Buyer’s guide to the 2023 Peugeot 208

Buyer’s guide to the 2023 Peugeot 208

Peugeot’s 208 is one of the best superminis on the market

The latest Peugeot 208 has been a huge hit for this French firm, and in fact, it was the most popular new car across Europe in 2022. 

Offering plenty in the way of style, the 208 also has a high-quality interior that has a very premium finish for such a small car. With a wide range of engine options available, it’s easy to see the appeal. 

Let’s take a look at what the 2023 Peugeot 208 has to offer. 

What engines are available?

Peugeot is particularly keen on giving customers choice with the 208, and that’s why you can have it powered by petrol, diesel or electric.

Let’s start with the petrol versions first, with all using a three-cylinder 1.2-litre unit. A naturally-aspirated 74bhp model kicks things off, though its 14.7-second 0-60mph time makes it quite lethargic. We’d recommend one of the turbocharged versions instead. 

There’s the popular 99bhp model, which can be specified with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic, with this reducing the 0-60mph time to under 10 seconds. If you want a touch more performance, a 128bhp version is also available, exclusively paired to an eight-speed automatic, and is able to hit 60mph in 8.5 seconds.

Peugeot is one of the few firms to still to offer a diesel supermini, with the 208 available with a 99bhp 1.5-litre diesel for those doing high mileage. Only available with a six-speed manual, it can take the 208 to 60mph in 10 seconds. Peugeot claims up to 70mpg, too, making it a very efficient choice. 

We also can’t forget about the electric e-208. This uses a 134bhp electric motor and 50kWh battery. Taking just 7.9 seconds to accelerate to 60mph, it’s the quickest version in the range, while Peugeot claims a range of up to 224 miles. The ability to charge at up to 100kW also means just 30 minutes is needed to top the battery to 80 per cent. Later in 2023, there will be a revised powertrain for the e-208, bringing more power and range, though full details are yet to be announced. 

What trim levels are offered?

Peugeot offers three grades on the e-208, with equipment highlights and pricing as follows. 

Active Premium+ – from £20,360

All 208s come with a decent level of equipment, including a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels and automatic air conditioning. You also get rear parking sensors, LED headlights and automatic wipers. 

Allure Premium+ – from £22,760

This grade is the pick of the range and brings a 3D digital instrument cluster, reversing camera, full LED rear lights and an electric parking brake. 

GT – from £24,710

At the top of the range, the GT brings front parking sensors, a larger 10-inch touchscreen and full LED headlights with high beam assist. It also features a sportier look, courtesy of larger 17-inch alloy wheels, gloss black trim and a black roof. 

What about personalisation?

There’s plenty of opportunity to make a 208 stand out further, though even the standard colour is the bright Faro Yellow. Optional shades on offer include the smart Elixir Red and Vertigo Blue, too. 

There are plenty of optional extras that can be specified too, such as a panoramic sunroof for £500, electric leather seats with massaging function (£1,250) along with a Drive Assist Pack Plus that adds adaptive cruise control (£300).

Enquire on a new Peugeot 208