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.
Key Takeaways The Peugeot 208 and e-208 stand out for bold, premium-feel design and a comfort-first driving character that shines in town, with the e-208 feeling notably punchy at low speeds. Broad powertrain choice (petrol, hybrid, EV) across Allure and GT trims, modern tech (i-Cockpit, 10-inch touchscreen) and strong safety/warranty coverage make it easy to live with. Trade-offs include touchscreen-only climate controls and merely average boot practicality, while pricing sits a touch above budget rivals—making it best for style-conscious urban drivers and small families, especially on a lease.
Summary The second-generation Peugeot 208/e-208 combines standout, design-led styling with a relaxed, comfort-focused ride that excels in urban driving, with the electric e-208 feeling especially lively at low speeds. Offered with petrol, hybrid, or full-electric power, it brings modern tech (i-Cockpit, 10-inch touchscreen) and comprehensive safety, though touchscreen-only climate controls and average boot practicality are drawbacks. Two trims (Allure, GT) offer generous equipment, pricing is slightly above budget rivals, and warranties are competitive---including an 8-year battery cover for the e-208. Overall, it's a stylish, versatile supermini that suits leasing for those wanting premium looks, efficiency, and everyday ease.
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 latest Peugeot 208 features a bold, avant-garde design that stands out in the supermini class, attracting drivers who might not usually consider a Peugeot.
Beyond its looks, the 208 offers petrol, hybrid, or full-electric power, combining style with modern engineering. This daring approach helps Peugeot maintain a competitive edge in Europe's crowded supermini 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 has been subtly redesigned for greater visual impact. A larger grille with the updated logo blends into the bold front end, highlighted by Peugeot's signature triple-claw headlights. At the rear, horizontal LED light claws add elegance and a stronger road presence.
Inside, the i-Cockpit layout-with its compact steering wheel and heads-up display-takes a moment to adjust to but delivers a true cockpit feel. A 10-inch central touchscreen is standard across all trims, powering Peugeot's i-Connect system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The cabin feels sophisticated, with luxurious touches that elevate the 208 beyond typical supermini standards.
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.
Peugeot 208
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
The Peugeot 208 comes with a range of standard features including electric power steering with adjustable column, multifunction trip computer, push-button keyless start, tinted windows, and a tailgate with heated rear windscreen. The i-Cockpit includes a 10-inch configurable heads-up display, leather steering wheel, smartphone docking, voice recognition, and wireless Mirror Screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional features include automatic LED lights with “Follow me home,” electric folding door mirrors with courtesy lighting, and a shark fin radio antenna.
GT Trim Features
The GT trim adds sporty touches such as a reversing camera, keyless entry, 17-inch ‘YANAKA’ diamond-cut wheels, Black Diamond roof, GT badging, Active Safety Brake, passenger seat height adjustment, 8-colour ambient lighting, luxury mats, and Full LED headlights with Smartbeam Assist.
Combustion Range and Optional Upgrades
Combustion models offer extra storage over the spare wheel, and most (except e208 and PureTech 75) can add a tow bar. The e208 offers optional heat pump and 11-kW charging upgrade for faster charging on three-phase supplies. A three-pin charging lead is needed for standard sockets. Most paint colours come at an extra cost; only Agueda Yellow is standard.
Looking to order the Peugeot e-208?
Order nowSafety 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.
Warranty Coverage
The Peugeot 208 comes with a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty, with an optional extra year available. Buyers also get one year of free roadside assistance, which can be extended for a fee. The e208 battery has a separate 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, guaranteeing at least 70% of its original capacity.
Peugeot 208 Review Summary: Should You Lease One?
The 208 is a stylish, versatile supermini that has grown more sophisticated in its second generation. Its modern design, build quality, and driving dynamics help it stand out.
The hybrid powertrain offers a balance of efficiency and performance, while the fully electric e208 provides eco-friendly flexibility. Nimble handling, intuitive tech, and practical efficiency make it ideal for city driving.
If you want a compact car with premium looks, fuel-saving options, and a fun, practical drive, the Peugeot 208 is a compelling choice for leasing.
