The Peugeot 208 is a good looking supermini with impressive interior space, a big boot with a range of efficient petrol and diesel engine options.
The 208 comes with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines to choose from. The petrol variants consist of the three cylinder 1.0 PureTech with 68bhp mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, the 1.2 litre PureTech with 82bhp with a 5-speed manual or 100bhp, with a choice of the Ecomatique automatic transmission. There is the top of the range high performance 1.6 litre THP GTI with 198bhp to choose from too. Diesel options include the brilliantly efficient 1.6 BlueHDi with the choice of 75 or 100bhp engine variants. Both are mated to a 5-speed manual.
The 208 feels quite agile from the moment you jump behind the wheel. Its underpinnings have not changed much from its predecessor the 207, so it still grips well in the corners and keeps body roll in check at all times. Overall it provides a supple ride particularly on motorways where it cruises really well. It is not too happy absorbing lumps and bumps at lower speeds and can feel a little firm at times on badly surfaced roads. The combination of good engines and handling however, make it fun to drive.
The 208 comes with a choice of four trim levels to choose from. These are Access, Active, Allure and GTline. There is a good level of kit as standard in the entry level Access that includes cruise control and speed limiter, remote central locking, electric front windows and Bluetooth connectivity, but you do have to opt for the Allure pack to benefit from the 7 inch touch screen infotainment system. Move up the trim lines and you benefit from additional comforts like tinted rear windows, dual-zone air-conditioning, leather interior and GTI type styling.
The Peugeot 208 benefits from Peugeot’s clever new i-Cockpit design. Love or hate the idea, you read your instruments by looking over the new smaller steering wheel. It does take a little getting used to, but it's a concept that works. The overall design of the dashboard blends well thanks to its unique looks and use of good quality materials across the top and centre console. The seats are comfortable and provide decent support. While the 7 inch touchscreen is good for controlling your phone and music, the air-conditioning controls are also housed here making them awkward to control.
The Peugeot 208 was awarded the full five star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test thanks to a good level of safety technology as standard. This includes electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes and a full host of six airbags with hill assist available on Active and Allure models only. You can also spec further safety items like rear parking sensors and the Active City Stop braking system that will automatically brake the car if it detects a collision is imminent.
The 208 provides a good level of practicality with large door pockets but a small glovebox. While there is more than enough space in the front for passengers, rear head and legroom is impressive too. You could fit three adults at a squeeze, while two would be comfortable. Boot size is excellent with a 285 litre capacity coming in ahead of most of its rivals like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo. This can be further increased to 1152 litres thanks to folding rear seats too.
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