The 2024 Peugeot 208 Review

Looking for a comfortable new car? The Peugeot 208 might be your perfect fit—a funky, stylish hatchback that's ideal for families on the go.

The second-generation Peugeot 208 is more than a mere update. Peugeot has transformed this supermini into a design-led marvel that competes fiercely in the small car market, delivering a fusion of style, practicality, and forward-thinking technology that has made competitors sit up and take notice.

The 208’s bold, avant-garde design has been sharpened for the latest version, attracting drivers who might not normally consider a Peugeot in this class.

But it’s not just about aesthetics—beneath its sophisticated surface lies a car built to appeal to modern tastes, packing an engineering punch with options for petrol, hybrid, or full electric power. It’s a daring approach for a supermini and one that Peugeot hopes will keep this model on top in Europe’s competitive market.

What is the driving experience like?

Peugeot’s philosophy here isn’t to chase German-style rigidity. Instead, the 208’s suspension offers a more relaxed, softly damped ride, perfect for city driving.

This “Gallic” approach results in a driving experience that absorbs bumps with ease, providing a refined ride that resists road harshness, though more spirited drivers might miss a sense of taut responsiveness on twisty backroads.

The e-208 feels particularly spry at lower speeds, delivering its 260Nm of torque instantly and effortlessly.

This makes it ideal for city driving and quick lane changes, and while it may not handle like a hot hatch, the e-208 manages to blend Peugeot’s traditional comfort with an extra punch of electric power.

What is the design like?

The Peugeot 208’s appearance has been subtly reimagined to enhance its visual impact. The larger grille, adorned with the brand’s updated logo, melds beautifully into the car’s bold front end, framed by Peugeot’s signature triple-claw lighting accents.

At the rear, horizontal LED light claws add a touch of elegance, giving the car a more commanding road presence.

Peugeot’s innovative “i-Cockpit” layout, with its compact steering wheel and heads-up display, demands a bit of adjustment but ultimately rewards the driver with a cockpit-like feel.

An upgraded 10-inch central touchscreen is now standard across all trims, serving as the hub for Peugeot’s i-Connect infotainment system, which features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless integration.

The overall feel inside is sophisticated, with details that evoke a luxury feel—an impressive feat for a vehicle in this segment.

Climate Controls & Storage Features

The 208's climate system is a mixed bag. While controls are centralised within touchscreen menus, users still need to navigate these controls frequently, which some find inconvenient and even hazardous, as it diverts attention from the road.

Vauxhall’s Corsa, which shares a similar dashboard, avoids this by keeping separate physical controls for ventilation.

The 208, however, replaces the traditional control area with a covered compartment that includes a 15W wireless charging pad—useful for hiding devices out of view.

Other storage features include angled bottle holders in door bins, a small open cubby near the driver’s knee, and a glovebox.

Seating & Cabin Comfort

Driver ergonomics are mostly favourable, though taller drivers might find the pedal positioning slightly cramped.

Seat adjustability and column tilt provide flexibility, but lumbar support is only available in the high-end Alcantara seats. Build quality is solid, though it doesn’t match the heft of a Volkswagen Polo’s interior.

Practical features like door panel stitching and small speaker placements in the A-pillars add class, while visibility is adequate but hindered slightly by the thickness of the windshield pillars and the tapering roofline.

Boot Space & Practicality

The boot is 309 litres, which is adequate but not leading in class compared to models like the Skoda Fabia with its 380 litres.

Its design is basic, with a high loading lip and limited tie-down points. There’s no adjustable height floor or advanced seat folding; you get a straightforward 60/40 split, and with seats folded down you get 1,118 litres with electric, and 1,163 litres with petrol/hybrid models.

Model Range & Value Comparison

The model lineup includes two main trims: Allure and GT, both offering a variety of powertrains—petrol, hybrid, or electric.

In terms of segment value, the 208’s pricing is slightly above budget alternatives like the Renault Clio, Volkswagen Polo and Mazda 2.

