Peugeot 208 variants
Total price
Monthly payment

Finance representative example (PCP)

Total cash price £14,799. Borrowing £13,319 with a £1,480 deposit at a representative APR of 10.9%.

48 monthly payments
£225.62
Fixed interest rate
10.9%
Total amount payable
£19,158.82
Cost of credit
£4,359.82
Optional final payment
£6,849.00
Purchase fee
£10.00
Annual mileage limit
6000 miles

Used Peugeot 208 buying guide

Under the 208’s bonnet you’ll find a selection of frugal petrol engines or, if you really want to cut your monthly costs, there’s a pure-electric e-208 that can manage more than 200 miles on a full charge. Keep reading our guide to understand the used 208 lineup and work out which is the version for you.

What used Peugeot 208 trim levels are there?

Entry-level used 208s come in Active trim, but these aren’t as popular as higher-spec trims, so you won’t find many examples. This trim gets a basic seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with DAB radio, air conditioning and cruise control.

Much more common is Active Premium trim. This adds Peugeot’s Connected 3D navigation system to the touchscreen, which brings real-time traffic updates.

Allure trim is a nice mid-point in the 208 range. This includes everything on Active trim along with rear parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, and larger alloy wheels.

Allure Premium mainly adds the 3D Connected navigation system to the Allure’s infotainment system. It also boosts the size of the infotainment screen from seven inches to 10.

GT Line is the sporty trim level offered for the Peugeot 208, similar in spirit to Audi’s S line or BMW’s M Sport. Like those cars, GT Line 208s receive larger alloy wheels, blacked out styling details and a meaner-looking body kit to set it apart from regular models. You also get eye-catching LED headlights and sportier front seats.

GT is similar to GT Line models, but is exclusively available with the e-208 electric car. Extras added here include more advanced driver assistance features including lane-keep assist and autonomous emergency braking, along with heated seats with unique green and blue stitching to mark out the electric version.

Peugeot 208 interior and technology

Step inside a 208 and you’ll be struck by what Peugeot calls its i-Cockpit concept. You’ll immediately notice the smaller-than-usual steering wheel, which the brand says makes tricky manoeuvres easier because you won’t have to twirl your hands as much. The smaller wheel means the speed and rev dials are mounted higher than usual, so you look at them over the wheel, rather than through it.

Peugeot has continually improved its touchscreen infotainment system, although it’s still not quite as easy to use as equivalent versions from Ford or Mini, for example. Nevertheless, it still handles all the functions you’d expect it to and all models come with smartphone mirroring via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

As a Fiesta-sized hatchback, the 208 will suit individual buyers who only occasionally need the back seats. Four adults can fit in the cabin but squeezing five in will quickly lead to complaints on anything other than short journeys. Boot space is average for the segment, with enough space for about one large suitcase, or a little more if you’re creative with your packing.

Peugeot 208 engine range explained

Peugeot 208 1.2 PureTech

All petrol-powered 208s use the same 1.2-litre engine. This version – without a number after its name – is the entry-level engine for 2020 and newer 208s. Its 75hp output is plenty for nipping around town, but might start to feel a little strained if you regularly sit in lane three on the motorway.

Peugeot 208 1.2 PureTech 82

PureTech 82 engines are only offered on pre-2020 208s. As the name suggests, this engine makes 82hp, giving acceptable around-town performance.

Peugeot 208 1.2 PureTech 100

PureTech 100 engines are offered on 2020 and newer 208s. This version is turbocharged for better performance with a minimal fuel economy penalty. The 0-62mph time falls below 10 seconds, helping this version feel more comfortable at higher speeds.

Peugeot 208 1.2 PureTech 110

This version of the PureTech petrol engine is only offered on pre-2020 208s. Again, a turbocharger is employed to enhance performance without hurting fuel economy.

Peugeot 208 1.2 PureTech 130

The hottest petrol engine available for 2020 and newer 208s is the 1.2 PureTech 130. As the name suggests, this version steps up with 130hp giving stronger acceleration and better performance at motorway speeds. You can also specify this unit with the efficient EAT8 automatic gearbox.

Peugeot e-208 50kWh

If your budget can accommodate the higher purchase price, you might want to consider the battery-electric e-208. This model uses a 100kW (134hp) electric motor with instant torque, giving excellent around-town acceleration. Under the floor sits a 50kWh battery pack, which is enough for a 217-mile range on a full charge.

Your Peugeot 208 questions answered

All Peugeot 208s are sold as five-door hatchbacks – a format that’ll be familiar to anyone that’s owned a 208 or its predecessors the 207 and 206. If you’re looking at nearly new models, you’ll encounter two versions – previous-generation models built before 2020, and current-generation versions built from 2020 onwards. You can tell the newer model apart by its sharp, vertical LED running light running below the headlight cluster, along with the light bar that connects the two brake lights together.

The 208 is a city-friendly hatchback with compact external dimensions. Pre-2020 models are a hair under four metres long, while 2020 and newer versions are just a spot longer than four metres. That puts the 208 almost exactly in line with the Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio. Four adults should be able to sit inside in relative comfort but squeezing three across the back row will see knees and elbows knocking together. Boot space is enough for a weekly food shop or a weekend’s luggage, but will struggle with flatpack furniture or more than one large suitcase.

All engine-powered 208s use the company’s smooth petrol engines. These units probably won’t be winning any races but all return strong mpg figures. Buyers looking to drop their monthly fuel bills might want to take a look at the e-208 electric car, which can cover more than 200 miles on a full charge.

The older 208 didn’t have the best reputation for reliability, but the signs are that the new-shape 208 should be pretty dependable. Its engines and parts are shared with numerous Peugeots, Citroens and Vauxhalls, and we haven’t heard of any major failures. A small minority of cars may develop infotainment glitches, but these can often be fixed by software updates.

The Peugeot 208 is one of the most economical petrol and diesel cars on sale right now. Its petrol engines can achieve up to 55mpg, which used to be impressive for a diesel engine. Speaking of diesel, the 208’s 1.5-litre BlueHDi engine returns up to 73mpg, which’ll mean even long-distance drivers don’t have to fill up very often. The electric e-208 promises to be similarly economical – it offers a 225-mile range and 4.5 miles/kWh efficiency.

It’s a little more expensive to buy and insure than some of its rivals but, if you don’t mind that, the Peugeot 208 is a pretty good first car. Peugeot’s smallest new model is economical, stylish, high-tech and perfectly practical to boot.

Yes, the Peugeot 208 has lots of qualities. It’s easy to recommend if you’re also looking at cars like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo.