Jonathan Crouch is charmed by the all-electric version of Peugeot's 208 supermini. Which makes more sense in this improved form.

Ten Second Review

It's getting harder and harder to resist the draw of full-electric vehicles. Most of them seem to be SUVs these days but here's a Zero Emission supermini, the updated version of Peugeot's E-208. It now looks snappier and top versions gain the option of extra power and a larger battery offering a longer 248 miles between charges. An E-208 has no practicality downsides over the combustion-engined version and comes with monthly payment finance you could justify. What's not to like?

Background

In the future, all small cars will need to be developed on platforms that can support full-electric as well as conventional thermic propulsion. Surprisingly, few currently are but the Peugeot 208 is an exception. The brand wants you to pick a powertrain for this model (petrol, diesel or electric) in the same way you'd select a trim option - and it's the improved version of the battery-powered variant, the E-208, that we look at here. First launched in 2019, the E-208 shares all the same engineering we've already also seen in the Stellantis Group's two other small car battery-powered products, the Vauxhall Corsa Electric and the DS 3 E-TENSE, a pair of designs that share this Peugeot's sophisticated CMP ('Common Modular Platform'). And those same underpinnings allow for a new generation of 'big car'-style camera safety systems. It all sounds promising. Here, we're looking at the mid-term facelift applied to this car, announced in Summer 2023. There's an upgraded EV powertrain and smarter looks across the range. Plenty to talk about.

Driving Experience

The big news with this improved E-208 is the availability of a new slightly larger-capacity 51kWh lithium-ion battery (48.1kWh of that usable) which offers 248 miles of driving range and is mated to a new 156hp electric motor. From the launch of this updated model though, most of the range was still built around the original model's older-tech drivetrain, which sees a 50kWh battery matched to a 136hp electric motor, offering a range of up to 225 miles. Like all electric vehicles, this one develops all of its torque at once (there's 260Nm of it) and this car simply hurls itself away from rest (it takes just a couple of seconds to crest the 30mph mark and 62mph is reached in a fraction over 8s), disguising the fact that (also like all EVs) this Zero Emissions variant has a bit of a weight problem - that drivetrain adds over 300kgs of bulk. Whichever variant you select, all of this might represent a brave new world for forward-thinking supermini buyers looking to make the (still rather expensive) switch into all-electric motoring. It seems like only yesterday, after all, that a fully-charged small EV could only manage around half the kind of range you get from this one. Of course, you certainly won't achieve anything like that kind of operating capability if you get anywhere near this EV's quoted 93mph top speed. Or if you habitually drive your E-208 in the 'Sport' setting that'll be necessary to release to full power outputs just mentioned. The quoted range figures will only be distantly possible if you instead engage a somewhat restrictive 'Eco' mode that drops power output right down to 83bhp. That's the setting you'll use in an E-208 around town, an environment in which it makes a strange polyphonic sound at low speeds to warn unwary pedestrians of its impending approach. Above 18mph, all you can hear is a bit of tyre roar from the eco-moulded Michelin rubber.

Design and Build

The changes made to the facelifted version of this E-208 aren't major, but they do bring the look of this supermini into line with latest versions of the 2008 and 508. There's a bolder version of the car's distinctive three-fang daytime running light signature. Along with a broader front grille. At the back, the tail lamp bar has been revised with a trio of red 'claws' extending the width of the tailgate. As before a the front, there's a large, intricately detailed grille with triple white LED headlights. Many versions of this model will be ordered in top 'GT'-spec, this plushest variant recognisable by glossy black wheel arch flares, which streamline the body, making the wheel diameter of the 17-inch wheel rims appear larger. Inside, not too much has changed, though the big 10-inch centre screen that was previously reserved for top-spec models is now standardised across the range (and gains a high-definition panel in pricier 'Allure' and 'GT' variants). As before, this E-208 features Peugeot's 'i-Cockpit' design philosophy which sees you viewing the instrument screen over the top of the wheel rim, rather than conventionally through the wheel spokes. That instrument screen still has a clever 3D format with top-spec trim. A continuing really nice cabin detail is the fold-down flap under the 'piano key'-style keys that decorate the centre console, concealing an area which can house your smartphone in several different ways while it charges - either inductively or via two charging points. And the area has an angled lip so that you can view your 'phone's screen while it's charging. What else? Well rear passenger space is slightly compromised by the need to place the powertrain's battery pack beneath that back seat. But there's no compromise in boot space, which is 311-litres in size just like any other 208.

