Used Peugeot 208 2019-present review

What's the used Peugeot 208 like?

While it may not be the last word in fashion, the original Peugeot 208 certainly brought some welcomed French flair and style to the small car segment. On the flipside, this wasn't exactly matched with class-leading substance.

This second-generation, 2019-onwards model is a big step up, however. It has much-improved road manners and a range of impressively economical engines, making it a superior buy both new and (more importantly here) used. Indeed, if you’re not fussy about a premium badge, the high-spec 208s even hold up well against such plush rivals as the Audi A1 and Mini Hatch.

Overview

The Peugeot 208 is stylish and comfortable with a big car feel. It's a great option if you want a small car with a smart interior, but be sure to check the i-Cockpit driving position doesn't block your view of the dials.

Pros

• Upmarket interior
• Comfortable ride
• Stylish looks

Cons

• Peugeot's reliability record can be mixed
• Distracting infotainment system
• Rear space a little tight

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Engines: Under its pert bonnet, the 1.2-litre petrol engines start with the 74bhp Puretech 75 and work their way up to the 99bhp Puretech 100 and the 127bhp Puretech 130. The 99bhp 1.5-litre BlueHDi 100 diesel could be a better pick for improved fuel economy if you cover a lot of miles. There’s also the e-208, a fully electric car with a 134bhp electric motor, which you can read about in our separate review here.

Later in the 208's life, two mild hybrid versions of the 1.2-litre petrol engine were added to the range. This includes the 98bhp Hybrid 100 and 134bhp Hybrid 136 engines, which allow you to drive on electricity alone for very short distances. They're both quite punchy with plenty of power to get you up to motorway speeds.

Trims and equipment: Trims on offer include Active, Allure, GT Line and GT (which is only available in the e-208). Even entry-level Active comes with 16in alloy wheels, a 7.0in touchscreen and rear parking sensors. Allure trim adds 17in wheels and a wireless phone charging pad. GT Line has front parking sensors and a rear-view camera. From Allure trim up, the 7.0in touchscreen could be upgraded from new to a 10.0in touchscreen, which comes as standard on the GT spec for the e-208. It’s worth looking out for any 208s with this larger display.

Ride and handling: On the road, the Puretech 75 is a little weedy, whereas the Puretech 100 is probably all you'll need. It’s lively and gutsy when you work it, and it's absolutely ideal for propelling you along on A-roads and motorways without any fuss. The Puretech 130 is available only with an automatic gearbox and packs more punch than the Puretech 100 but does come at a higher price, even used. The 1.5 BlueHDi 100 has even more low-rev punch than the Puretech 100 petrol for more effortless performance.

The e-208 has a 45kWh battery that powers a 134bhp electric motor – enough to propel the car, in our tests, from 0-60mph in a spritely 7.5sec. That means it’s comfortably quicker than a Renault Zoe, although not quite as nippy as a Kia e-Niro or Mini Electric. The facelift introduced a 51kWh battery and a 154bhp electric motor, but performance remained largely the same as before.

When it comes to the twisties, the 208 isn't quite as sporty as the tiny, kart-like steering wheel would suggest and the steering doesn’t give you a great sense of connection to the road. It’s not as much fun to drive as the Ford Fiesta, for example.

The 208 has softer suspension than close rivals such as the Renault Clio, allowing it to glide along the motorway, feeling like a much bigger car than it is. However, it can be a little bouncy at times, although it deals with potholes well enough.

There's some wind noise at higher speeds, but road noise is generally minimal. The 208’s tapering roof and thick pillars reduce visibility over the shoulder, but the rear parking sensors help compensate for the limited view out the back when reversing.

Interior and practicality: The display with the speedometer and rev counter has been designed to be seen from over the steering wheel, rather than through it. This won’t be a problem if you sit a bit higher in the seat or close to the steering wheel, but for many, it’ll block your view of the dials. If you can’t quite see it then you might have to move the steering wheel to an awkward position to keep an eye on how fast you’re going. We strongly recommend test-driving the 208 before committing to a driving position that might not suit you.

Inside, there’s plenty of room in the front. Alas, rear room is a little tighter than in the 208’s main rivals. The materials used make the interior feel upmarket and put it up there with premium small cars such as the Audi A1. The absence of physical buttons for most of the secondary controls means you have to go through the infotainment screen just to adjust things like the air-con temperature, though, and this can be distracting.

The boot isn't as big as those of the Seat Ibiza and Volkswagen Polo, but it can still hold five carry-on suitcases.

Facelift: The 208 was the recipient of a light update in 2023, with the main changes including enhanced exterior styling (with the new Peugeot badge) and updated technology. Two new mild-hybrid petrol engines were also introduced, alongside an upgraded e-208 electric car with increased range.

If you're interested in finding a used Peugeot 208, or any of the other small cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

Ownership cost

What used Peugeot 208 will I get for my budget?

For a 1.2-litre petrol model with the entry-level Active trim, prices start at around £8000. If you opt for Allure or GT trim, that will set you back £9000. There’s a greater selection of Allure and GT-spec 208s on the market, so we suggest stretching your budget a little to give yourself more choice. Low mileage cars from 2021, 2022 and 2023 will cost between £10,000 to £14,000. You'll need between £14,000 and £16,000 for a 2024 car, and upwards of £16,000 for a 2025 car.

Check the value of a used Peugeot 208 with What Car? Valuations.

Our recommendations

Which used Peugeot 208 should I buy?

Engine

The 1.2-litre Puretech 100 is gutsy at low speeds and has plenty of power for A-roads and motorway driving. Good fuel economy is another plus for the Puretech 100, which performed well in our real-life mpg test. The more economical diesel might make more sense if you cover a lot of miles, but for everyday driving, the Puretech 100 is the engine we recommend.

Specification

Active trim is a great option with its 16in wheels and heated door mirrors. However, we recommend stretching your budget to go for the Allure trim, with its 17in wheels, dual-zone climate control and electric rear windows. GT Line adds more gadgets such as an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, but at an unnecessary expense.

Our favourite Peugeot 208: 1.2 Puretech 100 Allure

Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Peugeot 208?

For a fun driving experience, opt for the Ford Fiesta. It has great handling and comes in significantly cheaper than the 208, but that does mean a compromise on interior quality.

If you’re looking for a more spacious and practical small car, the Volkswagen Polo delivers in that department and has an upmarket feel.

For a mixture of fun driving dynamics and good practicality, take a look at the Renault Clio. Interior quality is decent for the money, too.

Other small cars to look out for are the Hyundai i20 and Kia Rio; both have much longer warranties and are around the same price as the Fiesta.

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If you're interested in finding a used 208, or any of the other small cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.