The 208 managed to steal the limelight from the Clio in first place in sales. In addition to its dynamic qualities, it seduces with its very personal line.
Which version to choose?
1.2 PureTech 100 Eat8 Allure (22 500 €)
Barely less efficient than the “big” and much more expensive 130 hp version (from € 25,400), this 1.2 liter PureTech gasoline 100 hp, mid-range, is the best choice. In particular when the small 3-cylinder is associated with the excellent automatic transmission EAT 8 relationships which still transcend its pleasure. We can hardly blame it for a slight overconsumption compared to that of the 6-speed manual transmission (of the order of 0.8 liters per 100 km), as well as a few small jolts at low speed, in town. As for the finish, this Allure has, in particular, already automatic air conditioning, hands-free starting, automatic headlights and wipers, heated electric mirrors, etc. For 1,000 € more, we can prefer the Allure Pack which also offers emergency braking, the i-cockpit in 3D, or even the reversing camera.
Qualities
With its “mouth” of a little feline, characterized by a gaping grille and luminous fangs, and its sharp body lines, this second generation of 208 seduces. Much more than its longtime rival, the Renault Clio, which is much more consensual. Its interior is matched with a sleek design, refined finish and materials – which no longer have anything to envy the competitors from across the Rhine, always cited as an example – and its famous i-cockpit which is distinguished by its mini steering wheel and its counter unit in high position. Once familiar with this atypical environment, we take advantage ofa particularly incisive behavior which serves the driving pleasure beautifully. A set of typically Peugeot qualities combining remarkable precision steering and front axle, a rear axle offering the right amount of dynamism and ideally calibrated damping. In addition to thermal blocks, with the essential small 3-cylinder 1.2 liter PureTech petrol, available in three powers, 75, 100 and 130 hp, and the 1.5 liter BlueHDi diesel 100 hp, the little lioness offers a more expensive electric version developing 100 kW (136 hp) and whose autonomy is announced for 340 km according to the WLTP cycle.
Defaults
In return for its exceptional dynamic behavior, the 208 is shown to be fairly firmly damped, to the detriment of its cushioning comfort, less successful than that of the Renault Clio or the Citroën C3, particularly comfortable. Given its substantial size (4.06 m), its habitability is nothing extraordinary, just like the volume of its trunk, lower than those of most of its competitors. Another criticism, specific to the famous i-cockpit, depending on their size and their driving position, some drivers may have difficulty reading the information on the meter. Unfortunate. Finally, apart from the basic version, available from € 16,000, the 208 is not cheap, even if its endowment is rather complete from the median trim levels.
Notice
For those who prefer driving pleasure, the 208 stands out among the small all-rounders. It remains to deal with a somewhat firm damping and some habitability.
Technical sheet
Engine : 3-cylinder turbo petrol 100 hp
Weight: 1 133
Long.xlarg.xhaut. (m) : 4,06×1,75×1,43
Max speed (km/h): 188
CO2 (g)/bonus : 122/0
Chest for 5/2 : 311/nc
Manufacturing country : Slovakia & Morocco
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