Peugeot 208 Review, Specs & Performance

Overview of the Peugeot 208

Engines and performance for the Peugeot 208 Hatchback

The all-new Peugeot 208 hatchback has a choice of petrol or diesel engines plus an all-electric choice in the e-208. The petrol engine is a 1.2 litre three-cylinder PureTech unit producing either 75hp, 100hp and 130hp. There's just one diesel and it is a 1.5 litre BlueHDi offering which delivers more torque for better levels of performance.

The manual five-speed gearbox is a good performer and there's the option of a very good eight-speed automatic transmission. The electric model has a single gear transmission. However, the Peugeot e-208 is something of a game changer and is worth considering. The motor delivers 136hp and torque of 260Nm to reach 62 mph in eight seconds.

The battery range is a useful 217 miles and will recharge to 80% of its capacity in 30 minutes. For those who can live with an all-electric car, then the e-208 offers a better sprint time and overall performance.

Equipment and handling for the Peugeot 208 Hatchback

As the European Car of the Year, the Peugeot 208 hatchback has a lot to live up to but it's a supermini packed with style and gadgets. Along with its distinctive exterior, the cabin is a great place to spend time and has been well-designed with good use of soft-touch materials.

It also needs to be noted that the Peugeot e-208 is currently one of the best all-electric cars on sale. It helps that in recent years, Peugeot has improved its build quality and they are now one of the most reliable manufacturers around. Among the 208's safety kit is automatic emergency braking, speed limit recognition and Lane keeping assist. Peugeot has also added a stability control system and active blind spot monitoring.

Driving around town, the Peugeot 208 is a nimble and agile performer and it's comfortable over rough roads too. The suspension also delivers a cosseted ride on winding country roads and there is enough power for smooth overtaking on motorways, particularly in the e-208.

Peugeot has fitted an impressive list of standard equipment for their 208, more so than many of its rivals, with an offering that includes automatic headlights, air conditioning, rear parking sensors and electric front windows. There's also a touchscreen infotainment system featuring satnav, Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity and DAB radio. Other models come with an electric parking brake, automatic air conditioning, wireless smartphone charging, parking camera and the GT offers a self-parking function.

Essentially, the all-new Peugeot 208 is an impressive supermini that will meet most people's needs with the all-electric e-208 really setting a new standard in the sector. There's a lot to like about the car and it's a comfortable and well-equipped offering to deliver driving fun.

More information about the Peugeot 208

Why not have a look at the 208 on the official Peugeot UK company website and get the latest news about it at The Club Peugeot UK owners' Club.