Used Peugeot 208 (Mk2, 2020-date) overview: a flexible and classy supermini

Verdict

The 208 Mk2 was topped European Automobile of the Yr in 2020. It was the sixth time {that a} Peugeot had scooped this high honour, and whereas this prize is rarely a assure of economic success (or that the automobile actually is actually nice), the 208 went on to be a best-seller throughout Europe, and deservedly so. In addition to wanting distinctive, the mannequin is nicely outfitted and good to drive, even when it’s no class chief on this respect. The place the 208 actually scores as a used purchase is with the variety of vehicles accessible and the breadth of the vary; there’s a wide selection of energy sources and trim ranges. There’s no selection of bodystyles, although, as a result of all 208s include 5 doorways. This shouldn’t be an issue, nonetheless, with few patrons wanting a three-door supermini these days.

2022 marked half a century since Peugeot launched its first supermini, the now largely forgotten 104. After a few years of manufacturing saloons and estates, with the odd convertible thrown in for good measure, the corporate embraced the hatchback. Ever since then it has supplied an entire raft of small vehicles, arguably peaking with the 205, which made its debut 40 years in the past.

The 206 and 207 that got here after bought in massive numbers, however they didn’t have that ‘je ne sais quoi’ of the 205. Then the 208 arrived in 2012, and it instantly proved that Peugeot was on an upward trajectory with its design and engineering. The transformation was full when an all-new model was launched a number of years later.

Historical past

The Mk2 208 arrived in UK showrooms in February 2020. There was a selection of petrol (PureTech), diesel (BlueHDi) or electrical (e-208) editions, priced from £16,250, £18,850 and £25,050 respectively.

The petrol engine was a non-turbo 74bhp 1.2-litre unit, or there was a turbocharged choice with both 99bhp or 128bhp. The diesel was a 99bhp 1.5-litre unit, whereas the e-208 was fitted with a 50kWh battery pack and a 134bhp electrical motor.

An up to date 208 has simply gone on sale, with redesigned entrance and taillights, a number of further color choices, a refreshed dashboard format and a brand new self-charging hybrid that’s accessible in two varieties: the 99bhp Hybrid 100 and the 134bhp Hybrid 136.

A 154bhp E-208 was additionally launched as a part of the revamp, alongside the present mannequin. It has a 54kWh battery pack.

Which one ought to I purchase?

With e-208 values not a lot increased than for petrol or diesel-engined variations, going electrical may make quite a lot of sense in case you can cost at dwelling, slashing your gasoline payments.

The one 208 we’d keep away from is the non-turbo PureTech 75, which feels lacklustre; any of the opposite powertrains are price a glance.

All 208s are moderately nicely outfitted, with the entry-level Energetic having cruise management and a velocity limiter, 16-inch alloy wheels (trims on the e-208), air-con (local weather management on the e-208), rear parking sensors and LED headlights. The Attract provides 17-inch alloys (16-inch on e-208), local weather management, power-folding door mirrors, computerized wipers and wi-fi cellphone charging. A Premium pack accessible on each the Energetic and Attract provides sat-nav, whereas the GT Line brings rear parking sensors and a digital camera.

Alternate options to the Peugeot 208

The 208 shares its platform and operating gear with the Vauxhall Corsa, which is why it has the identical selection of 1.2-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel and electrical powertrains. The Corsa is available, good to drive and low cost to run, however to not purchase. The Renault Clio comes with petrol, diesel or hybrid powertrains, or in case you desire an electrical supermini, there’s the Renault Zoe.

The Ford Fiesta is not bought new, and there’s no electrified mannequin, however it’s good to drive and plentiful. The VW Polo, SEAT Ibiza and Skoda Fabia are straightforward to reside with, whereas the Hyundai i20 and Kia Rio main on worth and reliability. Don’t overlook the Suzuki Swift, which is enjoyable, dependable and nice worth, whereas the MINI hatch, Toyota Yaris, Nissan Micra and Mazda 2 are price a more in-depth look.

