You can always count on a French car maker to design a stylish small car, and the current Peugeot 208 is one of the successful ones.

This second-generation 208 is a significant step up from its predecessor, which struggled to compete with rivals like the Seat Ibiza and VW Polo. The original model wasn't particularly strong, but the new 208 is a much more serious contender.

What’s even better is that the 208 doesn’t just hold its own against mainstream competitors—it also presents a genuine challenge to premium models like the Audi A1, with its impressive interior and comfortable ride, particularly in the higher trims.

Equipment, options, and extras

Even the entry-level Active trim of the Peugeot 208 comes well-equipped, with highlights such as 16-inch alloy wheels, heated door mirrors, automatic lights, air conditioning, and a leather steering wheel.

Our recommended trim is the Allure, which adds dual-zone climate control, privacy glass, automatic wipers, power-folding door mirrors, a 3D-style driver display, and additional parking aids for a more premium feel.

For those after the top-spec features, the GT trim includes 17-inch wheels, wireless phone charging, keyless entry and start, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, providing a more luxurious driving experience.

Costs, insurance groups, mpg and CO2

The Peugeot 208 is an appealing option for a cash buy, with a starting price lower than the Audi A1 and VW Polo, and only slightly more expensive than the Skoda Fabia. It’s expected to depreciate at a similar rate to the Fabia, so PCP finance deals should remain competitive—check out offers on our new Peugeot deals page for more details.

When it comes to running costs, the 208 performs well. In real-world tests, the 1.2 PureTech 100 petrol engine returned 47.9mpg, outperforming similarly powered engines in rivals like the Renault Clio and VW Polo. While the hybrid versions should offer better efficiency, the difference isn’t dramatic. The 1.2 PureTech 100 is officially rated at 58.2mpg, while the Hybrid 100 achieves 65.9mpg.

Safety and security

The Peugeot 208 earned four out of five stars in its 2019 Euro NCAP safety test, while the Renault Clio received the full five stars. The 208 performed nearly as well in most categories, such as chest protection and whiplash protection for rear passengers, but fell short in terms of protecting pedestrians and other road users.

All versions come equipped with basic automatic emergency braking (AEB) as standard, though the more advanced AEB system, which works at night and can detect cyclists in addition to pedestrians, is available only on the GT trim.

Traffic-sign recognition, a driver attention alert system, and lane-keeping assistance are standard on all models, while blind-spot monitoring is offered as part of the optional parking pack on the top two trims.

Reliability

Every Peugeot 208 comes with a three-year warranty, which includes two years of unlimited-mileage cover from the manufacturer and an additional year through Peugeot's UK dealer network. While this is competitive, brands like Kia and Hyundai offer longer standard warranties, and Toyota stands out with its 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, a benchmark matched only by Lexus.

The Car Planet verdict

The Peugeot 208 is one of the top small cars in the UK, offering excellent ride comfort, high interior quality, and a quiet cruising experience. However, it isn't quite as fun to drive as the Renault Clio. We recommend the mid-spec Allure trim paired with the efficient 1.2 PureTech 100 engine, though there are also two regular hybrid options available for those seeking even better fuel economy.

Car Planet are experts in used cars in Watford and Hertfordshire. Our virtual viewings mean you can check out a car from the comfort of your own home, or you can come in and view our cars in person. Every car goes through a thorough 150-point check to ensure it’s totally roadworthy. We’re transparent, too: we always display the details of a car’s imperfections. We care about sustainability, which is why we plant a tree for every car we sell, and we provide a 7-day money-back guarantee to any customer who isn’t absolutely satisfied with our service. With our competitive finance deals and part exchanges, you’re sure to find what you need, so check out our selection of secondhand 208s today and let’s get the ball rolling!