The Peugeot 208 was crowned 2020 European Car of the Year and is one of the best-looking superminis on the market. Offered with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, there's also a 100% electric version (badged e-208) with a range of up to 222 miles.
Specification highlights
The e-208 in GT trim is near the top of the range and is loaded with goodies including LED headlights and distinctive "lion claw" daytime running lights, keyless start, lane keeping assist and autonomous emergency braking (AEB). There’s also cruise control, a speed limiter, blind spot monitoring, automatic headlights, 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels and automatic hazard light activation upon heavy brake application.
Comfort
The interior of the e-208 has a classy feel with plenty of soft-touch surfaces and a series of cool piano keys (or toggle switches) in the centre console which act as short-cuts to the infotainment screen above. If you're not familiar with Peugeots, the "i-Cockpit" layout of the front cabin might take some getting used to. There's a small, low-set steering wheel, while the dashboard is raised and set back. In other words, you view the instrument cluster by looking over, rather than through, the steering wheel. Both front seats are fully adjustable (including height). The leather steering wheel also adjusts for reach and rake. The leather effect/cloth seats are on the firm side but are comfortable and supportive all the same.
Visibility
Generally good. The rear screen is fairly slim, and as with most modern, safe, small cars, you'll have to adjust to the chunky pillars. Front and rear sensors, along with a clear, rear-view camera on the infotainment screen, help with manoeuvres.
Instrumentation
GT spec cars come with the larger 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system (a 7.0-inch is standard further down the range) in the centre console. The driver's digital instrument panel is clear and configurable. Needless to say, the best layout is the simplest one with a big speedo centre-stage. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring is available with the touchscreen and the piano keys below help with accessibility, though there is no substitute for separate climate controls.
Space
No problem up front, but like most superminis, it's cosy in the back for larger passengers. There are some useful storage spaces inside, such as the glovebox, door bins and a hidden compartment in the centre console, but you might struggle to stow away larger items inside the cabin. The batteries are located under the floor of the e-208, so boot space is the same as its petrol and diesel siblings - 311 litres or 1,106 litres with the rear seats folded.
On the road
The Peugeot e-208 is effortless to drive - much like a refined, conventional automatic. Simply select 'D' using the dinky gear shifter and you're away. Choose between Eco, Normal or Sport drive modes (Eco will do just fine) and enjoy the ride. For the record, its combined 50kWh lithium-ion battery pack and 100kW electric motor (under the bonnet) make it capable of sprinting from 0-62mph in just 8.1 seconds. Silent, except for a subtle EV whine, the ride is fairly firm (like most electric cars) and it handles well, while the steering is light and responsive. Arguably, it’s not quite as nimble on more challenging roads as its petrol equivalent, but more spirited drivers can still have some fun. You can disengage the electronic handbrake manually before pulling away, or it will release automatically. The brake pedal itself is very light.
Charging
If you have a 7kW home wallbox, the e-208 will fully charge in approximately 7.5 hours. Find a rapid 100kW chargepoint, and 80% of charge can be reached in as little as 30 minutes. Verdict
The Peugeot e-208 is a class act, combining comfort, practicality and style in a package that's a doddle to drive and kind to the planet.