Peugeot 208 hatchback review - CarBuyer

[@callumreid9206]

That's the car I have at the moment, and it's my first car, a 2016 208 Puretech. So far, runs like a Swiss watch, comfy to drive, love the small steering wheel and the cruise control and even with a mobility buggy in the back, can still get a passenger in the back.

[@natashamusa7250]

Is it reliable??

[@maxjames7268]

​@@natashamusa7250my family had one, many mechanical issues but didn't break down

[@LeWoody_]

​@natashamusa7250 Mine isn't

[@danshalvey9774]

@@natashamusa7250mine has had so many problems

[@omghtt]

The smaller steering wheel in this car is actually a huge benefit and I give Peugeot a big thumbs up for that. Also, unlike Matt said, comparing this car's interior with other rival superminis the 208 just blows away all the competition. I don't know if Matt had his eyes opened but it's made of really nice and not so cheap material.

[@prisonervi]

Having just had a test drive, I have to say what a super car this is! I disagree with the reviewers opinion of the car! The dash makes perfect sense. You can easily get a comfy driving position and see the instruments clearly over the steering wheel!! Small steering wheel? Feels great and the car handles well-test driven in 60-70 mph gales on open roads, all times completely stable!!! And the 1 litre engine is smooth, quiet and remarkably willing, with little road noise inside. The seats are comfortable and very supportive-great if you have back problems! And don't forget the safety features-driver/passenger air bags, curtain air bags and EBD. Combine that with good looks and such a clean "green" car, so cheap to run and the 208 is an excellent choice for someone wanting style and economy in an affordable value for money package. Mine is 3 years old with 13000 miles-and absolutely immaculate. You can never please some people I know!! But speaking for myself, it's without doubt the best car I've ever driven!

[@robertbidochon7949]

+prisonervi Thanks for the comment, it helps a lot!

[@willem3235]

i have my car for 2.5 weeks and allready did drive 1.2k km

[@williamwood3649]

Have u only ever driven one car?

[@gardini100]

i have tried it for a few mnds now "diesel" it is so reactive and fun to drive and take people by surprise , and seems to not use any gas at all , a funny little thing ,,, I love it !

[@courtsfrancis6417]

Picked up my 208 yesterday! Absolutely love it ! So nice to drive

[@NatashaLouisa11]

What litre did u get?

[@robertbidochon7949]

+Chantelle Louise You mean displacement?

[@LTSOFTWARS]

How is it now ?

[@SaifIslamAl]

How is it now?

[@logiclight]

That French impression seriously made this the best car video I have ever seen (and i have been watching many, many lately). Great review by the way. Thanks.

[@thsantos]

Best car reviewer ever! I was cracking up with the french talk! Awesome!

[@ReSpeCteR-1]

I've got a 208 1.0vti access. I think its fantastic for a city car. I can't find any problem with the steering and dash config as its designed as an overhead dash not your typical through the steering wheel. its like some old fashioned car designs.Its very unique and gives a one of a kind feel. The 3 dr model is also a very sexy car.

[@cmagennis927]

I can see the speedo perfectly! I had the seat and steering set up to suit me, I am 194cm tall and had no problems at all..

[@P17contreras]

i hope one day to drive this as my first car

[@user-xg6zz8qs3q]

I know I’m late to comment, but 208s are frequently used as company cars in France. So go work in France 🇫🇷

[@mickgordon5151]

I have got one it's a lovely car to drive .

[@Ben-db5re]

000 001 the police use them too!

[@Thisistrulyoddtv_Mark]

I’ve got the 207 it’s just as good if not in-fact better but I do still like the 208 and probably have one as my next car the 207 isn’t my first car but my second as I at first had renault clio mk3 58 plate 5dr automatic now I have 5dr automatic Peugeot 207 2010

[@P17contreras]

Wow can't believe it's been 4 years now since I wrote that comment...I was still in college back then but i thought i would share with you guys that through saving money from a part time job, I finally had most of the money to pay for it, and with the help of my mom with the rest, I finally got a used 208 GTi that i still have to this day and love, no issues, just a lot of smiles, and don't think I will ever sell it!!

