Peugeot’s 208 supermini struck all of the right chords when it was launched in 2019, packing unmistakably French, futuristic styling with just enough nods to the past to ensure it resonated with fans of the original 205 and other classic hatchbacks from the French marque. What’s more, it arrived as the E-208, the all-electric offering, with two battery options. There is a 50kWh battery (with around 46kWh usable) that delivers up to 226 miles of WLTP range and 136hp, or a larger 51kWh battery (with around 48kWh usable) that increases output to 156hp and extends the WLTP range to a maximum of 268 miles.
The Peugeot E-208 impresses with its thoughtful and stylish interior. It also possesses some of the charm of the original 205. Being a supermini, it is relatively cramped in the rear and boot space is limited, but there’s always the option to fold the rear seats if you need to. But strong competition means, it isn’t the outright class leader.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioPrices start at £30,150 on the road for the 50kWh version and rise by around £800 for the larger battery pack with the longer electric range. Considering the increase in power and the additional mileage per full charge, the extra outlay makes sense for many buyers.
The EV is not available in the entry-level Style trim, with Allure, GT and GT Premium making up the electric line-up. Even in the most lavish trim, prices top out at around £34,900.
While this is not bonafide bargain territory, it remains broadly competitive within the electric supermini segment.
Despite the presence of two different battery options and a modest power increase with the larger 51kWh pack, there is very little difference in real-world performance across the range. The 136hp version manages 0-62mph in around 8.1 seconds, while the more powerful 156hp variant trims that slightly, depending on specification.
Top speed is limited to 93mph across the board and all versions drive the front wheels. It’s perfectly adequate for everyday use, but there are more overtly performance-focused electric hatchbacks available if outright pace is your priority.
A fully fledged 280hp GTi version of the E-208 has been announced and is expected to arrive in 2026, bringing significantly more performance to the range.
The E-208 evokes some of the lively handling and entertaining character of the old 205 in that you don’t need masses of power to have fun.
It is fast off the line and power is delivered in a linear and predictable manner. There’s little in the way of torque steer, even when accelerating hard, just strong acceleration until you hit motorway speeds.
It’s not a full-blown hot hatch, but the small steering wheel and light steering action make it enjoyable to thread through country lanes and along faster A-roads. It’s also well behaved at motorway speeds, with good acoustic insulation from wind and road noise.
Peugeot makes it easy to adjust the character of the E-208 with a selection of driving modes, with Eco and Normal moderating power delivery in order to conserve battery levels. Two levels of regenerative braking also help feed energy back into the battery and reduce reliance on the brakes in urban driving.
The E-208’s ride quality varies by trim level, as Allure models come with smaller 16-inch wheels that provide more tyre sidewall to absorb imperfections. In GT and GT Premium trims, wheel sizes increase to 17 inches and suspension tuning is slightly firmer.
This helps reduce body roll and sharpen responses, but it can feel a little firm over broken or potholed road surfaces. Acoustic insulation is impressive for a supermini, though, making it perfectly usable for longer motorway journeys.
As mentioned, it has character and delivers a dose of hatchback nostalgia that some rivals struggle to replicate.
Considering the size and price of the E-208, the interior design is among the best in this budget bracket. The mid-life facelift introduced an updated infotainment system and a striking 3D digital driver display in higher trims, delivering a strong technological presence.
Rather than overwhelming the cabin, the technology is complemented by tactile elements, such as contrast stitching on the seats, textured dashboard surfaces and ambient lighting that elevate the overall ambience.
Allure trim is well specified, with a leather steering wheel and a 10-inch HD colour touchscreen, while GT and GT Premium add features such as ambient lighting and Alcantara upholstery in the highest specification.
Sleek exterior lines mean there is some compromise on rear space, with access slightly tight for taller passengers. Legroom in the back is adequate rather than generous, as is typical of the supermini class.
Things are much better up front, where two comfortable seats and a well laid-out dashboard make it an easy car to live with. There are plenty of cup holders, storage spots and USB-C charging points for keeping devices topped up.
Boot space stands at 309 litres, which is competitive for the segment. The rear seats fold down to free up additional capacity when required.
Peugeot updated the infotainment offering during the 2023 refresh. Cars now come with the brand’s i-Connect Advanced system, centred around a 10-inch touchscreen angled towards the driver.
It also introduced an updated voice assistant capable of adjusting vehicle settings and answering broader queries. A configurable digital driver display comes in 2D form in Allure trim and expands to a 3D version in higher specifications.
Overall, it’s a technologically accomplished cabin for a supermini, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Expect parking sensors, a reversing camera and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems depending on trim level.
The electric version of Peugeot’s 208 is available in three trim levels: Allure, GT and GT Premium. As previously mentioned, it cannot be specified in the entry-level Style trim.
There are multiple exterior paint options available, along with 16-inch alloy wheels on Allure models and larger wheels on GT variants. Standard specification includes keyless start, electric and heated door mirrors and tyre pressure monitoring.
Higher trims add features such as a reversing camera, larger alloy wheels, a 360-degree camera system and upgraded interior materials.
Euro NCAP tested the Peugeot 208 when it launched in 2019, awarding it a four-star rating. It lost points primarily for vulnerable road user protection and the effectiveness of some driver assistance systems at the time.
The model tested was the petrol version, although the electric model shares much of its structure. Since then, additional driver assistance systems have been introduced, improving overall safety provision.
The adult occupant rating was 91%, while child occupant protection scored 86%, both respectable results.
Peugeot has worked to improve its reliability reputation in recent years, although the 208 range as a whole tends to sit around the middle of the pack in owner satisfaction surveys. The electric version benefits from fewer moving parts than combustion models, which should help reduce long-term mechanical concerns.
As with any electric vehicle, there are no tailpipe emissions from the Peugeot E-208. This means the first year of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) is £10 if registered after April 2025, followed by a standard rate of £195.
When it comes to range, the Peugeot E-208 is competitive within its class but not a segment leader. Official WLTP figures range between 226 and 268 miles depending on battery pack. As with all EVs, real-world range will vary depending on temperature, driving style and journey type.
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