Sometimes you drive a car and it just all makes sense.

The style, the innovation, the size, the colour, the shiny bits. The new trendy Peugeot 208 is one of those cars.

Drive reviews the Peugeot 208, a car that brings back the cheerful French spirit to the supermini. Many of the failings of the 207 have been righted and Peugeot have added sophistication to their new supermodel. This car will enhance the supermini class and cheer our lives.

The car tested driven was the 3dr Peugeot 208 Active 1.4 HDi 70. I drove about 700 miles in a week and as a supermini this car is one I really like. The free-flowing design shapes the look of the 208, Virtual Blue was the colour and in the right light the bodywork gives the chariot some very stylish and pleasing French curves.

Peugeot have underlined quality in the 208, the fit and finish of its panels with precise clearances, the fabrics and the build. The chic look is embellished more by the brightwork, the 15″ Azote alloys and the new stylin’ front grille.

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Being light to manoeuvre with pleasing handling this model of the 208 isn’t a sporty drive but a quiet and refined hatchback. You will be rewarded with great fuel economy and a relaxed comfortable drive. With the cars I drive my children immediately took to the Peugeot 208 for its  ‘school run kerb appeal’ and ‘little big car’ feeling, oh yes and the loud sound system.

Inside the 208 features a small sporty steering wheel that you look over to the instruments above. I really liked this, it makes the car feel less cluttered, some may have problems getting its position right but it works. A quick mile or two and few roundabouts and the relationship is sealed.

Inside the shiny piano black and chrome look is very pleasing to the eye. With so many functions now available on the 7″ centre touchscreen with a bright 800 x 400 resolution display. The dash stays uncluttered and stylish looking. You can happily swipe and slide your way though sat nav, ipod, bluetooth audio streaming, phone all at your finger tips and presented in a futuristic fashion. I like the position of the system neatly styled, high up and in an easy to reach position. The all important sound system was excellent and simple to use, the thumping six speaker sound from the system was better than many pricier cars. Turn it up and you can ‘let your body drive‘.

The 208 is lighter than the car it replaced, but now smaller and more spacious. It is easy to get comfortable in and a lot bigger inside than it appears. There is quite enough room in the back for three adults and the boot is a good size for its class. The interior is of a new found Peugeot quality and the splashes of design around the car enhance the overall feel good factor.

The 1.4-litre HDi turbo diesel produces just 68bhp but with the car being so light at just 1050kg still enough to propel it adequately with four adults and with emissions of 98g/km it is a successful green car returning a combined mileage of up to 74mpg. We aren’t talking hot hatch performance but perfectly adequate for our roads and cities in these frugal times. If you want something hotter the Peugeot 208 GTi is on it way.

The electrically assisted steering is a smart addition. Keeping the steering light , there’s not a lot of feedback through the wheel for some drivers, but for overall driving set up combined with the strong brakes were more than acceptable.

Occasionally the car feels a bit sluggish but use the gears and spirited progress can easily be achieved. The cars quality and refinement enhances the appeal so inadequacies are easily forgotten.

“Worth a look the Peugeot 208 is a car of today….Chic looks, environmentally concious, real economy as standard, safety and quality throughout – The Peugeot 2 series range is back.”

Drive Reviews Peugeot 208 Active HDi 70 Features

 

Price of Car driven – £14095

Peugeot 3 year warranty, 2 years unlimited mileage manufacturers and 1 year Peugeot dealer network

Service Plans can cover all servicing costs – Fixed Cost can be paid one off payment or monthly by Peugeot Optiway Service contract from £16.99 36 months/30k miles – £18.99 60 months/50k miles

 

Performance

0-62mph 15.5 secs

Top Speed 101 mph

Emissions CO2  98 g/km

VED Band 1