What to search for

EV vary

Peugeot claimed a 211-mile vary for the e-208. That grew to become 225 miles in January 2022, then 248 miles from early 2023.

Spare wheel

Whereas the e-208 got here with a puncture-repair equipment, petrol and diesel variations of the 208 have been kitted out  with a space-saver spare wheel.

Electrical gremlins

Digital glitches aren’t uncommon, so test the entire capabilities within the infotainment. A software program replace may sort things, although.

Gas pump issues

A loud gasoline pump means that failure isn’t far off. Poor beginning is the primary symptom, however in the end the engine gained’t run in any respect.

Reliability

It isn’t that lengthy since Peugeot trailed a lot of its rivals for dependability. However the firm has turned a nook lately, and its vehicles have far fewer issues. Nevertheless, a fortieth place for reliability on this 12 months’s Driver Energy New Automobile survey reveals the French agency nonetheless has loads of room for enchancment.

Inside

If you happen to haven’t sat in a Peugeot for some time, you’ll be impressed by how far the corporate’s cabins have progressed lately. The standard is usually glorious all through, and there are many design thrives that present an upmarket really feel.

However the small, low-set steering wheel divides opinion, so just remember to can reside with it. The identical goes for the local weather controls which can be hidden inside the touchscreen menus. The 208 is likely one of the smaller vehicles in its class, so rear-seat house is at a little bit of a premium and the 311-litre boot can’t match the capability of some rivals; drop the seats and this will increase to an equally so-so 1,106 litres.

Costs

Most vehicles on the market have a guide gearbox, however in case you desire an auto, there are a lot accessible, with these accounting for a 3rd of the 208s in the marketplace. Diesels are uncommon, whereas later hybrids are additionally not that widespread.

To test costs on a selected mannequin head over to our valuation instrument.

Operating prices

All 208s want upkeep each 12 months or 12,500 miles; the schedule runs Interim, Fundamental and Main. The primary two price £209 and £259 respectively (£199 and £229 if sample elements are used) no matter engine; the Main service is priced at £379 for a diesel and £409 for petrols (£319 and £349 for sample elements). The brake fluid must be changed each two years, at £70, with recent coolant required each 10 years or 112,000 miles. The e-208 wants its first service after a 12 months or 8,000 miles, then each two years or 16,000 miles.

All engines have a cambelt that must be changed each six years or 62,500 miles, at a value of £579 if OE elements are used. Utilizing sample elements for the PureTech drops this to £499, and £459 for the BlueHDi.

Remembers

Half a dozen remembers may sound disappointing, however none affected many vehicles, and two got here on the identical day in Might 2020 for a similar downside (one for the 208 and the opposite for the e-208, due to defective wheelarch trim that might come unfastened). The primary motion was launched in February 2020, as a result of one automobile made in August 2019 had incorrectly fitted brake pipes. A second marketing campaign got here a month later on account of unfastened shock absorbers on a handful of early vehicles.

Two 208s have been recalled in September as a result of some unspecified fixings weren’t tightened up sufficiently on the manufacturing line. The newest recall was issued in April 2023. This affected 152 vehicles made in February and March 2023, which left the manufacturing unit with sub-standard tyres that may have wanted to get replaced.

Driver Energy proprietor satisfaction

The Mk2 208 didn’t get into the 2023 Driver Energy Used Automobile survey, however got here an unspectacular 51st out of 75 within the New Automobile ballot. A seventh for journey and dealing with was the excessive spot, together with seventeenth for the sat-nav. Most classes have been mid-table or worse, comparable to worth at thirty eighth, operating prices in thirty ninth, and fortieth for reliability. Practicality ranked in 58th, whereas 68th for swap placement was one other black mark.

Seeking to promote your present automobile rapidly and for worth? We’ve partnered with Motorway to carry you the very best supply from its community of UK sellers…