Segment B is on fire with the arrival of the new Peugeot 208. One of the best-selling models in Portugal now presents itself to its competitors completely renovated.
The platform is new, the engines were renewed and the interior gained in quality and habitability. All new.
As for the exterior, the exterior is what you can see in this gallery of images captured in Portugal, the country chosen for the presentation of the 208 to the world press:
Peugeot 208
I had the opportunity to try all the engines available on the Peugeot 208, and already knowing the complete equipment list for our country, I chose my favorite configuration — which I will reveal at the end of the article. Let's start with the most modest version.
Peugeot 208 1.2 PureTech 75hp Active
I have a current-generation Peugeot 208 in my garage with this engine — keeping up with the car you already know — and for that reason, I was quite curious to make the proper comparisons between the two.
In the new Peugeot 208 this 1.2 PureTech engine lost 7 hp of power, going from the previous 82 hp to the current 75 hp — due to the entry into force of the WLTP standards — but this loss of power is not felt at the wheel.
It's a fair engine for the Peugeot 208. Accelerations aren't quite vigorous, but it's sufficient in most situations. It is the only engine that maintains the five-speed manual gearbox and that is really its main handicap. In the city, it doesn't compromise, on the road it's pleasant, but on the highway it doesn't shine at all.
As for consumption, expect averages around 6.2 l/100 km.
As I mentioned the previous Peugeot 208 — in which I have covered more than 66 000 km to date — I take this opportunity to talk about the engine's isolation and the cabin's soundproofing. It has improved immensely. The engine is the same, but now we get less vibrations and less noise.
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In versions equipped with 16″ wheels and high profile tyres, the 208's performance is improved. Compared to the previous generation, with equivalent wheels and tyres, there is a huge leap forward. The suspension deals in a much more composite way with the asphalt suppressions.
In dynamic terms, however, evolution is not so notorious. I can say that in this particular the Peugeot 208 has not evolved as much as in the remaining points. The steering weight is just right, the suspension does a good job, but it never gets too excited.
As for the level of equipment, consider the Active version, the base version of the model. The Like version, which is the cheapest of all, will only be available on request for a price of 16,700 euros.
In this Active version, the Peugeot 208 will cost 17,600 euros — 900 euros more than the Like version — and it already has a very complete equipment list.
Among other items, the Active version already has: traffic sign recognition, LED daytime running lights, shiny chrome grille, 16” PLAKA wheels, 3.5'' PEUGEOT i-Cockpit®, Bluetooth radio with 7 capacitive touchscreen '', electric parking brake, single-zone air conditioning, hands-free starting, 4 USB sockets, among others.
Do you want to know more? Click the button and compare the standard equipment of all versions:
Complete equipment list
But back to the essentials. Definitely forget about the Like version. As for the 1.2 PureTech 75hp engine, don't be afraid of it. It does without shining, but it does.
Peugeot 208 1.2 PureTech 100 hp Allure
If they want to buy a Peugeot 208 with a higher level of equipment, they will have to forego the 1.2 PureTech 75hp engine. Therefore, they will have to choose one of these versions:
- 1.2 PureTech 100 hp STT 6-speed manual — 20 800 euros;
- 1.2 PureTech 100 hp 8-speed automatic — €22,400;
- 1.2 Puretech 130 hp 8-speed automatic — 23,750 euros;
- 1.5 BlueHDi 100 hp STT 6-speed manual — 24 600 euros;
- e-208 electric — 31 350 euros.
Let's now separate the waters. If the additional 1600 euros for the eight-speed automatic gearbox you don't miss, it's a mandatory extra. Not that the six-speed manual transmission is bad — which it isn't at all — but the automatic transmission is better.
Now that I've told you about the box, let's go to the engine. Which one is the best?
The additional 30 hp of the more powerful version of the 1.2 PureTech engine only makes sense when we decide to squeeze everything that the new Peugeot 208 has to offer. Otherwise, the 1.2 PureTech 100 hp version is the most balanced of the gasoline engines. It is the one that best matches the pretensions of a utilitarian model.
Let's go to the numbers: 11.9s from 0-100 km/h against 8.7s; and 188 km/h against 208 km/h of top speed. Regarding consumption, they were virtually the same. I reached averages of 6.4 l/100 km.
