Peugeot 208 (2012 – 2019) Review

The Peugeot 208 is one of the most stylish and interesting cars in the crowded small hatchback market. Launched in 2012, the 208 still looks fresh today, while the top trim models have a pleasingly upmarket feel. There’s a Peugeot 208 for everyone, from a frugal diesel to a GTI that rekindles memories of the iconic Peugeot 205 GTI. The design and layout of the cabin will frustrate and delight in equal measure, but there’s no doubt that the 208 is a chic and very French alternative to the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa.

Goodness, is that the time? It’s eight years since Peugeot launched the 208, replacing the lacklustre and dated 207. It still looks fresh today, helped in no small part by a facelift in 2015. It might not be as popular as the Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Corsa, but there’s a lot to like about the Peugeot 208.

The styling is one thing. On the right alloy wheels and in a rich metallic colour, the 208 has a surprisingly upmarket look, enabling it to rub shoulders with some of the premium players. The good vibes continue on the inside, with a cabin that’s suitably different to its rivals.

Even today, the i-Cockpit divides opinion. Some love the small steering wheel and raised instrument panel, while others find it awkward and unappealing. It means that you look over the steering wheel, rather than peering at the dials through the wheel itself. It’s like a head-up display, albeit one that’s part of the dashboard architecture.

It’s a car that’s been built for two. The design of the cabin is such that the driver and front seat passenger feel like they’re in a spacious supermini. It’s too cramped in the rear, which is awkward to climb into in three-door models. There’s a reason why carmakers are turning their backs on three-door cars – five doors are more practical.

The boot is adequate for a car of this size, but a Skoda Fabia is more spacious. Alternatively, you could do what so many other buyers have done by opting for the roomier and more flexible Peugeot 2008. The crossover is based on the 208, but benefits from more interior space, a larger boot and a general feeling of getting more for your money.

Equipment levels are good if you avoid the entry-level versions, while the higher trim levels are positively lavish. Opt for the likes of the XY, Allure, Roland Garros and GT Line models for the best feelgood factor. Alternatively, choose the 208 GTI for some hot hatchback thrills. The 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport is a modern classic.

Elsewhere, the 208 is far from memorable to drive. It lacks the comfortable ride of, say, the Citroen C3, but also the precision and polish of the Ford Fiesta. It’s a shame that Peugeot didn’t focus on ride comfort, because this could have been a small luxury car, especially the higher trim levels.

It’s not all bad news. A 208 with a small turbocharged petrol engine is light and agile in the city, while a car with a diesel engine feels grown-up and efficient on a motorway. There’s a 208 to suit most needs, so you’re sure to find something that suits you. Best of all, good examples start from around £3,000, but we’d recommend buying a post-facelift model.

Looking for the latest version? You'll want our Peugeot 208 (2022) Review. 

There’s little in the way of body-roll when cornering, while the ride quality is firmer than on some rivals. It can be a little unsettled, especially on models with larger alloy wheels, and it doesn’t respond well to pockmarked surfaces.

The steering frustrates and delights in equal measure. The small steering wheel gives the car go-kart qualities, but the steering itself is too quick and darting, with an action that’s disappointingly remote. It means that you don’t have the confidence to carry any speed through a corner.

For maximum enjoyment, choose the 208 GTI. Highlights include stiffer suspension, a wider track and sports seats, which combine to deliver a terrific driving experience. The 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport is even better – arguably as thrilling as the contemporary Fiesta ST.

The Peugeot 208 is at its best with a small petrol engine under the bonnet. Even the 82PS 1.2-litre PureTech is a little cracker, with the three-cylinder engine delivering a playful soundtrack, and the turbocharger providing a terrific blend of performance and efficiency. Better still, opt for the 110PS version, which offers more pulling power at lower revs and more smoothness on a longer run.

We’d avoid the petrol engines without a turbocharger, although the earlier 1.4-litre VTI 95 is worth considering. The 1.6-litre THP turbo is a brilliant engine, especially when used to great effect in the 208 GTI.

Don’t rule out the diesel engines. The 1.6-litre BlueHDi is a particular highlight, delivering a healthy blend of pulling power and efficiency. It seems out of place in what is otherwise a zesty and zippy supermini, but it turns the 208 into a surprisingly competent motorway cruiser.

The Peugeot 208 was awarded a five-star safety rating when it was crash-tested by Euro NCAP in 2012. All cars get electronic stability control and a speed assistance system, which means you can set a maximum speed, which the car will not exceed.

There are also front, side and curtain airbags – the latter extending to the rear seats. Isofix is standard on the outer rear seats.

