Peugeot e-208 test: a definite taste for techno and a controlled appetite

Peugeot e-208 technical sheet

A (very) strong potential for seduction

As we said, the e-208 uses the same platform as the thermal versions and, suddenly, only a few details can make the difference. A blue e on the car's C pillar, a dichroic lion on the grille and a badge on the back, on the trunk.

The electric 208 is available in four different finishes: Active, Allure, GT Line and GT.

It is this last finish that we are testing. Moreover, the GT finish is exclusively reserved for the 100% electric version, perhaps just to stir up envy. Because even if it's a matter of taste, we must admit that this electric 208 is very attractive. In this GT version, its luminous fangs at the front and its pronounced body lines give it a great dose of character.

It incorporates the design codes that made the success of the 3008 on the SUV market in its time. To make it short, this 208 is a small 508 and it looks really good on it. Even after three days in his company, we never got tired of his GT look.

The interior of the e-208

Inside, the assemblies are of fairly good quality and the foamed plastic occupies the ground, except in one place that we consider strategic for a good customer appreciation: the storm doors. There, the hard plastic covers the entire upper part which somewhat tarnishes the overall appearance which until then was rather flattering. For the rest, everything is better, or almost.

i-Cockpit 3D, the techno universe of Peugeot ... 

Unsurprisingly, the now famous i-Cockpit 3D equips our GT version. Already integrated in various models of the brand, including the latest SUV, the 2008, this dashboard is not always unanimous. What you need to know above all is that behind this name i-Cockpit 3D actually hides three elements. The first is the 10-inch central touch screen, then there is the small steering wheel and, finally, the so-called "head-up" handset which consists of a 12.3-inch panel with a raised display system, hence its 3D mention. The result is simply impossible to share in a photo since the perspective is only visible in a real situation. And if this system is welcome from a technological point of view - we will see below that its ergonomics are debated - from the of the country manufacturer, it does not relate to any particular technical performance. You just had to think about it.

A panel that projects the image upside down is hidden under the dashboard

To understand it, all you have to do is lean into the passenger compartment until you can see the underside of the dashboard "cap". There another LCD screen is installed and it is bright enough to act as a projector. It thus diffuses an image upside down which is reflected on a PVC slab, positioned slightly inclined in front of the digital meter. The juxtaposition of certain information creates this 3D effect clearly visible to the human eye. According to Peugeot, this highlighting of important information (speed, guidance information, etc.) would reduce the driver's reaction time by 1 second. Impossible for us to validate these remarks, but it is true that the result is pleasant.

Especially since this screen offers several display modes highlighting sometimes driving information (speed and traffic signs), security (monitoring white lines), energy (with the flow display circulating between the battery and the engine) or the guidance with a full map display. In short, it's up to date and effective ... but it obviously does not please everyone.

... which is not unanimous

Indeed, some people complain about this configuration in which the top of the steering wheel, despite its double flattened design, hides the information from the meter. And in this case, it becomes prohibitive, because it is not only secondary information that is concerned. The speed or even the navigation indications become difficult to read at a glance. But now, this defect does not concern everyone ... and certainly not us. Your height (1,75 m in our case) and your driving position will be the factors for adopting this system. In fact, we find that the steering wheel settings in depth and height help to find the right setting, but we can imagine that this is not suitable for everyone. “Smaller” drivers may need to lower the steering wheel to see overhead. They will then have the impression of driving with it on their knees.

The i-Cockpit 3D is not for everyone

For us, everything fits perfectly. So we're quite a fan of this cockpit. And also a fan of the very pleasant character of this electric 208.

The lioness is playful and so easy to tame

Behind the wheel, no doubt, even if it is an electric, it is indeed a Peugeot. Its 50 kWh battery pack certainly imputes an overweight of nearly 300 kg compared to its thermal versions, but the dynamic temperament of the car remains intact. Let's get it right, this isn't a GTI and the 100 kW (136 hp) engine doesn't deliver acceleration that sticks to you in the seat, but the city car remains dynamic.

Even if the steering remains light, the small steering wheel greatly contributes to the pleasure of driving. The 208 is agile, precise and easy to tame even when the pace picks up a bit on winding roads. It is on this driving profile that we like to activate the sport mode via the selector accessible between the front seats. A much more dynamic configuration, where the maximum torque announced (260 Nm) does not go unnoticed. More lively in its revivals, the e-208 is also on a standing start. Peugeot announces that its city car accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 8.1 seconds.

The e-208 is very pleasant to drive

It remains to be borne in mind that the machine weighs about 1,5 tonnes and that, even if the center of gravity is very low, the mass transfer on winding roads is noticeable. The shock absorbers are put to the test, but again, we must recognize that Peugeot did a good job so that the passengers are not too inconvenienced. In our GT finish, we even appreciate the slightly enveloping side of the seats.

Out of this context which encourages us to appreciate the playful character of this electric 208, we again use the selector to alternate between “normal” and “eco” modes. The first will be suitable for all situations, including on long sections of the motorway, set to the regulator at 110 or 130 km / h. As its name suggests, the "eco" mode limits the performance of the engine somewhat, but we nevertheless find it quite suitable for city traffic or as soon as you are stuck in traffic.