[@aekaras99]

what is Koscielny doing on carbuyer?

[@Ilias_Geo]

Γεια σου ρε Έλληνα

[@PandaUzumaki]

A car that actually doesn't really haves bad point. If you like the design and trust Peugeot engines and of course have the money for it (being expensive on higher specs) this car might be perfect. Nice one PSA

[@TheGolfdaily]

We have two 208 compay cars delivered couple of weeks ago to replace our ageing 207s. There are 16 of us at the office and they all had ago in it. So far, none of us had problem with seating positions or dial reading problems. In fact the 208 has become so popular, every body wants to take it home for the evening and weekends!

[@ImportedfromUK]

I use one of these on my driving lessons and they are an excellent learner car - 8/8 m8

[@t3ddyspaghetti39]

Im learning in one too. I use my partners to drive in too a Seat Leon 2.0 and hate it. Looking at getting this i love it so much

[@ayushdawadi100]

youtube algorithm brought me here in February 2021, but looking at Mat's OG hairstyle I don't regret being here. Thanks KZbin!

[@Jondread]

Correct, the way this is designed is so that the steering wheel is positioned UNDER the speedo. It is a smaller steering wheel for that exact reason.

[@goktugyaman3759]

Mat Watson and his French talk. Okayyyy, I'm dead :D

[@goktugyaman3759]

@Adam Joseph I can't understand how you reached here out. And this comment is now ancient

[@Top_Gear_Clips_Central]

@@goktugyaman3759 have u seen him on carwow

[@vizzbucks05]

Another problem, is......... if a headlight bulb blows, especially passenger side. You can't fit your hand in to change it, and have to remove the whole light fitting. But saying that, i've had one for the past 2 years, and it is a nice little car, never had a problem with it. Very comfortable to drive, and gives me everything i need in a car.

[@HenryBrooke1998]

I'm thinking of getting one of these as my next car. It's the car I learnt to drive and passed my test in. The one I'm after is the 1.4 HDi Active.

[@adamrexter1759]

Did you get it?

[@Automobiletester]

I have tried the 208 on various occasions with different people of different sizes. None of them had problem when steering wheels and seats were adjusted properly. You can indeed block the instrument panel with the steering wheel if you WANT it to! But then, why would you do that unless you want to a story out of it.. But still, the small glove box which I was not aware of for the right hand drive 208 looks really like a big negligence!

[@hyena-chase2176]

On bendy roads I still think the suzki swift is better than the fiesta,as I owned both

[@Jamardos]

Hilarious especially the french impersonation, classic. Had to watch the video again.

[@vicBanga]

+Shereen Harrison hahahahaha dude can be silly funny!

[@Jamardos]

Definitely, just about remember y I was watching the video lool.

[@Alagathevictor]

HAHAHA the French are really like that! I wrote my engineering thesis with a french student, and he was just like that, making all creative tricks. And no one will know LOL

[@miltondavid6879]

😂😂😂😆

[@evildanger]

I love my Peugeot 208. Got the style one which has reverse sensors and a glass roof. When is car buyer going to review the 2015 facelift model?

[@shujogo]

How reliable was it men? I’m thinking on buying a 2012 1.4 automatic diesel

[@reynoldwebb3524]

Jesus Rivas it's fantastic

[@Calciferic]

Thanks for the link! It is always good to have more than one view on something.

[@zarafrench6072]

Can anyone let me know.. would a silver cross buggy fit in the boot? Thanks 😊

[@AristotelisMitsiou]

Now this is the reason why I subscribed to Carbuyer, apart from the cars of course. Rebecca is beautiful and Matt is hilarious! I almost fell off my chair on 4:16!

[@ashrafanwar6115]

The best car no doubt. Been using it since 2016 till now and it works brillinatly ❤

[@eternalhalloween1]

It's actually a nice looking car. My only real concern was where Matt said that the steering is vague. Well, CD isn't quite dead yet. But sadly, it is heading in that direction.

[@eternalhalloween1]

I don't think CDs will die completely. But I think the vinyl revival will wear off mighty fast when people see how inconvenient they are.

