On location in Greece, I had the option to review the 2018 model of the 208 from Peugeot. I had the chance to drive both the 1.4 HDi and the 1.6HDi (spoiler alert – the engine is lacking any sort of oomph and the base model of this Peugeot comes with very little driver aids and gadgets). There is also a more modern 1.5 HDi available that should be a nicer drive, but that wasn’t available … oh well.
Greek location where we reviewed the 208
Overall I was impressed with this little car, but a few niggles meant that the 208 didn’t come out of the review with such a great score. Have a look at the videos below to see what I thought of it. Below the videos you’ll find the specs table, and also a list of recalls for this particular French car.
I got confused in the first video around the engine sizes – see if you can spot the goof! I didn’t notice it until editing, so apologies to those of you who caught it …
And as promised in the review, here is a google map location of where we reviewed this car.
The Review
The Introduction
(Click here if the video doesn’t play)
The Interior
(Click here if the video doesn’t play)
The test drive
(Click here if the video doesn’t play)
The conclusion
(Click here if the video doesn’t play)
Peugeot 208 1.6HDi – Vital Statistics
| Power | 55 kW (73 bhp) @ 3500rpm | |
| Torque | 230 Nm (170 lb/ft) @ 1750rpm | |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | 12.9 seconds | |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (106 mph) | |
| Fuel consumption (average) | 3.5 l/100km (80 mpg) | |
| Fuel type, tank capacity | Diesel, 45 litres | |
| Weight | 1075 kg | |
| **** | **** | |
| Engine | Turbodiesel w/ intercooler Transverse mounted Euro V Compliant | |
| Displacement | 1560 cc | |
| Cylinders and valves | 4 inline, 32v | |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual (20CQ66) | |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
Peugeot 208 recalls
| A plastic component (spacer) included in the exhaust line could damage the Diesel Particle Filter (DPF) under certain conditions, creating small cracks or holes. Depending on the amount of damage, the particulate emission level could exceed regulatory limits. The Peugeot 208 models affected by this recall were manufactured between 7. 11. 2016 – 27. 6. 2018. VIN range: VF3CAYHYSHW062172 – VF3CCYHYSJW087476 Recall code: JDE Source: Rapex Alert 43/2019 |
| The steering column was incorrectly assembled on the shaft of the steering system. Consequently, the steering column and the steering system could separate, leading to sudden loss of steering control. The Peugeot 208 models affected by this recall were produced between 6. 7. 2018 – 12. 7. 2018. VIN: VF3CCYHYSJT054705 to VF3CCBHY6KT001518 Company recall code: JJJ Source: Rapex Alert 6/2019 |
| Screws anchoring the alternator and the air conditioning compressor may not be tightened to the correct torque. As a result, the alternator or the compressor could detach from the engine and fall onto the road. The recall affects vehicles produced between 27. 11. 2017 – 29. 11. 2017. |
| An engine part may not work correctly, leading to power loss. This could potentially result in the engine stalling or engine failure. In very rare circumstances, the vehicle may unexpectedly accelerate slightly before suddenly stopping. The recall affects vehicles produced between 4. 10. 2017 – 27. 11. 2017. |
| The front axle may not have been assembled with the correct tightening torques. As result, parts of the front axle could become loose leading to impaired steering capacity of the vehicle. The recall affects vehicles manufactured between 21. 7. 2017 – 21. 9. 2017. |
| An internal component of an electric relay is faulty. As a consequence, the starter may not be activated, the starter control may be constantly blocked or the starter may operate unexpectedly. This could lead to unexpected movement of the vehicle or fire caused by damage to the starter due to overheating. The recall concerns vehicles produced between 11. 7. 2016 – 11. 10. 2016. |
| A failure in the manufacturer’s gluing process when assembling the rear spoiler could lead to parts of the spoiler detaching while the vehicle is moving, causing a hazard for following vehicles. Vehicles manufactured between 5 January 2017 and 25 January 2017 are recalled. |
| A problem with a component of the gearbox actuator could prevent gear changing or cause the driver to change to the wrong gear. This could lead to the vehicle moving in the opposite direction to that intended by the driver. Vehicles manufactured between 13 May 2016 and 22 June 2016 are recalled. |
| Possible presence of a plastic part in an inlet valve of the ABS/ESP (anti-lock braking system/electronic stabilisation program) unit may cause faulty regulation by the ABS/ESP and untimely wheel-locking. The recall concerns vehicles which have been produced between 30. 3. – 20. 4. 2016 |
| The welding of the fuel injector of the engine may be incorrect. This can lead to a breakdown of the engine and the display of a warning light and alert message on the dashboard. In extreme circumstances, fuel may leak which could lead to a fire. The recall concerns vehicles which have been produced between 20.5.2014 and 18.6.2014 |
| Oil may leak from the turbocharger on to hot engine parts which could lead to a fire breaking out, even after the engine has been switched off. The recall concerns vehicles which have been produced between 7 January and 23 February 2016 inclusive. |
| The roll-over valve located inside the petrol tank may not work properly. In case of the vehicle turning over, a fuel leak could occur which may lead to a fire. The recall concerns vehicles which have been produced between 29. 4. – 10. 7. 2015. |
| A lack of conformity in the assembly of an internal component of the ABS/ESP system may result in an inability to modulate the fluid pressure when the ABS/ESP function is used. This may lead to a system malfunction. The recall affects vehicles produced during the period 16.12.2011 and 13.01.2012. |