Peugeot 208 1.6 e-HDi 92 CV, test drive (Equipment, price and verdict)

We close the test of the Peugeot 208 by explaining the equipment options, detailing the prices across the whole range and how it compares with its rivals, and putting the final word to our verdict on the whole package.

In the first part of this test we gave you all the information about the 208’s dynamic response, as well as detailing how the 92 CV 1.6 e-HDi diesel engine behaves. For its part, in the second part we looked at the exterior and interior design, the build quality of the materials, the space in the cabin, the boot and the storage spaces for objects.

Equipment

As in all the tests we carry out, we start this section with the safety systems that the car we are analysing comes with as standard, in this case the 208. Even the basic versions come with six airbags — front, head and side airbags for the front seats —, two Isofix three-point anchorages for the rear seats, pyrotechnic front seatbelts with load limiters, automatic door locking when moving, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), emergency brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control (ESP) and traction control (ASR).

Also standard are the rear head restraints in all seats, the cruise control/speed limiter and the ‘Follow me home’ function, which keeps the headlights on for a few seconds to light your way when you leave the vehicle, useful for example in a poorly lit garage or when parking at night in dark areas. The 208 may have, like other Peugeot models, a emergency and assistance call system (‘Peugeot Connect’) which, at the press of a button, automatically geolocates the car and reports its location to the emergency services, whether following an accident, because the driver feels unwell, is the victim of an assault or any other situation requiring urgent intervention. It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In the best-equipped versions, driving aids such as automatic light and wiper activation or the anti-dazzle interior rear-view mirror come as standard. For the moment, systems such as lane departure warning or blind-spot detection, which are increasingly common nowadays, are not available.

In the EuroNCAP safety tests, the 208 earned the maximum score, five stars, when it was tested in 2012. Its best mark, an 88%, was for driver protection. Child protection reached 78%, pedestrian protection 61% and safety assistance 83%.

The 208 is currently sold with four trim levels, named ‘Access’, ‘Active’, ‘Urban Soul’ and ‘Allure’. Our test car had the ‘Intuitive’ trim, which was discontinued in mid-2013, when the ‘Urban Soul’ arrived.

From the most affordable equipment level onwards, the following come as standard, in addition to all the safety features mentioned above: front electric windows, a steering wheel with height and reach adjustment, tinted windows and a spare wheel the same size as the other four. Air conditioning is optional, together with the sound system, for a little under 900 euros.

Perhaps the best-balanced version is the one called ‘Active’, which adds air conditioning, electrically adjustable heated exterior mirrors, leather-covered steering wheel and gear knob, the sound system with a seven-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity for mobile phones, and USB and Aux-In sockets for external sources. In addition, it can have many optional extras, such as satnav and alloy wheels, which are not available on the basic trim.

Price

The Peugeot 208 is available with a three- or five-door body. For the same engine and equipment level, there is a price difference between the two versions of 500 euros.

At Highmotor we tested the 208 5-door Intuitive 1.6 e-HDi 92 CV, which was sold until mid-2013 from 18,450 euros. Now, the 92 CV diesel engine can be bought in ‘Active’, ‘Urban Soul’ and ‘Allure’ trims, starting at 15,350, 15,850 and 16,690 euros respectively. These prices are for the five-door body.

Below is the current range of the 208 5-door, which is sold from 11,750 to 17,390 euros, not counting any increase from optional equipment.

Peugeot 208 5-door Access 1.0 VTi 68 11,750 euros.
Peugeot 208 5-door Access 1.2 VTi 82 12,550 euros
Peugeot 208 5-door Active 1.0 VTi 68 12,950 euros
Peugeot 208 5-door Access 1.4 HDi 68 13,500 euros
Peugeot 208 5-door Active 1.2 VTi 82 13,550 euros
Peugeot 208 5-door Urban Soul 1.2 VTi 82 14,050 euros
Peugeot 208 5-door Active 1.4 HDi 68 14,500 euros
Peugeot 208 5-door Allure 1.2 VTi 82 14,890 euros
Peugeot 208 5-door Active 1.4 e-HDi 68 CMP Blue Lion 15,140 euros
Peugeot 208 5-door Active 1.6 e-HDi 92 15,350 euros
Peugeot 208 5-door Active 1.6 e-HDi 92 CMP6 15,850 euros
Peugeot 208 5-door Urban Soul 1.6 e-HDi 92 15,850 euros
Peugeot 208 5-door Allure 1.6 VTi 120 16,090 euros
Peugeot 208 5-door Allure 1.6 e-HDi 92 16,690 euros
Peugeot 208 5-door Allure 1.6 e-HDi 92 CMP6 17,190 euros
Peugeot 208 5-door Allure 1.6 e-HDi 115 17,390 euros

Price of the tested unit: 18,450 euros + 7-inch touchscreen and MP3 CD player 110 euros. Final price: 18,560 euros.

Currently it is possible to buy a 92 CV e-HDi 208 for between 1,000 and 3,000 euros less than it used to cost, with similar or better equipment, due to changes in the commercial and discount policy of Peugeot. It is thus sold from 15,850 euros in the ‘Urban Soul’ trim and from 16,690 euros in the ‘Allure’.

General verdict

It meets all expectations. That could be the headline of this test, the summary we reached after a week and more than 1,500 kilometres with the 208. It leaves very positive impressions in terms of its response and behaviour on the road, its more carefully finished interior that is a little roomier than the 207’s, and because its 92 CV e-HDi engine has enough power for the day-to-day and for a bit more.

Although it is not among the cheapest in its segment, since there are models of its size and power for just over 12,000 or 13,000 euros, it offers a plus in design, good fit and finish and fuel efficiency. Ease of use, manoeuvrability in town and agility on country roads are compelling arguments that place it above average.

Once you get used to its distinctive driving position, with the smaller steering wheel and the higher instrument panel than usual, the 208 quickly becomes our everyday car. And it will perform as such flawlessly, leaving us fully satisfied.

Photos | Jaime Arruz and the test team

Technical specifications of this car

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