[@eternalhalloween1]

+Eric George Hi Eric. I think another reality is that while vinyl has its fans, a vinyl costs $20. to make. While a CD costs $5. to $10. to make. If people are serious about vinyl, they will end up needing a brush $15., a stylus cleaner $30., an anti static gun $100., and a spin dry record cleaner $100. (And for the real serious vinyl man, a wet washing record machine which goes for about $750.) Vinyl is NOT a cheap hobby.

[@eternalhalloween1]

+Eric George Yea Eric. I think the viny LP will always have a cult following. But it will never be mainstream again. They take up too much space for the average guy. They're not portable. They're more expensive. And they just are too expensive to maintain. Interestingly, some vinyls try to hook you by giving you a free code to make a cd. (Not unlike how bluray tried to hook people by giving them a free or very cheap DVD copy.)

[@eternalhalloween1]

+Eric George Ha ha. Yea! One thing I've noticed is that for the most part, buying a CD is a straight forward purchase. Buying vinyl LP is more of a businessman type purchase. (Very similar to the way a mechanic buys used cars.) You buy a stack of what's available for a price. And you know that some will work fine. Some will work so-so. And some won't play at all. Happy Halloween. :)

[@Nordmann61]

Peugeot intention is that you view the instruments over the steering wheel. Here is how to do it: adjust the seat height as high as possible for you, without rubbing your head in the ceiling of course, and then adjust the steering wheels rake down, to you see the instruments over the steering wheel. Brilliant, you can see the speedomenter without gazing directly at it, and keep your attention ahead on the road. This is one good supermini.

[@rebelkassadin]

Except that, when you want to drive sportier, you will always want to sit maximally low as possible.

[@megamanmadrid]

I have to desagree.... I saw one the other day in white, and it blew my mind. And you know what they say : beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

[@Automobiletester]

"I bet if Volkswagen had done the same everyone would be leaping to congratulate them." AGREED. + If Ford has done the same, this tester would say that it’s the invention of the century.

[@Nordmann61]

To see the instruments Matt, you just adjust the seat so high, and the steering wheel's rake so low so you can see the instruments over the steering wheel. How hard can it be, as they say.. It is brilliant, you can give the road ahead full attention, and see the speed you are driving, without having to look directly at the speedometer, good idea, Peugeot!

[@peterclarke3990]

I’ve got the 1.6 hdi 2017 plate. 68.9 to the gallon, lovely to drive and the negatives that Matt Watson came up with, well to be honest, are not negatives at all. You can always find something negative in any car you review if you want to. There nothing wrong with the 208. Ford Fiesta? Ask about the wet belts in the 1.0 eco boost! They’ve got their problems too and bigger than any that the 208 can come up with!

[@lilnash7]

you can just squash the steering wheel and whaalla LMAO THAT GOT ME

[@jeremycubs8331]

Peugeots Hdi is the best engine you could possibly have in a family car better than TDI.

[@Al3xisAE]

metal rules - hdi 1.6 and 2.0 are the same engine blocks as the 1.6 and 2.0 tdci ford engine, you'll be surprised what car companies share because it's so expensive to develop engines/chassis etc

[@jeremycubs8331]

Rb5vega Basing on my experience, Hdi are more refined, gasoline like to drive than Ford's 1.6 tdci. The Peugeot diesels are quite pokey than Ford's which is weird because I believe they are basically the same engine.

[@rytiskurcinskas7179]

hes french speech killed me :DDDDDDDDDDD epic !!!

[@OdinDrengr]

Just letting you know I had nothing to do with the squashing of the steering wheel...

[@tommygunn7409]

You want to drive it for a year and then review it. How long did you have it for? a day, a week? The suspension is to hard, you will feel all the bumps, the media centre will go crazy in the winter because of the cold temperature, it takes 5 minutes for the Bluetooth system to connect to my phone and when it connects the dim witted selection button is so slow at changing a track, it's skipped 2 or 3. When you use hands free, if your contacts are on the sim card it won't read them, it only reads your contacts on the phone memory. But it is cheap to run, it costs about £450 a year (2016) in petrol. £20 tax a year. If it weren't for the hard ride and the media centre e.i. hands free and Bluetooth I would be really happy but it's just the little things that annoy me about this car.