Market and Model

Peugeot obviously thinks it's going to sell quite a few E-208s (the prediction is 20% of total model mix) because this powertrain is available with every trim level - 'Active', 'Allure' and (as in this case) 'GT'. From launch, the E-208 range was primarily based around the older 50kWh 136 powertrain. At the time of this test, the newer 51kWh 156 powerpack was only available with this top 'GT' level of trim - and at an £800 premium, which took the price of this test car to nearly £33,000 at the time of this test in Summer 2024. At the time of this review, E-208 pricing started from around £28,000. A 10-inch central infotainment screen is now standard across the range with built-in wireless 'Apple CarPlay'/'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring. 'Allure' and 'GT' models now come standard with the brand's 'Peugeot i-Connect' package, with the option to upgrade to 'i-Connect Advanced' which features live TomTom navigation and natural voice recognition. 'Allure'-spec gets you 16-inch 'Noma' diamond-cut alloy wheels, upgraded to 17-inch 'Yanaka' diamond-cut two-tone alloy rims on 'GT' versions. The 'GT' variants also get a 3D instrument screen, dynamic ambient lighting, 'Adamite Green' stitching across the dashboard and upholstery trimmed in black alcantara with 'Adamite Green' stitching. Customers will choose between seven body colours, two of which are freshly added - 'Agueda Yellow' and 'Selenium Grey'. the other colours are 'Cumulus Grey', 'Nera Black', 'Bianca White', 'Elixir Red' and 'Vertigo Blue'. All E-208 models feature gloss black door mirrors, irrespective of the colour chosen, and the 'GT' variants come as standard with gloss black wheel arches. As you'd expect, a wide range of driver assistance and safety technologies are available this time round. Go for the Hybrid or e-208 models and the adaptive cruise control system you can have has the ability to make the car automatically stop and go in heavy traffic. You can have this system with a manual gearbox too, where it operates down to 18mph. Lane departure warning, auto parking and blind spot monitoring systems are available too.

Cost of Ownership

Peugeot's aim was for this EV to have a total ownership cost roughly equivalent to what you pay to buy and run an automatic version of the petrol model: well it's some way off that right at present. Its drivetrain claims to be state-of-the-art for a small car, though the 51kWh model's WLTP-certified range of 248 miles still isn't quite class-leading. The version with the older 50kWh powertrain manages up to 225 miles of range. Bear in mind that as with all EVs, the quoted range figure will drop considerably in winter weather or over long motorway journeys - in the case of the 51kWh E-208 to around 175 miles. If you're an E-208 owner, you'll need to know that getting anywhere near the quoted range figure will necessitate staying in the powertrain's provided 'Eco' mode - activating its 'Sport' mode setting will reduce your range by around 10%. A 7.4kW single-phase charger is supplied as standard on all E-208s, while a three-phase 11kW charger is available as an option. A 20-80% charge is estimated to take less than 25 minutes when using a 100kW rapid charger, extending to 4hrs and 40 minutes when using a 7.4kW charger. At the other extreme, if you happen to be somewhere you can only charge from a domestic supply using an ordinary 3-pin plug (and the optional 3-pin plug lead that costs extra with this car), the charging replenishment time would be a yawning 20 hours. As an E-208 buyer, your dealer will also give you the option to pay a subscription for a so-called 'Mobility Pass'. That'll enable you to borrow a conventional petrol or diesel-powered car from the brand for those times when you might need to undertake a longer or more complex journey - holiday times for instance.

