What is it?

Small Peugeots have always been big sellers and the latest 208 is no exception. What’s more, even though the supermini class isn’t as popular as it once used to be, the French firm still believes there are new tricks in the old dog. As a result, it has given its supermini some subtle changes for 2024 to keep it in line with cars like the Renault Clio and Volkswagen Polo.

What’s new?

When subtle comes into the equation, we really mean subtle. If you take a closer look, you’ll see a new front end with a few more Peugeot signature lion claw LED daytime running lights and there is a new radiator grille. There is now a ‘208’ badge located at the top of the front bumper and the firm’s redesigned logo is now featured lower down in the grille itself.

What’s more noticeable is the choice of two new hybrid powertrains that offer a wider choice among buyers with both coming with electric motors and the option of two power outputs.

What’s under the bonnet?

You can choose the 208 with a range of petrol, hybrid and electric powertrains with all of them being efficient and cheap to run.

We’re driving the new hybrid version which comes with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine mated to an electric motor. It produces 134bhp and 230Nm of torque which takes the car from 0-60mph in 7.9 seconds and reaches out to a top speed of 127mph.

You can also get a lesser powered setup of this powertrain which produces around 100bhp, too. Meanwhile, there is a more conventional petrol engine that is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox which is also cheaper as well.

All hybrid and electric versions of the 208 come as standard with an automatic gearbox.

What’s it like to drive?

Around town, the Peugeot is easy to manoeuvre thanks to light steering, plus its small dimensions make it a lot easier to park than some larger cars. Out on the open road and it gets better. The steering, although vague in places, has a nice weight to it, especially if you put the car into sport mode, which makes for a rather entertaining drive out on a twisty road. However, by no means can it hold a candle to hot Peugeots from 25 years ago, but you can tell it does carry some sporting DNA in its driving characteristics.

Furthermore, thanks to the new hybrid powertrain, you will easily see 50mpg and over. Our test car comes fitted with larger alloy wheels which do impact the car’s refinement somewhat with tyre roar, however, wind and road noise are kept to a minimum.

The only issue with the 208 is the typically small Peugeot steering wheel, which can still obstruct your view of the dials, depending on your size and seating position.

How does it look?

In the last few years, Peugeots have had their own unique identity thanks to their lion claw headlight designs.

Underneath its skin, you’ll find the mechanicals and chassis of the Vauxhall Corsa. Thanks to our test car’s larger alloy wheels, the car looks lower and gives it a sportier stance than its Vauxhall-badged cousin

Down the side, the profile looks a lot more muscular and modern thanks to the large crevices and creases that run down the edges of the doors and at the back, you still get the famous lion claw rear brake lights and gloss black lower diffuser.

What’s it like inside?

Jump inside and you’ll know immediately that you’re sitting in a Peugeot. The way the door cards swoop into the dashboard design and there is a nice mixture of cabin materials with our test car getting carbon fibre trim and green stitching – which really works well with the dark cloth and leather upholstery.

The driving position is excellent as you sit fairly low down and the dashboard itself is angled towards the driver making for a much sportier feeling, too.

In terms of storage, forget about the pathetic glovebox, but there are large door bins and cupholders and a small cubby hole in the dash itself which is ideal for a mobile phone to be hidden out of sight, and our GT spec test car also uses that space for a wireless smartphone charger.

However, getting into the back is a bit of a chore as the doors themselves are rather small. The space for rear occupants is relatively cramped with it being best suited for smaller passengers and children with limited amounts of head and legroom. Open the boot and you’re greeted with 352 litres of room or 1,163 litres with the rear seats folded down, which is bigger than its French rival, the Renault Clio, and on par with the Volkswagen Polo.


What’s the spec like?

All 208s come reasonably well equipped and thankfully, Peugeot has kept choice to a minimum to prevent any confusion with Active, Allure and GT.

Entry-level Active cars are priced at £20,860 and include features such as LED headlights, climate control, automatic headlights and wipers.

We’re driving the top-of-the-line GT which comes in at £25,810 or just over £30,000 with a few options which makes this small French car rather expensive. But, equipment levels boast ambient lighting with up to eight different colours, a 3D instrument panel and a black roof.

Verdict

This updated 208 will certainly continue its popularity here in the UK and that’s because it’s cheap to run, looks good and there are plenty of different engine permutations for a variety of buyers.

Furthermore, the new hybrid powertrain really suits the car as it offers the perfect blend of performance and economy, which in a small hatchback is a great balance between driver engagement while maintaining affordable running costs.

The 208 may be let down by having cramped rear seats, and its higher price tag puts it in line with better hybrids such as the Toyota Yaris, but if you’re looking for a good looking and entertaining supermini, then this little Peugeot is still worth a look.