[@trishstratus4238]

5081002

[@michaelrobson5480]

I did not believe you said that word horrible it is not horrible its the best hatchback on the market and the plastics are not cheap they are well made and the 1.2 engine is the best 1.2 engine on the market this car ticks all the boxes and I will not let you say horrible!

[@TheMysticChaosifiers]

I have one and the wheel works fine if you have it in the right place, it should be just below the dials, that was the design for it, rather than having a larger wheel where you have to look through the wheel, this one you look over it.

[@Automobiletester]

I have talked to the people at PEUGEOT. They explained that the lower part of the steering wheel remains the same as industry standards using ergonomic charts that are currently used in all automobile manufacturers. It is just the top of the steering wheel that has been lowered giving the wrong impression that it is sitting on your lap. I have checked that theory with a 207 and it is totally true. The lower part of the steering wheel on both 208 and the 207 remains the same.

[@jackd166]

My friend just got the 208 Allure and he says its far better to drive an more fun than his mums 2011 fiesta zetec so i think its more of a personal opinion matt, not a fact!!

[@degetulmijlociu1797]

Hi i want to buy but 1.4 hdi from 2012 what to expect?! Engine problems?!! Who has this car and can reply please?!

[@honestranking48]

Very good car. Nothing serious to expect. I have it.

[@michaelrobson5480]

everyone the 207 is old the 208 is modern and has a built in entertainment system as standard also you get the sat nav on active version

[@craigtrigg4288]

ive bought peugeot 208 e-hdi allure 5 door in blue . great test drive matt

[@TheMattyman1010]

Hmm so you get allow wheels, touch screen, air con but you still find the o'l wind up windows in the rear?

[@MEB20101]

just placed a deposit on my 208 active today...Sadly leaving behind my fiat punto easy due to a re accruing fault that I think for a three year old car isnt good. test drove the 208 today it is nippy so wish I had the gti model lol

[@p0rtp0rt]

Er, from other reviews, I gathered the smaller steering wheel was to add to the nippy and darting feeling, and for it to sit below the instrument binnacle, hence the speedo etc sitting so high... are you sure the wheel wasn't meant to go lower, not higher?

[@ultraszgb]

i have, in car showroom.. and when i adjusted the wheel on my liking my view on dials was obstructed.. i don't want to have wheel in uncomfortable position only to see dials.. they tried, but why fix something that is not broken.. i wonder if any other car they make in future will have the same wheel and dial position

[@dionjenadventures]

Is this 208 model (2019) a good trade in from the great 207 (2011) I am considering buying a 2018 208. The 207 is a great car and i just wonder if i should upgrade as its going to cost me a huge amount to do that. Any feedback will be much appreciated. Many thanks! :)

[@jigrodrigues]

oh yes, I would trade my astra for a 208 rallye in a heartbeat. I loved the 205 and 106 rally. But it would need to be stripped of useless equipment (why not manual windows?), use a quirky non turbo engine (they could tune the 1.6 litre VTI, I guess), and it needed shorter gear ratio, stiffened suspension, sport seats, the lot. Like the old ones. I would love it more than a GTI

[@Calciferic]

I don't think that he is ignorant, his point is valid regardless of what were Peugeot reasons. I also praise companies when they try to do different things, but blocking the speedometer's view at a certain position is pretty bad.

[@robertoNirengi]

This channel keeps praising volkswagen in every video, insidious advertising.

[@skatethebored]

4:10 funniest part ever on the Carbuyer channel ! :D

[@carlwhite9022]

Bought mine brand new its a amazing car. Will b part xing it next year for a 2008

[@johnnorthfield7168]

Good review on the Peugeot 208 i was considering buying this car or the Kia Rio i first took a look at the 208 and noticed when sitting in the drivers seat that i could not see the speedo because of the crazy design that drivers wheel completely blokes the view and i could not live with this and feel many other buyers will not buy this car for this reason + no cd player not good and not for me.

[@khchoolye]

thank you.. i love hatchbacks and did mention allure and comfortline, which gives a nice idea of the engines i am talking about..