Summary

So how successful has Peugeot been with this improved E-208 in terms of what it describes as 'unboring the future'? Well, we think you'll be impressed. Other sector competitors can go a little further on a single charge, but we think that this model's improved operating range will now be quite sufficient for the average family's needs. There may be a few supermini buyers who don't like the cabin layout, want something better suited to cornering their door handles or who might prefer a premium brand - but we're guessing they'll be in the minority. Most will recognise that in this E-208, Peugeot has delivered an EV supermini you could really bond with. Glug, glug, glug, plug: bring it on.

Body Glass

Variable front intermittent wipers

Acoustic windscreen

Tailgate with heated rear windscreen and wiper blade

Dark tinted rear side and tailgate windows

One touch electric front/rear windows with pinch protection

Rear windscreen wiper triggered automatically in reverse gear

Brakes

ESP with Hill Assist

Electric parking brake

Front and rear disc brakes

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with (EBD) Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

Advance emergency braking system

Carpets/Rugs

Luxury carpet mats

Communication

Smart phone docking station

Bluetooth telephone facility

Driver Aids

Front and rear parking sensors

Driver attention warning

Speed limit recognition and recommendation

Wireless mirror screen with apple carplay and android auto

180 HD rear camera

Drive mode select (Eco/Normal/Sport)

Pedestrian collison

Driver Convenience

Push button start

Gear lever - e-Toggle

Driver Information

Multi function trip computer

PEUGEOT SOS and assistance

Exterior temperature indicator with ice warning

PEUGEOT i-Cockpit with compact steering wheel

Emergency call service

PEUGEOT i-Cockpit with 10" configurable 3D colour head up instrument panel

PEUGEOT i-Cockpit with 10" HD capacitive colour touchscreen

Driving Mirrors

Frameless electrochrome interior rear view mirror

Electric heated and power folding door mirrors with courtesy floor lighting

Embellishment Trims

Carbon effect Dashboard, front and rear door panel finish

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Voice recognition for radio, navigation and telephony features

USB-C data and charge socket and USB-C charge socket in front

USB-A socket (x1) and USB-C socket (x1) - rear

6 Speakers - 2 tweeters and 4 door speakers

Peugeot i-connect infotainment system - 10in HD touchscreen,AM/FM/DAB digital radio, Wifi Mirroring, Bluetooth & 2 USB connection

Exterior Body Features

Roof spoiler

Gloss black rear cluster connecting strip

Body coloured exterior door handles

Diamond black rear spoiler

Gloss black wheel arch extensions

Rear bumper with gloss black finish

GT model designation badging on tailgate

Rear side wing doors

Dichroic 'E' monogram on C pillar and tailgate

Gloss black window weatherstrips

Gloss black B pillar

Gloss black door mirror shells

Gloss black front bupmer grille with body colour accents

Door sills protection with PEUGEOT signature lettering

Antenna - Gloss Black 'fin' design

Model designation badges front and rear in basalt grey

Exterior Lights

LED third brake light

Headlights left on audible warning

Automatic hazard light activation upon heavy brake application

LED front indicators

2 X Rear number plate lights

Rear reversing lights

LED daytime running lights with distinctive 3 claw signature

Full LED headlights with automatic height adjustment and PEUGEOT smartbeam assist

LED 3 claw horizontal rear lighting signature (with daylight function) and LED brake lights, indicators and reversing lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Pre heating function

Automatic mono zone climate control air condition

Interior Features

Front centre armrest with storage compartment

Aluminium pedals

12V socket

Roof lining - Mistral black

Electric power steering with reach and rake adjustable steering column

Map pockets on the backs of the front seats

Piano keys gloss black plated toggle switches to access main functions of the vehicle

