Peugeot e-208 review: small car, big charm, and electric appeal
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Peugeot’s e-208 proves small electric cars don’t have to be dull, blending chic design, playful handling and everyday usability
This is Peugeot's new e-208. And, yes, it looks exactly like the Peugeot 208. And, yes, the "e" means it's electric.
Unlike some battery-electric cars that shout about their green credentials from the rooftops, this one just quietly tucks its propulsion gubbins away where there would once have been some fuel-powered bits and bobs, and they're replaced with batteries and a motor.
And that's a good thing, because the Peugeot 208 is an attractive little car, built around what we feared might have been a forgotten ethos of small, fun, and visually appealing little pugs.
Has the electric treatment spoiled it, though? Not really. It's made it a lot more expensive. While you can buy a base-model 208 for a shade over £20,000, the electric version starts at about £30,000.
That's largely because the EV version isn't available on the rather minimalist "Style" spec, but it still means you'll need to have to hunt around for an extra £5,000 if you want to go full EV, spec-for-spec.
There are two e-208 setups to choose from, effectively with a 136bhp motor, or a 156bhp motor, and range varies with spec, but the most you can expect is 248 miles WLTP. But it's light and efficient, so 4mpkWh is achievable, and it means topping 200 miles shouldn't be too difficult in the right conditions.
Thanks to that relative lightness, it still feels decent to drive, with plenty of electric shove, and a classic French chassis that feels playful and responsive. It's hardly reminiscent of a 205 GTi, but it's as near as we're likely to get in the modern world.
Because the e-208 is based on the mid-to-high trim levels, you get a decent amount of equipment, and that lifts the interior experience.
It's a nice place to sit, with plush materials, fine ergonomics, a smattering of physical buttons, and that trademark tiny steering wheel - which, incidentally, feels less out of place in this small car.
Space in the rear seats isn't as good, but the boot's not bad at 311 litres and there are some clever storage solutions in the cabin, too.
Overall, there's much to like about the e-208. The best bits of one of Peugeot's best cars are all there, but you now have the option of electric propulsion - if the price doesn't put you off.
As a fun, interesting, and endearing alternative to some of the more bland small EVs out there, it makes a surprisingly strong case for itself.
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