[@FoxRS]

I've been in the back of a 208 (with the front seat in my position) and it's very small and not very confortable. I'm not that tall either (1,80m). My parents drive a Honda Jazz, now that's a spacious car, very practical and fun to drive. I'd buy that one over this car, or any of this class, to be honest.

[@AnasHidmi]

did anyone tried it with the AC on? is it dead after that or still good?

[@Xcedable]

I have 1.2L three cylinder unit. I'm very happy about it. The engine is nippy, the small steering give a sense of sportivity, and it makes the car dart in & out of corners, the handling is great too. The dashboard is class leading, whereas for others they are still copying the same rubbish from 20 years ago. Now someone brought originality& innovation, that a car mag journalist does a crap rewiev about it.That a shame!! By the way my bra got a fiesta, we both agree the 208 is more fun to drive.

[@hammy434]

well my mum had a audi a3 for 10 years and the only problem was once the engine coughed before it started and it took a few attempts. then it worked. this was because i left the interior light on by accident so it had no battery. my friends dad had a vw passat (estate) and nothing ever went wrong...

[@jackd166]

I drive a 207 and im not convinced that this new interior is better. The seats dont look as good and i do love the new media console and steering wheel but the rest look so plain!!!! I love the outside but this one looks standard. When i renew my car i think id have to get the higher spec and must be a 3 door they look soo much nicer.

[@lffit]

I had a 206 in Australia, when converting to RH drive they didn't change the floor pan, so the foot well on that side was narrrow, result?.. the pedals were so close together damn easy to have an accident, but I liked it and this one even more so, and I have a new Fiesta, imo this 208 is worth a look!

[@niksarass]

and another ford advertisement, another!

[@optimuz57]

Yooo! Matt looks different. He stopped going to the gym now 😂

[@rahulgosh1]

- Some one cant take criticisms ... it was a generally positive review

[@vassilisg]

Hi to everyone! I would like to ask the car tester this. I am a 6 foot (1.90m) tall driver and although I find an excellent driving position in the 208, it seems to me that the B pillars are wider than usual thus making entering/exiting the 208 a bit peculiar. It is almost as you have to twist your torso in order to enter or exit (in exiting it is 'worse'). Do you believe that this is just my idea or you consider this to be an actual problem of the 208?

[@adrianek12102008]

French improvisation brought me to tears :) we'll squash the wheel and noone will know Voila :) Great review and very nice car indeed.

[@ghp0518]

Could you do a review of the low cost twins Peugeot 301 / Citroen C 'Elisee? I'm not sure if they have a right side steering wheel version for England yet though.

[@katkota7587]

To be honest I don't really comprehend what Matt's saying when he goes on about engines and miles per gallon etc... I love this car but was wondering if it is fuel economic? Thanks for the brilliant review and of course any responses! :)

[@anthonyrichard826]

Well mine only manages 37, so not really and there's not much power for hills.. but then it is only 82hp

[@PolloBocadillos]

Matts turned into a MONSTER in this video. Gyms made you into a lou ferringo look a like

[@Kookanoodles]

It wasn't a joke, it was an impression, and it was pretty good if you ask me !

[@andysim232]

I have a 207. Its in for repairs after it got shunted in the rear. They gave me a 208 HDI and I was shocked at how they never bothered to fix the problems of the 207 in their next model. The 208 I got has the same tiny glove box and clunky gear box ad the 207 lol. And the dash just looks fussy and tachy compared to its previous version. I love my 207 and this is worse. The only thing I like is the mpg

[@smcgeminimustang]

I drove one for 200 miles,vague steering,poor suspension,awful brakes.Yes,it looks great on the outside but inside is a very irritating cabin.Comfortable seats? They were ok to start but back achingly bad at the end.I was glad to give it back.We bought the Citigo instead,now that's a great car!

[@smcgeminimustang]

+Rob Broadbent We had two 106's,one was a diesel,great car,one was a petrol with a dodgy gearbox.Both were purchased new.Great interior's,economical,nice looking in our view,well finished inside and out so we like Peugeot.I wanted to like the 208.Unfortunately,like most cars these days,Peugeot are trying to produce a car in France,a high cost base vs low cost economies and you can see where the money is being saved.Sit in a Hyundai or Skoda ,different class.We've owned Hyundai and now own the Citigo and have just ordered an Octavia.i10 and i20 are on our radar for future purchase.