So at the end of the day it's mostly a monetary issue: 1350 euros for another 30 hp . Does it pay off? If you like to drive yes; if you're going to buy the Peugeot 208 just to fulfill your obligations at home, stick with the 100 hp version.
Peugeot 208 1.5 BlueHDi. Yes or No?
The 100 hp 1.5 BlueHDi engine is the only diesel engine in the 208 range. It's a shame that this type of engine has been demonized — yes, and I've already written it here.
It is an elastic motor, pleasant to use and very economical. Unsurprisingly, it was behind the wheel of the 1.5 BlueHDi that I achieved the best consumptions.
Between Lisbon and Herdade da Comporta, I registered a consumption of 4.4 l/100 km. No big restrictions in terms of pace.
In everyday use, the 1.5 BlueHDi engine stands out from the 1.2 PureTech version by having a little more availability at low revs. In monetary terms, it stands out for costing over 3800 euros. These are the big differences.
Taking my calculator — praying that the math works out, because I suck at math — and taking into account the price differential between gasoline/diesel and the differences in terms of consumption, we will have to wait around 110 000 km to recoup the investment in the diesel engine.
GT Line version (but it could be Sexy Line)
It is in this GT Line version that the design of the Peugeot 208 is revealed in all its splendor. We have Full LED lights, 17″ wheels, tinted windows, exclusive front grille, black mirror covers, among other details that further enhance the lines of the French utility vehicle.
Opening the door, the differences continue to show themselves in the details. Customized interior lighting, aluminum pedals, compact GT Line perforated leather steering wheel, front parking aid, reversing camera (Visio Park 1), and above all, magnificent sports seats that deserve rave reviews (no tearing, of course… ).
How much is all this worth? Another 1950 euros.
Does it pay? It depends on your personal taste. It is because we fall in love with cars that they are not all the same. And if we let ourselves be carried away by emotion, it will be the Peugeot 208 GT Line that we will take home.
Looking at its appearance, it's worth any discussions you might have with your better half.
Very good. If you haven't given up on reading this article yet, it's because you're willing to spend some more money, so open your purse strings and see the price of all options for the new Peugeot 208:
I want a divorce
Finally… the Peugeot e-208
It is, without a doubt, a very interesting model, but — one could see that there was a but… — Peugeot asks for it 32 150 euros in the Active version.
As I've already written here, the Peugeot e-208 is equipped with a battery pack of 50 kWh capacity, which gives it a autonomy of up to 340 km , in accordance with the WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedures) approval protocol. In terms of power, the electric machine serves the front axle with 136 hp of power.
But this you already know, because you have already read our article. Now they want to know how he behaves on the road.
In dynamic terms it is a few holes below its combustion engine-equipped brothers. It's heavier and you can see that, without being dramatic. In other words, the Peugeot e-208 behaves well, but the other 208s behave even better.
In terms of comfort, what we lost by adopting a suspension with a slightly more rigid set-up, we gained in terms of acoustics.
Conclusion. Which Peugeot 208 should I buy?
Calm. I'm not going to say, "you know what." After you melted 20 minutes of life reading this article, you don't deserve a generic answer.
Seven years ago, when I bought my Peugeot 208 — it's not worth now explaining why I chose the 208 over other models — I chose the 1.2 PureTech 82hp version with the Allure equipment level.
If it were today, I would choose version 1.2 PureTech 100 hp, associated with the Active equipment level, which is available from 18 750 euros. In other words, I chose a more powerful engine, and a lower equipment level. Let's get to the reasons.
I do many kilometers on the highway. In town, the 75 hp engine does not fare badly, but on longer journeys it lacks a longer gear…. The gearbox has only five speeds and the engine feels limited.
In the 100 hp version, thanks to the addition of a turbo and the consequent increase in maximum torque (118 Nm against 205 Nm) we feel that we have a lot more engine at the service of the right foot. More than the additional 25 hp can be guessed at.
As for the equipment level, the Active version already offers everything that is essential — and even a little more. If you have financial slack you can aspire to the more equipped versions, but if you stick with the Active version you won't be underserved.
Now I want to know your opinion. And you, which one would you choose?
