The new generation Peugeot 208 hasn’t won the 2020 European Car of the Year for nothing. It looks good, drives well and comes jammed with the latest technology gear, some of which was unheard of in the mainstream subcompact segment a few years ago.
The e-208, which is the electric version of the supermini (that’s the European term for sub-compacts), does everything the ICE-powered models do, and then some. The motor delivers 134 HP and 192 lb-ft (260 Nm) of torque, for a very decent 8.1 seconds from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h).
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It has a WLTP range of 211 miles (340 km), and once the 50 kW battery is depleted, it can be charged at a wallbox in about 7 and a half hours, or up to 80 percent in just 30 minutes with the 100 kW rapid charger.
Due to the added weight of the battery and re-tuned suspension, the e-208 drives differently than the regular one. It still feels fairly nimble through corners and can be further sharpened up by sticking it in Sport mode that makes the throttle livelier. It encourages the driver to put the right foot down every now and then and does so without compromising the ride quality. Even on 17-inch wheels, the zero-emission supermini feels quite comfortable, and the seats contribute to this feeling.
Speaking of the interior, it has a modern vibe, with nice build quality, sufficient space for two adults at the back and good boot capacity for the segment. The small steering wheel and unnatural view of the instrument cluster could be a deal-breaker for some, but if you can ignore them, you’ll get a very good EV, according to the following review, which also covered other aspects of the car.