What is it?
The e-208 was one of the cars to kick off Peugeot’s original EV plans, but to keep things current the French firm has given it a tweak.
The exterior may be a little different, but it’s underneath where the big changes have been made. Fortunately, they’re all aimed at making the e-208 even more usable - so let’s take a look and see what’s going on.
What’s new?
As we’ve touched upon, Peugeot has tweaked the exterior of the e-208, implementing its latest lighting signature while offering more alloy wheel designs and a greater variety of colours than before. We never had an issue with the way the ‘old’ e-208 looked, so these edits only help to strengthen what was already a very strong package design-wise.
Inside, Peugeot has pushed to make the e-208 feel more upmarket with plusher materials and more technology than before. In fact, all versions - regardless of specification - come equipped with a larger 10-inch infotainment screen which has loads of functionality and is easy to use.
What’s under the bonnet?
It’s underneath where things are taking a big change. Peugeot has fitted a slightly larger battery to the e-208 - though curiously it’ll still be available with the ‘old’, smaller version - which frees up a range of up to 248 miles instead of the 225 miles you’ll get in the standard car.
There’s more power, too, with 154bhp being delivered rather than 134bhp. We’ll admit that these are hardly massive advances, but any extra range is always a good thing in the electric car world, while the additional boost in power adds a little extra zip to the e-208. It’s got a maximum charge rating of 100kW, too, which means a 30-minute charge to go from 10 to 80 per cent. A full charge via a standard 7kW home charger will take seven-and-a-half hours, too.
What’s it like to drive?
The e-208 has always been a good car to drive which is why it’s pleasing that Peugeot hasn’t altered the experience you get from behind the wheel. It’s always brought a good compromise between comfort and body control and this is still present, with the e-208 managing to deal with potholes and poor road conditions well.
The extra boost from the electric motor is welcome, too, but it still feels pleasantly ‘normal’. We’ve become quite accustomed to electric vehicles with some seriously high power outputs, but the e-208’s more regular performance makes it more relaxing and easier to drive. Visibility is great too and, because of the e-208’s compact size, it’s a breeze to park and drive around narrow streets.
How does it look?
As we’ve touched upon, few could criticise the way the e-208 looked, so it’s understandable why Peugeot hasn’t messed with the formula too much. It’s still a very pleasantly compact EV, with rounded proportions which seem to hint at the classic hatchbacks from Peugeot’s back catalogue.
How to tell this new version apart from its predecessor? For starters, you’ve got Peugeot’s updated ‘shield’ logo at the front and rear, while the French firm’s latest ‘claw’ lights are equipped at the front. The LED inside the rear lights have also been tweaked, giving them a more complex, futuristic look.
What’s it like inside?
Peugeot makes no bones about its more premium aspirations and that’s quite evident in the e-208’s cabin. It feels particularly upmarket for a small car and while there are some areas trimmed in less-than-desirable plastics, there are plenty of soft-touch materials used throughout. We also like the latest interpretation of the i-toggle system, which allows you to configure the screen below the main infotainment to show those most needed functions and get quick access to them.
Space, in such a small car, isn’t the most plentiful with rear headroom being particularly tight. But it’s all well packaged and ergonomically thought-through. You do get a decent 309 litres of boot space, mind you, expandable to 1,118 litres with the seats folded down.
What’s the spec like?
All levels of the Peugeot e-208 get an impressive level of standard equipment. Entry-level Active cars, for example, benefit from a leather-trimmed steering wheel, the aforementioned 10-inch infotainment display and parking sensors. Climate control is thrown in too, as is Peugeot’s i-Cockpit system with its digital instrument cluster and compact steering wheel.
We tested the e-208 in top-spec GT trim, which brings a host of additions such as 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and smatterings of gloss black detailing on the outside for a more undercover appearance. However, you’re unlikely to be disappointed with any of the specifications and the standard equipment they bring.
Verdict
The e-208 was already a fine electric car and these changes have only made things better. More range is never a bad thing in an EV and though the uplift might be quite compact it’s enough to add a little extra usability to this compact battery-powered model.
Plenty of equipment as standard and sharp exterior detailing only help to strengthen the package, continuing the e-208’s prowess as one of the best small EVs about.