Juliet drives the Peugeot 208

The Peugeot 208 is a fantastic alternative to the benchmark of the segment that is the Volkswagen Polo. If you want something that will stand out more, then this 208 is your best bet. I can't say that it is better than the Polo, or even matches it, but that is because the Polo is pretty much faultless. There is a reason it sells so well. Even though many consider it too expensive. The Peugeot is competitively priced, but like I say, you're getting something a little different.

[copperfeesh]

Having driven a 208 GT for 6 months now, I couldn't be happier.

[colmcolm]

This review was more about the presenters preferences and her favourite Polo than it was about this excellent car

[lancefron]

I bought a used 307CC. Not the manliest car, but was super fast, fit 4 people, massive boot, and drove planted to the road (heavy AF). Also, unlike German cars, French cars can handle speed bumps and other road imperfections easy.

[djpentz]

As one of those people who has emailed you, and has bought the 2008 GT Line, I completely concur with all your opinions. I love the drive, love the small steering wheel (feels like a racing car wheel actually), and love the peppiness of the 1.2T. The lane assist took me by surprise - it doesn't beep to warn you, it actually gently corrects the steering for you! The traffic sign recognition is pretty cool - even has a camera alert!

Alas I also wish the aircon didn't require the touchscreen. That's often annoying. That max aircon piano key does unleash the jet engines, wow. I also wish they'd work the cruise controls into the steering rather than the little stick hidden behind the steering that you can't see. That said it's not actually a feature one needs a lot aside from maybe long drives so no biggy. One of my biggest pet peaves? That the GT Line doesn't have electronically adjustable seats. I expect that of the top of the range. They do in the 3008. I have short legs and my wife has long legs, so electronic plus memory positions would tick all the boxes. If my 2005 Pathfinder had that, why not a 2022 GT Line 2008. Anyway, just my pet peeve.

The interior is top notch though, the materials feel luxurious, and yes, peculiar enjoyment in that it's refreshing to drive a car that isn't every other car on the road. My wife's favourite feature: the ability to adjust the colour of the ambient lighting inside. :-) No regrets from us so far whatsoever so hopefully the after sales service won't disappoint per their old reputation - time will tell.

[martinstabrey]

I suppose I understand why our market generally resist Peugeots and Citroens given their after sales history. That said, I've previously owned two Peugeot's, a 307 and 407 and never had an issue with either, or the after sales service. Oh, did I mention they were both superb cars, especially the 407 - loved that car. Rant: I get a bit irritated by SA motoring journalist's constant comparisons to either a VW or Toyota. Sure they both sell loads, and for good reason. But for me, in this segment, no matter how "good" the Polo might be (I've never driven one), there's always one thing the overrides everything - it's just so damned boring! And who wants to drive a boring car? A lot of people. 🙂
Peugeot's are such great cars. My present car is due for replacement in a short while, and the 2008 GT-Line is the likely replacement.

[Sindisile]

This is actually a good car, I would buy this instead of that Polo

[Nanzyen]

I've driven the allure 1.2 Turbo auto. I believe it puts out 96kw of power. Let me just say, power, power, power!! 😁 Who doesn't like power??!

Its a great car overall. I just don't like that the steering blocks the Instrument cluster, and the aircon controls on the touch screen.

[zukiswamnwana]

Love you Juliet, I will be in Cape town this long weekend. V&A waterfront so wish to see you and Ciro.

[seanfenwick]

I have a Peugeot Partner panel van at work and it is the best ride over crappy potholed roads..

[mfundontlombe]

If sexy was a car - it's a Peugeot. It makes the Polo look bland and conservative and boring, if not overpriced. I drive the 2018 Peugeot 208 and that steering wheel is a lovely quirk and fits in with the styling

[sizwenzama]

polo, polo, polo is all i hear even if the polo is the best but Peugeot, Peugeot would be more like it

[dancooper]

I've got the auto 130, great car. I've driven the polo and while it's decent the Peugeot competes with it. Can't speak for manual but I do know that Peugeot are terrible with manuals usually (high bite, notchy gearbox)

[Trekkies]

Juliet maybe also compare standard service plans and warrantees. I wonder in this comparison how they compare. Otherwise cool review as always.

[mymiphone]

So annoying that you Always have to mention the polo in all your videos. The polo has noting extra and they are so boring. You need to stop mentionning them in all your videos. Doen't make any sens to me. Each car should be appreciated for it one value.

[eattherich]

The back window looks small and is the reason why I am rejected a number of contenders for my next small hatch.

[xiropigado]

Why did she bother reviewing this car when she just wants to talk about the polo.

[RockawayCCW]

@ 0:35 You can't be Frank, you're Juliet.

[InfoHubZA]

When is Peugeot applying its new badge on it's new cars? I haven't seen any of the news cars with the new badge.

[deanstyles]

Are manual transmissions still big sellers in South Africa? At least here in Aus brands are dropping manual transmissions because well over 90% of buyers select the automatic option anyway.

I used to own a 306, I wonder if the 208 is anything like as nice to drive as it was.

[charlesmdluli]

The success of both the Polo and Yaris are haunting them back . The great drive from the German-Polo and the reliability of the Japanese-Yaris makes them the best choice in this segment, and yes this is the segment the majority affords.

Although it's true that all cars are stolen and hijacked in SA, but hey those two takes the crown. That being said the "cons " of owning a French car are also the "pros" when it comes to safety .

Above all I'd still take the Peugeot even if those bestsellers weren't crime associated because of the exclusivity. I guess this why the rich buys porsches and Maseratis because you'll probably won't see them often, and yes even cheaper this time with the French machine.