As part of the 2015 facelift, Peugeot introduced an optional Active City Brake function. At speeds of up to 20mph, it will alert the driver about an obstacle ahead and automatically apply the brakes, if required.

Thanks to a maximum towing capacity of 1,150kg, the Peugeot 208 isn’t the best option for towing duties. That said, the diesel engines provide a useful amount of pulling power.

Is the 208 practical? It depends on where you’re sitting. It feels spacious in the front, aided by the tiny steering wheel and the design of the dashboard. If you can find a good driving position, you’ll probably love the iCockpit design. If you can’t, you should buy a different supermini.

Things are less positive in the back, where the rear-seat accommodation is, at best, cosy. It’s also a pain to get into the back of a three-door 208, so we’d recommend the five-door version for regular use of the rear seats.

In the boot, the 285-litre boot is merely adequate for this size of car, but you can increase this to 1,152 litres by folding the rear seat. It’s worth noting that the seats don’t fold entirely flat, while the boot opening isn’t particularly wide. Other negatives include pedals that are too close together and a glovebox that is far too small.

A clever use of rich and upmarket metallic colours, stylish alloy wheels and, on some models, a chrome finisher around the windows, combine to create a class-looking hatch.

You’ll find similar plush materials on the inside, especially on the higher trim levels. Look for the likes of the XY, Style, Roland Garros, Allure and GT Line models for the best experience. Opt for a 208 with leather seats, ambient lighting and a panoramic roof, and you’ll swear blind you’re in a car with a premium badge.

Early entry-level models featured a basic radio/CD player with audio controls on the steering column, plus a 3.5mm jack for connecting an external audio device.

These models are best avoided. Other versions get a colour touchscreen, which isn’t the most responsive of systems, but it does feature DAB digital radio, Bluetooth and a basic form of smartphone integration. Sat-nav was an option, but standard on higher trim levels.

A colour touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, DAB digital radio and Bluetooth became standard across the range as part of the 2015 facelift.

It’s possible to buy an early Peugeot 208 for less than £2000, but we wouldn’t recommend it. These cars tend to come with the label ‘good runner’ and/or an insurance category write-off to their name. Battle scars on the outside and shiny surfaces on the inside are other hallmarks of cars at this end of the market.

Upping the budget to £3000 unlocks the pick of the early cars, although many will have up to 100,000 miles on the clock. The earlier models are also less desirable than the post-facelift cars, but it would help if you bought one of the higher trim levels. The Allure trim is a safe bet.

Post-facelift models start from around £4000, but choice starts to open up once you hit the £5000 mark. You shouldn’t need to spend more than £15,000 to secure one of the latest models.

Peugeot 208 GTI prices start from £6000, which is incredible value for money for a hot hatchback that, while unable to rival the Ford Fiesta ST for outright thrills, is a thoroughly enjoyable steer. You’ll need to spend at least £11,000 to secure a 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport, which is the ultimate incarnation of the 208 GTI.

Also look out for some of the desirable special editions, including the Roland Garros. The combination of smarter exterior styling, an enhanced cabin and extra equipment makes this look like good value at £6000 to £10,000 for a 2014 car.

Granted, the 208 GTI will cost more to insure, but it’s capable of returning excellent fuel economy, if you avoid the temptation to plant your right foot. Good luck with that.

Although you’re unlikely to match the official figures, the diesel engines are remarkably efficient. Officially, the 1.6-litre BlueHDi could achieve up to 94.2mpg, but Real MPG suggests that 64.4mpg is a more realistic target. That’s an impressive figure. Indeed, you’re likely to see at least 60mpg, regardless of which diesel engine you choose.

You’ll see high 40s in a Peugeot 208 with a 1.0-litre or 1.2-litre petrol engine, but even the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol should return high 30s, possibly even 40mpg. Indeed, you might find that the 1.6-litre is more economical than the smaller petrol engines, which require more work to make swift progress, putting a dent in the fuel economy.

Most of the diesel engines are free to tax (VED), but a small engine should cost just £20 a year. Others could cost up to £150. Basic versions get a group five insurance rating, so cover shouldn’t be a problem, even for young drivers. A 208 GTI will cost significantly more.

It speaks volumes about the design that the Peugeot 208 still looks fresh today, some eight years since its launch. It feels more special than a Vauxhall Corsa, and while it can’t match the Ford Fiesta in terms of driving experience, it’s actually reasonably good fun.

Ignore any anti-diesel bias, because a 208 with a diesel engine will be very cheap to run – you’ll be a stranger at the filling station. That said, we’d still prefer a 208 with a peppy petrol engine, especially one of the higher trim levels.