feels much more expensive than it is. It's a lovely place to spend time.
Browse used Peugeot 208 cars for sale
Practicality & boot space
Interior space
The 208 is a supermini, so it’s never going to be hugely spacious, and the focus on style does mean practicality takes a slight back seat. The cabin feels quite cosy and compact. There’s enough room for adults in the front, but the back is a bit tight. While the five-door body style makes access easy, rear legroom is limited, so it's best for children or shorter journeys for adults.
The clever packaging of the all-electric e-208 model means that choosing the battery-powered version doesn't cost you any passenger space, which is a real bonus. The cabin has a decent number of storage spaces for your phone and keys, but some rivals do feel more spacious overall.
Boot space
At 311 litres, the boot in the Peugeot 208 is a decent size for a supermini. It’s bigger than what you’ll find in a Ford Fiesta, but smaller than the boots in a Renault Clio or Volkswagen Polo. It’s more than big enough for the weekly shop or a couple of weekend bags.
If you need to carry larger items, the rear seats fold down to open up a total of 1,106 litres of space. Just like in the cabin, the boot in the electric e-208 is exactly the same size as in the petrol and diesel models, so you don't lose any practicality by choosing the electric version.
Browse used Peugeot 208 cars for sale
Driving
Driving experience
Thanks to its small steering wheel and agile chassis, the 208 is a lot of fun to drive. It feels nimble and quick to react, darting into corners with enthusiasm. This makes it a brilliant car for navigating tight city streets and enjoyable on a twisty country road.
The steering is very light, which is great for parking but means you don’t get a huge amount of feedback from the road. It might not be quite as engaging as a Ford Fiesta, but it’s still one of the most entertaining cars in its class. The blend of agility and comfort makes it a very pleasant companion for everyday driving.
Performance
There’s a great range of engines to choose from. The star is the 1.2-litre 'PureTech' turbocharged petrol engine, which is available in a few different power outputs. It’s a fantastic engine that's punchy, characterful, and efficient. The 98bhp version is the sweet spot, offering a great balance of performance and economy.
For high-mileage drivers, there's an incredibly economical 1.5-litre diesel engine. And, of course, there’s the all-electric e-208. With its 134bhp electric motor, it’s the quickest model in the range, offering silent, instant acceleration that is perfect for city driving.
Browse used Peugeot 208 cars for sale
Running costs
Fuel economy, range & charging
Running costs for the 208 are impressively low across the board. The petrol engines are very efficient, with even the most powerful 127bhp version capable of over 50mpg. The diesel is the economy champion, officially returning over 71mpg.
The electric e-208 has an official range of up to 217 miles from its 50kWh battery. At home on a 7kW wallbox, a full charge takes around seven hours. When you’re out and about, a public 100kW rapid charger can top the battery up to 80% in about 30 minutes, making longer journeys easy to manage.
Value for money
The latest 208 is positioned as a more premium supermini, with a price that’s higher than rivals like the SEAT Ibiza. However, you do get a lot of style and standard equipment for your money. Because they are made in large numbers, they depreciate quite quickly, which is great news for used car buyers. You can find nearly-new examples with very low mileage for a significant saving on the new price, making it a brilliant-value buy.
Reliability & Warranty
Peugeot's reliability has improved a lot in recent years, and the 208 is generally considered to be one of its more dependable models. From new, all Peugeots come with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty. The battery in the e-208 is covered by a separate eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty for extra peace of mind.
Browse used Peugeot 208 cars for sale
Safety
Safety features
The latest 208 has not been tested by the safety experts at Euro NCAP, but the closely related Vauxhall Corsa received a four-star rating.
All models come with a good level of standard safety equipment, including autonomous emergency braking, which can help prevent a collision. You also get features like cruise control and lane-keeping assist on most models. The top-spec GT model adds even more advanced kit, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.
Browse used Peugeot 208 cars for sale
Trims & Engines
Trim levels
The 208 comes in a range of well-equipped trim levels.
Active: The entry-level model is generously equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, rear parking sensors, LED headlights, and a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Allure: This popular trim adds larger 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control, a digital driver display, and additional gloss black exterior styling details.
GT Line / GT: These top-spec trims give the 208 a really sporty look. They get unique alloy wheels, a gloss black roof, full LED headlights with Peugeot’s signature 'claw' daytime running lights, front parking sensors, and a reversing camera.
Engines
You have a choice of efficient petrol and diesel engines, plus a fully electric version.
1.2 PureTech Petrol: A three-cylinder engine available with 74bhp, 98bhp, or 127bhp. The 98bhp version is the best all-rounder.
1.5 BlueHDi Diesel: A 99bhp diesel engine that’s perfect for long-distance drivers who want maximum fuel economy.
e-208 Electric: A 134bhp electric motor paired with a 50kWh battery, offering a great blend of performance and a real-world range of around 170-190 miles.