2021 Peugeot 208
A 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits atop the 208’s dashboard as Peugeot 208 standard, which includes DAB radio and Bluetooth, but more importantly Apple CarPlay and Android Auto too. An option is a 10.0-inch version of the same system which also includes a built-in sat-nav. Wireless charging comes as standard from Allure trim, but if your smartphone can’t handle that then the USB connections are plentiful, there are two in the front and front Allure trim you get a further two in the back. There’s just one six-speaker sound system across the range and no option to upgrade, but it offers a good sound in any case.
Allure versions of the Peugeot 208 come as standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, rear parking sensors, LED daytime running lights and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Allure Premium adds a high-definition 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated climate controls, 3D satnav with live traffic updates and local information, and a rather cool-looking row of piano key-style shortcut buttons to the standard Allure equipment. You also get a digital driver's display above the steering wheel and a wireless smartphone charging pad on the centre console. Peugeot 208 premium pack adds heated, electric and power-folding door mirrors, LED front fog lights, electrochrome rear-view mirror and 3D satnav that also displays TomTom traffic updates, local weather forecasts, fuel stations and local points of interest to the Active spec.
The 2021 Peugeot 208 comes with the choice of three different 1.2-litre petrols, a 1.5 diesel or Peugeot 208 2021 pure-electric version. Unless you're doing huge mileage then disregard the diesel and head straight for the 100hp 1.2 petrol, that will be punchy, yet smooth and will return a lot more than 50mpg if driven carefully. When you have the budget and the charging, though, the pure-electric e-208 is even punchier around town and more stimulating because of its silent operation.
Entry-level Active models get cloth seats and a leather steering wheel, while Allure models upgrade this to cloth and faux leather. The two-tier, concave dash design is striking, too, plus there are quirky features such as a flip-down smartphone ledge and touch-sensitive buttons for the infotainment and heated seat controls that help make the 208 feel more expensive inside. Its infotainment system has all the kit you want, too, although it can be tricky to use. The 2021 Peugeot 208 interior not only looks superb, it is also well built from quality materials. If you prefer, full leather seats are optional on some models. GT Line models then get a different stitching colour, plus a perforated leather steering wheel, and top-of-the-range GT cars get cloth and Alcantara seats.
It is a pretty simple model line up, with four trims a choice between three petrol engines. The most recent Peugeot 208 2021 208, though, is one of the good ones, and should be on your shortlist – especially if you're prepared to pay a bit more than the class norm for an adequately special interior and a cushty ride. There's also a solitary diesel engine, but the actual headline-grabber is the fully electric e-208. The current model doesn't just compare well against its mainstream rivals; the more expensive versions in the 208 range are a real option to the Audi A1 and Mini, for many who aren't overly bothered about reduced badge.
Electric adjustment is optional if preferred. Two adults can have no problems getting comfortable in the leading seats and the driver gets loads of standard manual seat and wheel adjustment. Ultimately a VW Polo is better at accommodating people in the back. Standard Peugeot 208 Allure trim, they're projected onto different layers to offer a three-dimensional effect and look superb, but importantly also display key information clearly and are customisable to help you choose what you need to see. There's no knocking Peugeot's new 3D digital dials, though. However, adults in the trunk seats will find their knees brushing the front seat backs even when their heads are free from the ceiling. Space is more of a combined bag.
In both cases, the screen is high definition and the menus fairly easy to navigate, although the tiny on-screen buttons could be hard hitting confidently while driving. An option (or standard on GT models) is a 10.0-inch version of the same system which also incorporates a built-in sat-nav. Inside, things took a step-up too, with Peugeot's now-familiar i-Cockpit dashboard design benefiting from a notable step-up in quality. The Peugeot 208 sculpted bonnet, three-claw LED light designs, large chrome-flecked grille and prominent rear piano black trim give it a much more distinctive look than its predecessor, as well its alternatives. A 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system lies at the centre of it all as standard, which includes DAB radio and Bluetooth, but more importantly Apple CarPlay and Android Auto too.
The 208's interior is one of the very strikingly designed in the small car class – even including premium models, such as for instance the Audi A1.The use of high-end materials and soft-touch surfaces make it feel upmarket, too, and in the event that you go for GT Line trim you'll get some fancy ambient interior lighting. At least Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard in order to effectively bypass the Peugeot software. Entry-level Active models get yourself a 7.0in touchscreen with shortcut buttons on both sides of the screen. A bigger, 10.0in touchscreen with sat nav can be obtained as an option from Allure trim. Choose Allure trim or above and you'll also get a wireless phone charging pad. Neither screen is really as high definition as the equivalent in a Polo or Seat Ibiza, and Peugeot's operating-system isn't as intuitive to use, either. It isn't all just show, either; the construction largely compliments the style, even though Mini feels a lot more sturdily screwed together.