[@canto_v12]

So in LHD cars the fuse box is next to the steering wheel?

[@jakehayes1998]

Cd isn't dead for me, still have a collection.

[@miguelsaez340]

now i saw your message everything is normal, im back on the stereo, i was in the headphones but it was weird it didnt sound as usual

[@Meatlooaf]

Matt, i must correct you, the 1.2 VTi has a 0-60 time of 12.1 :P apart from that, well done, as always!

[@vosvodin]

Has anyone could identify the watch Matt wear? Which brand is it? It looks very good.

[@s0nnyburnett]

Matt's actually part of A Flock of Seagulls cover band, he's lead singer.

[@TheEGGtech]

LOL, the glove-box issue is the same as in my Citroen DS3, the manual doesn't fit, but at least the OBD port and fusebox are handy. And it means I can use the OBD port while driving without it being dangerous.

[@Moreno6000]

I have this car for 3 years now and it was fun to drive. Funny he mention ford fiesta because thats the new one i am gonna buy lol

[@MelbStevo]

They're affiliated with Mitsubishi, badge engineered - the 3008 and some other one. It's shaped like a Corolla hatch and a blend of Yaris interior. The colour looks almost identical to that of Toyota, so possibly.

[@corleone0718]

Mat, I wonder is there any possibility that you just sit in the WRONG position? Maybe too close to the A-pillar(too forward)? Or maybe the steering position is a little bit too high? Other reviewer had mention this problem, below is the link /watch?v=i7mWKPSepgQ From1:08-2:17 NO offence just for discussion :-)

[@Sherukka]

There is a lot of gearbox choices, so select another one (the one with 6-speed is brilliant!).

[@lasercombo]

are there still new cars that dont come with aircon?

[@fahmad7194]

I like the sporty steering wheel and looking over it at the binnacle.

[@andrewbiny913]

I have a 14 plate 208 petrol could any one recommend what oil to use ,by the way seems to use about a litre a month

[@Benny8940]

The problem with the steering wheel blocking the view of the instruments is enough to make this car a big NO! On the positive side, Mat made this review very watchable, he's cute.

[@AdamOpie]

I love my 208 :) Great little car!

[@andresleiva6973]

Hi! the 1.4 diesel model in my country has 68hp. How responsive is the acceleration in this car? Taking a fiat grande punto (77hp) for comparisson,for example. Nice vid. Killed me with the french talking.

[@caustic279]

68hp won't have very good acceleration but it's lighter and more aerodynamic than the punto

[@00kirbyd]

I've said this in other videos, it seems UK auto press are prejudiced against anything not german.

[@matt2201]

It's not just the UK, about a third of the world's population drives on the left, including Japan which, I'm sure you know, is a massive car-producing nation.

[@SashaForReal]

Hi there i got 2017 peugeot 208 1.2 turbo petrol Recently i realised that my car is shaking while engine runs , two days ago it was shaking while engine run with ac, today its shaking while engine run with and without ac. Tachometer is holding on 900rpm and jumps every couple of seconds to about 1k rpm and then coming back to normal. Its happening on warm or either cold engine. Im about 38,000 km before service. Wondering what that could be? did anyone face the same issue like me and got an solution for this?

[@mickeytran1936]

watching matt with this superb hairstyle..

[@BestCarSound]

Thanks, Mat for fuse box explaining! Now I'll know that ;) Keep on!

[@coolrusskiy]

But British car manufacturers like Land Rover and Jaguar, etc need to build once for Britain and other for other countries, have also extra costs too!

[@iraggari5491]

At last i can see that HGH does work, good for you Matt, The 208?? ...mmm... is not the best, but, we will wait for the 208 GTI, it will be better than others of this segment.

[@newmabreu96]

thank god matt u heard me finally thank you, now i need to compare the peugeot 208 with the citroen c3 picasso

[@xride09]

OMG THANKS FOR REVIEWING THIS CAR !!

[@khchoolye]

peugeot 208 allure or vw polo comfortline?