As a hybrid, it competes strongly with the Honda Jazz e:HEV hybrid, though it is priced higher than alternatives like the MG3 Hybrid, Toyota Yaris Hybrid, and the Vauxhall Corsa Hybrid.

Standard Equipment and Options

Some standard feature highlights include:

• Electric power steering with reach & rake adjustable steering column
• Multifunction trip computer
• Push button keyless start
• Tinted windows
• Tailgate with heated rear windscreen & wiper blade
• PEUGEOT i-Cockpit: 10” Configurable heads-up digital instrument panel
• Leather steering wheel
• Smartphone docking station
• Voice recognition
• Wireless Mirror Screen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Automatic LED lights & ‘Follow me home’ headlights
• Electric folding door mirrors with courtesy lighting
• ‘Shark fin’ radio antenna

The GT trim, identifiable by its sporty aesthetics, includes:

• Reversing camera
• Keyless entry & push button start
• 17” ‘YANAKA’ diamond cut two-tone alloy wheels
• Black Diamond roof
• GT model designation badging
• Active Safety Brake
• Passenger seat height adjustment
• 8-colour interior ambient lighting
• Luxury carpet mats
• PEUGEOT Full LED headlights with Smartbeam Assist and automatic height adjustment

Combustion Range and Optional Upgrades

Across the 208 combustion range, there’s extra functionality available: you can add storage space over the spare wheel, and if you avoid the e208 and PureTech 75 variants, a tow bar is also an option.

For the e208, there’s an optional heat pump to help preserve range in cold weather, as well as an 11-kW charging upgrade—handy if you have access to a three-phase charging supply and an 11-kW wall box.

You’ll also need to pay extra for a three-pin charging lead to plug into a standard domestic socket. Across the 208 lineup, nearly all paint colour choices will come with an added cost since the only standard colour is solid Agueda Yellow.

Safety Features

As you’d expect from a modern supermini, the 208 comes equipped with as standard:

• Anti-locking Braking System
• Emergency Braking Assistance
• Electronic Braking Distribution
• Adaptive drive & front passenger airbags
• Automatic locking door when moving off
• Automatic hazard light activation upon heavy brake application
• Hill Start Assist
• Cruise Control & Speed Limiter
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Speed limit recognition
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Exterior temperature indicator with ice warning

For added safety, when upgrading to the GT trim drivers can enjoy features like Active Safety Brake for cyclists and pedestrians, Lane Positioning Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring.

What is covered under warranty?

Warranty coverage is typical for Peugeot, with a 2-year unlimited mileage plan with a free optional additional 1-year of added warranty. Buyers enjoy a year of free roadside assistance, though this can be extended at an extra cost.

The e208’s battery is covered separately with an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty. This warranty ensures the battery maintains at least 70% of its original capacity throughout the coverage period.

Peugeot 208 Review Summary: Should you lease one?

If you’re considering leasing a supermini, the Peugeot 208 stands out as a stylish and versatile option that’s grown more sophisticated in this second generation.

Peugeot aimed to design a compact car that could appeal to a wide range of drivers, and for most, the 208’s modern aesthetics, build quality, and driving dynamics set it apart in its class.

The new hybrid powertrain expands its appeal, offering a good middle ground between efficiency and performance for those who may not be ready for a fully electric model.

For eco-conscious drivers, the choice between the hybrid and the pure-electric e208 adds flexibility, making the model accessible to more leasing customers who want lower emissions with a practical range.

While alternatives in the segment may be more budget-friendly or have conventional cabin layouts, the Peugeot 208 carves out its niche with a unique design and well-balanced performance.

It’s crafted to suit city drivers, with nimble handling, intuitive tech, and appealing efficiency across its powertrain options.

So, should you lease one? If you’re after a compact car that combines premium looks, fuel-saving options, and a driving experience tailored to city driving, the Peugeot 208 is difficult to ignore.