Peugeot 208: short compact car with big problems

The Peugeot 208 should do a lot better than its predecessor. This also included the claim to achieve better results at TÜV. Wish or reality?

When the Peugeot 208 came onto the market in 2012, it wanted to do a lot better than its predecessor 207. In addition to its tight exterior dimensions, it also brought some ideas with it, such as the small steering wheel. The question remains whether the first generation of the French Small car (until 2019) also gives a better performance at TÜV than the 207. 

Body and interior

Shorter and lighter than its predecessor: not many vehicle models manage that. The 208 is 7 centimeters shorter and each one centimeter narrower and flatter than the 207 and also weighs 110 kilograms less on average. Unlike before, the small car is only available as a three- or five-door model. The versions convertible and station wagon were retired with the 207 final. 

Short compact car with big problems
As a special feature, the little Frenchman has a very small steering wheel that is also deeply mounted

With its length of 3,96 meters, the 208 offers comparatively good space. It's also quite airy in the back. The trunk volume varies between 285 and 1.076 liters depending on the seat configuration, but this is not exactly generous for the class. As a special feature, the little Frenchman has a very small steering wheel that is also deeply mounted. As a result, the speedometer and tachometer are above the steering wheel rim, not, as usual, inside the round. As a result, the driver should be less distracted from the traffic when looking at the instruments. 

Three years after the market launch, the 208 received a facelift. There were the usual measures like a modified grille, which is now bordered with chrome. The lights have also been revised. 

Motors and drive

The engine range includes petrol and diesel; there is a choice of three or four-cylinder petrol engines. Until 2016, the basic engine is a one-liter three-cylinder with 50 kW / 68 PS that does not require turbo support. Its replacement is a 68 hp three-cylinder vacuum cleaner, which now has a displacement of 1,2 liters. Both engines are suitable for patient drivers. The 60 kW / 82 PS 1.2 series promises a little more liveliness. It reaches a top speed of 175 km / h and completes the standard sprint in 12,2 seconds.

The 1,2-liter turbo 81 kW / 110 PS available since the facelift provides more driving pleasure. The turbo mobilizes 205 Nm, creates a top speed of 190 km / h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 9,6 seconds. Its average consumption of 4,5 liters is on par with the basic engine. If you want a little more power: Peugeot still had the 1,6-liter four-cylinder with 88 kW / 120 PS and in the expansion stage with 115 kW / 156 PS on offer. As a GTi, the 1.6 engine initially developed 147 kW / 200 PS, and since 2014 154 kW / 208 PS, surpassing the performance of the VW Polo GTI. 

The preference of the French for the combination of diesel and small cars was also noticeable in the 208. In addition to the 1,4-liter basic unit with 68 PS, first-time buyers were able to buy a 1,6-liter with 68 kW / 92 PS (from 2015: 73 kW / 99 PS) and 84 kW / 114 PS (from 2015: 88 kW / 120 PS). A 1,5-liter diesel engine with 75 kW / 102 PS, which was only offered in 2018, made a brief guest appearance. The consumption values ​​of the compression ignition are between 3 and 3,8 liters. At the end of 2018, Peugeot took the diesel out of the 208 range. 

Short compact car with big problems Peugeot 208
The Peugeot 208 is only available as a three- or five-door model

As a rule, the 208 is switched by hand, individual motors are also available with automatic. Peugeot offers an automated five-speed transmission that takes getting used to, which annoys many drivers with its noticeable interruption in tractive power when changing gears. For the gasoline engine with 81 kW / 110 PS there is also a conventional six-speed automatic transmission with a high level of comfort.

Equipment and safety

If you are looking for a little comfort, you should avoid the basic "Access" model. As is typical of the class, it is poorly equipped, the equipment is acceptable from the next higher level "Active", which offers radio and air conditioning, among other things. As an “Allure” model, the small car also looks chic thanks to numerous decorative elements inside and out. Light-alloy wheels and a two-zone air conditioning system also come as standard. The GTi models come with a few extras such as sports seats or a rear spoiler. First-time buyers could also check options such as leather seats, up to 18-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic glass roof. In the 2012 crash test, the 208 achieved a five-star rating. Since the facelift, it could be ordered with an emergency brake assistant at an additional cost. A reversing camera has also been available since then. 

Quality

Buyers interested in used cars should not blindly buy the 208. Its average of defects is significantly higher than that of all vehicles tested. In the TÜV main inspections, the little one does not necessarily cover himself with fame, but rather his oil spills are unpleasant. Oil loss is a big issue, except for the 2 to 3 year old specimens. The Frenchman can't score well when it comes to lighting either. Here, the taillights, turn signals and dipped headlights in particular cause the inspectors to frown. When examining the brake system, the brake discs often give cause for criticism. The 208 models, on the other hand, usually master the chassis check without any problems. 

Conclusion on the Peugeot 208

The Peugeot 208 is a handy small car that, depending on the equipment, offers a lot of comfort and also scores with a large range of engines. Interested parties should not buy it unseen and checked, because it makes too many mistakes at the TÜV. The prices start from around 3.500 euros.

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