Peugeot 208 hatchback review - CarBuyer

Small Peugeots have always been a hit with UK buyers - the 205, 206 and 207 sold in their hundreds of thousands. Now the Peugeot 208 is here and it's meant to rival the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo with a new blend of style and quality. While it certainly looks the part inside and it, with a much higher quality cabin, it just doesn't drive as well as its rivals, mainly because underneath that pretty body is an updated platform from the old 207. That said, you can choose from a wide range of new engines including some frugal diesels and a pair of three-cylinder petrols. In addition, the vast majority of models come with lots of equipment as standard.

[callumreid]

That's the car I have at the moment, and it's my first car, a 2016 208 Puretech. So far, runs like a Swiss watch, comfy to drive, love the small steering wheel and the cruise control and even with a mobility buggy in the back, can still get a passenger in the back.

[omghtt]

The smaller steering wheel in this car is actually a huge benefit and I give Peugeot a big thumbs up for that.
Also, unlike Matt said, comparing this car's interior with other rival superminis the 208 just blows away all the competition. I don't know if Matt had his eyes opened but it's made of really nice and not so cheap material.

[prisonervi]

Having just had a test drive, I have to say what a super car this is! I disagree with the reviewers opinion of the car! The dash makes perfect sense. You can easily get a comfy driving position and see the instruments clearly over the steering wheel!! Small steering wheel? Feels great and the car handles well-test driven in 60-70 mph gales on open roads, all times completely stable!!! And the 1 litre engine is smooth, quiet and remarkably willing, with little road noise inside. The seats are comfortable and very supportive-great if you have back problems! And don't forget the safety features-driver/passenger air bags, curtain air bags and EBD. Combine that with good looks and such a clean "green" car, so cheap to run and the 208 is an excellent choice for someone wanting style and economy in an affordable value for money package. Mine is 3 years old with 13000 miles-and absolutely immaculate. You can never please some people I know!! But speaking for myself, it's without doubt the best car I've ever driven!

[logiclight]

That French impression seriously made this the best car video I have ever seen (and i have been watching many, many lately). Great review by the way. Thanks.

[courtsfrancis]

Picked up my 208 yesterday! Absolutely love it ! So nice to drive

[thsantos]

Best car reviewer ever! I was cracking up with the french talk! Awesome!

[ReSpeCteR-]

I've got a 208 1.0vti access. I think its fantastic for a city car. I can't find any problem with the steering and dash config as its designed as an overhead dash not your typical through the steering wheel. its like some old fashioned car designs.Its very unique and gives a one of a kind feel. The 3 dr model is also a very sexy car.

[cmagennis]

I can see the speedo perfectly! I had the seat and steering set up to suit me, I am 194cm tall and had no problems at all..

[Pcontreras]

i hope one day to drive this as my first car

[ImportedfromUK]

I use one of these on my driving lessons and they are an excellent learner car - 8/8 m8

[PandaUzumaki]

A car that actually doesn't really haves bad point. If you like the design and trust Peugeot engines and of course have the money for it (being expensive on higher specs) this car might be perfect. Nice one PSA

[TheGolfdaily]

We have two 208 compay cars delivered couple of weeks ago to replace our ageing 207s. There are 16 of us at the office and they all had ago in it. So far, none of us had problem with seating positions or dial reading problems. In fact the 208 has become so popular, every body wants to take it home for the evening and weekends!

[ayushdawadi]

youtube algorithm brought me here in February 2021, but looking at Mat's OG hairstyle I don't regret being here. Thanks Youtube!

[AristotelisMitsiou]

Now this is the reason why I subscribed to Carbuyer, apart from the cars of course. Rebecca is beautiful and Matt is hilarious! I almost fell off my chair on 4:16!

[vizzbucks]

Another problem, if a headlight bulb blows, especially passenger side. You can't fit your hand in to change it, and have to remove the whole light fitting. But saying that, i've had one for the past 2 years, and it is a nice little car, never had a problem with it. Very comfortable to drive, and gives me everything i need in a car.

[Calciferic]

Thanks for the link!
It is always good to have more than one view on something.

[hyena-chase]

On bendy roads I still think the suzki swift is better than the fiesta, as I owned both

[goktugyaman]

Mat Watson and his French talk. Okayyyy, I'm dead :D

[Jondread]

Correct, the way this is designed is so that the steering wheel is positioned UNDER the speedo. It is a smaller steering wheel for that exact reason.

[HenryBrooke]

I'm thinking of getting one of these as my next car. It's the car I learnt to drive and passed my test in. The one I'm after is the 1.4 HDi Active.