High centre console with 2 cup holders

Multi function full grain perforated leather steering wheel with adamite green stitch detail and 'GT' emblem

Adamite green contrast stitching to front and rear armrest, front centre console, dashboard facia

Interior Lights

Boot lighting

8 Colour personalisable ambient lighting

Front LED interior light, front LED reading spotlights(x2), rear LED reading spotlight(x2)

Driver and passenger sun visors, front footwells and central storage with LED lighting

Packs

Visibility pack - 208

Safety

Front and rear curtain airbags

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Driver/front passenger side airbags

3 rear 3 point seatbelts

Front three point retractable seatbelts with force limiters

2x Isofix child seat fitting on outer rear seats

Front optimised safety headrests and 3 x rear retractable headrests with height adjustable

Child locking functionality on rear doors

Active safety brake with night function/cyclists/pedestrians

Driver and front passenger airbag with passenger airbag deactivation

Remote plip(x2) for locking, unlocking, includes emergency key blade

Seats

Passenger seat height adjuster

1/3 to 2/3 split folding rear seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Seatbelt unfastened on the move audible and visual alert for front and rear seats

Driver and front passenger seat manual adjustment in longitudinal and back rest angle

Rear centre headrest

Driver and front passenger seat mechanical height adjustment

Single front passenger seat

Driver and front passenger dynamic seats

Security

Remote central locking

Deadlock

Electronic code immobiliser

Automatic door locking when moving off

Acoustic vehicle alert system (AVAS)

Electronic steering lock

Alarm - Connected, volumetric ,perimetric, anti lift sensor

General safety regulation

Vehicle Charging

Mode 3 type 2 cable for wallbox charging

80 Percent maximum charge limit with only mode 2 Domestic 3pin plug and Mode 3 wall box

Wheels - Alloy

17" Yanaka two tone diamond cut alloy wheels wheels includes gloss black inserts

Wheels - Spare

Tyre puncture repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 1305

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 450

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 300

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 30

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 0-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 51

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City - TEL: 574

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City - TEH: 516

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 423

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 423

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 420

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 13.8

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 15.4

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 4

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 4.5

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City - TEH: 321

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City - TEL: 356

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 263

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 261

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 263

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: N

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 100

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): 64

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: MELZAE

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: GT

Coin Description: 115kW 51 kWh

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 31E

Service Interval Mileage: 16000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Badge Power: 156

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 8.2

Top Speed: 93

Engine Power - BHP: 156

Engine Power - PS: 0

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 116

Engine Power - RPM: N

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 192

Engine Torque - NM: 260

Engine Torque - RPM: 500

Engine Torque - MKG: 26.5

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 205/45 R17

Tyre Size Rear: 205/45 R17

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY

Wheel Style: YANAKA

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4055

Width: 1745

Wheelbase: 2540

Width (including mirrors): 1960

Height: 1430

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1455

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1910

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Loading Weight: 455

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 309

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1118

Exterior Body Features

Special metallic paint

Cielo panoramic glass roof

Premium paint

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Heat pump

Interior Features

Alcantara upholstery with heated front seats + Driver seat multi-way electric adjust with lumbar support and multi-point massage function

Packs

Access pack with keyless entry - 208

Navigation and vision pack with wireless charging - 208

Drive assist pack plus - 208

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Ageuda yellow

Paint - Special

Special Metallic - Selenium grey

Premium - Vertigo blue

Premium - Elixir Red

Special metallic - Okenite white

Special metallic - Nera black

Special metallic - Cumulus grey

Trim - Alcantara Suede

Alcantara - Iconium with adamite green stitch+heated front seats + Driver seat multi-way electric adjust with lumbar and multi-point massage function

Trim - Part Leather

Tri material leather/cloth - Capy/belomka trim with adamite green stitching

Vehicle Charging

11 kW triphase Bi-directional onboard charger

Vehicle to load (V2L)