The 2020 Peugeot 208 is a potential game-changer
The Peugeot 208 is not only a great looking new supermini offering from the French carmaker, but it also has the potential to be a game-changer.
We're not just us saying that either – the Peugeot 208 is 2020’s European Car of the Year. That’s a great accolade for a superb small car.
Firstly though, Peugeot has muddied the waters because this is technically a 209 and not simply a revamp of the previous Peugeot 208, which was fairly underwhelming as a car.
This is an all-new creation and Peugeot has settled on the 208 moniker and it bears little, if any, resemblance to the previous 208 model.
Alongside some very good petrol and diesel engines, the Peugeot e-208 is an all-electric offering that looks identical to its siblings there's no special paint or badging, the grille has not been blanked off and it's a potential winner in what is an increasingly competitive electric car sector.
But, let's face it, the 208 is up against the likes of the VW Polo and the top-end versions are quite pricey and take on the likes of the Mini and Audi A1.
The Peugeot 208 has been priced to attract buyers
Having said that, the Peugeot 208 has been priced to attract buyers and everything from the exterior styling to the equipment list and handling is impressive and its rivals will be sitting up to take notice of it.
The entry-level model features a 1.2 litre petrol engine, delivering 74bhp and it's mated to a five-speed manual gearbox to deliver an excellent driving experience around town.
For those who want to enjoy a bit more poke from their supermini, there's 1.2 litre turbocharged petrol unit producing 99bhp with a six-gear manual box. There's also the option of a slick changing eight-speed automatic transmission which is also available for the range topper unit producing 128 bhp.
Against the trend from carmakers, the Peugeot 208 has a responsive 1.5 litre diesel engine with four-cylinders producing 99bhp and it's a cracking offering, as Peugeot diesel engines are, for those racking up lots of motorway miles.
The real shame here is that this is probably the last supermini with a diesel engine capable of delivering fuel economy and a decent range.
New Peugeot supermini offering
But what is this new 208 like behind the wheel? The new Peugeot supermini offering always delivers a responsive drive - much like the excellent Peugeot 205 - and not just in the legendary GTI version either, the firm produced a 1.0 litre 205 that was an excellent performer and very, very frugal.
The petrol-powered 208, with 74bhp is an ideal offering for the 'P-plate' brigade while the 99bhp engine delivers an impressive performance that will leave a smile on your face. The electric e-208 delivers a range of 211 miles - and this is a realistic figure if you drive carefully.
The steering delivers good feedback, the chassis is agile and it certainly takes the fight to the Ford Fiesta which is still the best handling supermini available.
And then there's the Peugeot e-208. While it's slightly heavier than the petrol-powered version, the suspension and handling is excellent to make this an interesting choice for those who want to boost their eco-credentials in a very impressive car.
Even the layout is the same as the standard 208 with the electric motor delivering power, not in a tyre-squealing fashion but with a nice gradual increasing of speed, but it certainly feels quicker from a standing start than the entry-level petrols.
Cabin has been completely reinvented
The cabin has been completely reinvented to be a comfortable place to spend time and it's made with premium touch materials. It's a better looking offering than many rivals, though probably not the Mini.
The car offers an infotainment screen that is not the quickest to use, but the smartphone connectivity is excellent. Drivers will also love the instrument cluster in some models which has a 3-D effect, which is unique and interesting.
The 208 comes with five doors and access is easy it's a sound family car offering and while the rear seats are not the roomiest for adults, comfort levels are high.
We recommend the Peugeot 208 Allure
Depending on the model, we'd recommend the Peugeot 208 Allure which, for the money, offers a decent supermini with the 3-D cockpit, LED rear lights and alloy wheels. There's also a leather effect trim in the cabin.
The pricier models feature reversing camera, parking sensors, ambient lighting while the e-208 is only available in the GT trim and costs from £29,650, after the government grant.
Essentially, the Peugeot 208 offers an all-round impressive supermini that is worth a closer look and while it's nothing like the 205 (nothing ever could be), it's a modern and comfortable car with a lot to offer drivers.
Desperate Seller rating 4.5/5
