The entirely new version of Peugeot’s popular 208 is arguably one of the most important cars hitting the market in 2020. It is more than merely an update; its platform is designed to accommodate petrol, diesel or fully electric drivetrains and its technology underpins other models from across the PSA group, including the new Vauxhall Corsa. So, an important car to get right on many levels.
Exterior & Interior
It’s hard not to be drawn in by the 208’s striking appearance. Slashes of light, wheel size accentuated by bold arches and solid, unfussy body contouring. We first saw this design language on the 508 and it translates well onto the smaller 208 hatchback.
The bold forms extend inside, with deep digital instrument binnacle, large, clear infotainment display and a row of ‘piano key’ controls in the centre of the dashboard. Comfortable seating, descent head room, plenty of leg space and a respectable boot make for a pleasing and practical cabin.
Engine
Powering the 208 are two internal combustion engines, the 1.2-litre PureTech petrol (75, 100 or 130 hp outputs) and 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel (100 or 130 hp). The electric option is a 136 hp 50 kWh motor.
Trims
The all-new 208 range comprises four trim levels, with familiar names: Active, Allure, GT-Line and GT. All are petrol, diesel or electric except the top GT which is electric only.
All trim levels are extremely well equipped, although the entry Active misses out on the latest configurable 3D i-Cockpit digital display. Among a number of safety features, all models have active safety brake for pedestrians plus lane keeping assist. The top two trim levels add night function and cyclist identification to the active safety brake feature.
Driving
On test, we have the 1.2 PureTech 130 engine with automatic gearbox in GT-Line specification. Peugeot pioneered looking over rather than through the steering wheel at the instruments, using a slightly smaller steering wheel; the latest 208 continues this theme. While it does take a little extra time to set up the seating and steering wheel positions, after a few miles, it all feels very natural.
Despite its GT-Line moniker, it’s no hot hatch but it’s lively enough and the auto ‘box makes light work of stop-start traffic. Steering isn’t the sharpest but it is comparable with its contemporaries. Ride is a decent balance between control and comfort and it settles down well at motorway speeds. There’s some road noise evident at speed but otherwise it is a fairly refined experience.
In terms of ergonomics, the 3D i-Cockpit is perhaps unnecessarily animated. And the piano switches - with 14 functions across the seven positions - means the driver is forced to look away from the road to make the correct selection for basic features such as climate control and audio settings for example. It’s also fairly cluttered behind the steering wheel, with indicator stalk, cruise control stalk and gear shift paddles all vying for space.
Summing up
Strong exterior design, a flexible choice of engines and high equipment levels including good safety kit as standard make Peugeot’s new 208 very desirable indeed. Some will love the funky display; others may find the whizzy graphics a little unnecessary.
While on test, our shiny Faro Yellow GT-Line model received a great deal of attention, a good indicator it will be a winner for Peugeot. Cleverly, the 208 platform will allow Peugeot to flex manufacture for different engine volumes in line with the take-up of electric models.