Peugeot e-208 review

The entry-level, 136bhp e-208 costs £31,600 and the GT 156bhp £35,450. The longer-range version is only available on top spec GT models, and a £800 uplift. If you’re looking at monthly leasing, then somewhere between £280 and £300 covers the range, with a £5k down payment and 48-month term.

The electric powertrain means an uplift of around £11k on the entry-level 100bhp manual. But compared with the equivalent internal combustion version, the 1.2-litre Puretech 136 mild hybrid auto, it’s around £7k.

It’s still more than both the e-208’s closest rival, the Vauxhall Corsa Electric (circa £27k), and the new Mini Cooper Electric (circa £30k). Cheaper rivals are also on their way, including the Dacia Spring (circa £15k), Citroen e-C3 (circa £23k) and Renault 5 (circa £25k), which makes the Peugeot sound rather expensive.

What's the kit list like?

The e-208 range covers the same three-trim expanse as the petrol car, running from Active through to Allure and the range-topping GT.

Active trim features 16in alloys, LED running lights, auto headlights and wipers, electric heated door mirrors, rear parking sensors, a 10in infotainment display and smartphone mirroring.

Next up is Allure, which adds different style alloy wheels, a body coloured front grille, 10in digital instrument panel and high definition touchscreen, front and rear parking aids, and tinted rear windows.

GT variants add 17in alloy wheels, gloss black wheel arches, a black roof, 3D instrument panel, sports seats, eight shades of ambient lighting, wireless charging, 180-degree reversing camera, and keyless entry.

What about charging cost?

The e-208 will charge at up to 100kW, which is a fine enough speed for these smallish batteries. Those faster posts can be expensive, though. There’s a 7kW onboard charger for slower plugs.

The best solution is to get a home charger and night-rate deal. Do that and you can get around 80 miles of commuting range (28kWh) in a four-hour overnight window for under 40p. Or do it for nothing by day if you have solar. You could easily pay £20 for the same amount of energy on a rapid public post. Which is more expensive than petrol for the same distance. These are late 2023 prices by the way.

The e-208 can be fitted with an 11kW three-phase on-board charger for £360, but it’s not worth going for unless you have three-phase capability at home, which you probably don’t.

What's the ideal spec?

We'd stick with Allure trim. It doesn't have the ride-harming 17in wheels, but it does have a decent spec otherwise. We quite like that the free colour on the e-208 is a bright yellow too (anything else is anywhere between £450-£950) – a great antidote to all the dull monochrome efforts you see on the road these days. All in there, you’re looking at a starting price of £33,250.

If you want the bigger battery/electric motor you’re forced into top-spec GT trim, and a rather eye-watering £36,250. Unless you’re planning on making regular longer journeys and desperately need the extra range, we wouldn’t bother.