New Peugeot e-2008 and DS 3 Crossback E-Tense vs Kia e-Niro: verdict

Our verdict

The e-Niro may be the priciest car here, but that’s less of an issue if you’re a company car driver, and for private buyers it’s still the wisest investment. Think what you’re getting: that extra pace, more space, a much longer new car warranty, likely better reliability… we could go on. The point is, it ticks more boxes. And then there’s its superior range, which all but removes any fretting about travelling long distances and makes the e-Niro a no-brainer.

Except if you only do short journeys, in which case the e-2008’s range is likely to be just fine. And if you consider attributes like its posh interior, sensible practicality and lower price as well, there are reasons to recommend the Peugeot e-2008.

On the other hand, even if you’re taken by its quirky looks and the exclusivity of the DS brand, the only area in which the DS 3 E-Tense stands out is safety. Its range and performance deficits equal the e-2008’s, but it’s far less practical and costs nearly as much as the e-Niro. And it’s the least pleasurable car to drive.

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1st – Kia e-Niro

For Sparkling acceleration; longest range; most settled ride; best driving position; roomiest interior; really well equipped; longest new car warranty
Against Priciest cash buy and on PCP finance; most road noise
Recommended options None

What Car? rating 5 stars out of 5

Kia Niro EV review >>

2nd – Peugeot e-2008

For Quietest at high speeds; nicest interior; decent rear seat space and boot; cheapest to buy outright or on finance
Against So-so handling; average performance; driving position won’t suit everyone
Recommended options Metallic paint (£575)

What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5

Peugeot e-2008 review >>

3rd – DS 3 Crossback E-Tense

For Lots of safety kit and excellent NCAP scores; well equipped
Against Sloppy handling; poor visibility; cramped rear seats; smallest boot; laggy infotainment
Recommended options Metallic paint (£550), Premium Safety Pack (£550)

What Car? rating 3 stars out of 5

DS 3 E-Tense review >>

Specifications: Peugeot e-2008 GT Line

List price £35,915*
Target Price £35,212*
Engine Single electric motor
Peak power 134bhp
Peak torque 192Ib ft
Gearbox Single-speed automatic
0-60mph 9.0sec
30-70mph 8.7sec
Top speed 93mph
30-0mph 9.4m
70-0mph 56.2m
Noise at 30mph 59.2dB
Noise at 70mph 63.9dB
Turning circle 10.4m
Battery size 50kWh
Real-world range (est) 180 miles
Official range 200 miles
Efficiency (on test) 3.2 miles/kWh
CO2 emissions 0g/km
Cost of full charge £7**
Electricity cost per mile 4.3 pence**

Charging times

7kW home wallbox (0-100%) 7hr 15min
50kW rapid charger (10-80%) 50min
100kW rapid charger (10-80%) 27min

Specifications: DS 3 Crossback E-Tense Ultra Prestige

List price £38,990*
Target Price £38,225*
Engine Single electric motor
Peak power 201bhp
Peak torque 291Ib ft
Gearbox Single-speed automatic
0-60mph 8.8sec
30-70mph 8.5sec
Top speed 93mph
30-0mph 8.5m
70-0mph 52.0m
Noise at 30mph 58.9dB
Noise at 70mph 64.2dB
Turning circle 10.7m
Battery size 50kWh
Real-world range (est) 175 miles
Official range 197 miles
Efficiency (on test) 3.1 miles/kWh
CO2 emissions 0g/km
Cost of full charge £7**
Electricity cost per mile 4.5 pence**

Charging times

7kW home wallbox (0-100%) 7hr 15min
50kW rapid charger (10-80%) 50min
100kW rapid charger (10-80%) 27min

Specifications: Kia e-Niro 4+ Long Range

List price £39,145*
Target Price £39,145*
Engine Single electric motor
Peak power 134bhp
Peak torque 221Ib ft
Gearbox Single-speed automatic
0-60mph 6.5sec
30-70mph 5.6sec
Top speed 104mph
30-0mph 8.5m
70-0mph 46.4m
Noise at 30mph 60.4dB
Noise at 70mph 64.0dB
Turning circle 10.6m
Battery size 64kWh
Real Range 253 miles
Official range 282 miles
Efficiency (on test) 3.6 miles/kWh
CO2 emissions 0g/km
Cost of full charge £8.96**
Electricity cost per mile 3.8 pence**

Charging times

7kW home wallbox (0-100%) 10hr 30min
50kW rapid charger (10-80%) 63min
100kW rapid charger (10-80%) 44min

* Not including £3000 Government grant
** Based on official battery capacity and an electricity price of 14p/kWh

Cars pictured

DS 3 Crossback E-Tense Ultra Prestige with Artense Grey metallic paint (£550), black roof (£750) and City Park (£400)

Kia e-Niro 4+ Long Range with Silky Silver paint

Peugeot e-2008 GT Line with Vertigo Blue metallic paint (£575), keyless start/entry (£300), adaptive cruise control (£300) and active blindspot monitoring (£200)

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