The power gauge displayed on the meter

A fairly simple way to optimize consumption, especially if this is coupled to mode B, for "brake", which increases the intensity of the engine braking in order to reinject the energy recovered during deceleration into the batteries. A classic, except that this B mode is quite shy here. Peugeot has chosen not to force this engine brake so as not to disturb the driver. To (try) to give you an idea, this engine brake does not even turn on the brake lights as the deceleration is minimal. Suddenly, there is no question of adopting a single-pedal driving, as can be done on a Nissan Leaf (whose techno e-Pedal remains a reference in the matter) or at the wheel of a Tesla - these having received an update of the regenerative braking mode now going to a stop.

Controlled consumption

This versatility and road comfort offered by the e-208 clearly makes you want to cut the road. But these escapades will be constrained by the fact that it is an electric, and that its battery capacity of 50 kWh, or more exactly 46 kWh useful reminds us that the car is not really made for long journeys.

During our test, we covered more than 400 kilometers, with a nice mix of roads. From the motorway, the city, the national, winding country roads… everything we needed to try to get a better idea of ​​the consumption of this e-208. And if you're not yet in the know, it really isn't that easy. By the way, don't take this at face value, but as an estimate that we hope is as accurate as possible. Because in an electric car, everything can quickly change considerably depending on the driving style, the road profile and the weather.

Our consumption after 415 km on mixed roads and using all modes.

On these first days of March, in rainy weather, but rather mild temperatures (around 10 degrees), our average consumption is 15,1 kWh / 100 km - including sections in sport mode. Our best performance is around 14,6 kWh / 100 km. Consumption obtained by playing with the different driving modes and by using the engine brake (mode B), with a cast pipe, but without tightening the bridle.

Be careful, however, in the photo above, two pieces of information should not be taken into account. The first is the average indicated speed of 33 km / h. In fact this speed is totally distorted by the fact that we regularly stopped to take pictures while leaving the contact. The second is the range indicator which displays 100 km so the gauge is around 45%. In fact, on this specific point of the instrumentation, the e-208 that we have in our hands (a car from the park reserved for the press and produced more than 8 months ago), is not yet in the final version. software. On the other hand, with a simple calculation, this completely controlled consumption of around 15 kWh would translate into an overall range of around 300 km (and 317 km in the context of consumption at 14,6 kWh / 100km). .

We are certainly not at the 340 km WLTP announced, but it is not bad at all. But make no mistake, on the motorway, stuck with the regulator at 110 or 130 km / h, the difference in consumption is considerable. At stabilized speed, the electronics display real time consumption which varies between 19 and 28 kWh / 100 km… and the slightest hill can raise the milestone of 30 kWh / 100 km. It's rude, very rude! The gap is huge and we can estimate that the autonomy of the beautiful on the highway should be between 200 and 250 km under favorable weather and wind.

Charging power and Free2Move, a winning duo? 

She had all the cards in hand to be a small road this mini 508. The silence and comfort on board (even if the rear seats are a little tight), the technos welcome on long journeys which are sometimes painful (keeping course, reading panels and active cruise control), but also a temperament that does not get bored behind the wheel. But for all that, the e-208 will not address a clientele of backpackers. And besides, in this observation, Peugeot is not really the fault.

The rear seats are decent, but the central tunnel is imposing

Because if he has opted for a 46 kWh battery useful to contain the price of the car, remember that the Combo CCS charging socket accepts a power of up to 100 kW where the Renault ZOE tops out at 50 kW with its “DC-”. Box ”invoiced 1000 euros as an option. On the other hand, the ZOE is compatible with three-phase 22 kW terminals, where the e-208 is limited to 11 kW via an optional charger charged at 300 euros.

The Combo CCS 100 kW charging socket is a big highlight of this car

On paper, this is clearly one of the big strengths of this e-208, but it doesn't solve the main problem for long journeys: the disappointing quality of the charging network on secondary roads. You'll still be able to aim for the rare Ionity Terminals, where you can recover 80% in 30 minutes, but the cost cools. Peugeot does not have an agreement with Ionity, the full price applies (0.79 euro per kWh) and it is therefore necessary to count around 38 euros to refuel!

Free2Move and the My Peugeot application allow you to manage the load

On the other hand, if we then consider that the e-208 is a “city car ++”, Peugeot's offer becomes much more interesting, even if it means paying around sixty euros more per year. This is indeed the price that will cost you access to the Free2Move service. For 4,99 euros per month, this Pass gives you access to 150 charging stations in Europe, including 000 charging stations in your country.

To learn more
The different sockets for electric cars

Please note, charging remains chargeable at the rate established by the operator of the charging network, but with Free2Move, Peugeot above all facilitates access to its terminals. No need to create accounts with the different services or to take out the right card for each terminal, or even to point the cost of its top-ups at the end of the month to do your accounts ... the Free2Move pass combines all of this in a single and same interface.

In addition to that, we find in its mobile application of the same name an interactive map with all the charging stations and, once your account is linked to the car, the charging points appear in the navigation interface. Suddenly, at the sight of all its small icons of blue terminals, it almost seems that the network is dense in Île-de-votre pay.

For an additional euro per month, your Free2Move account will also allow you to pay for dematerialized parking, reservations in long-term parking lots at stations and airports, as well as payment at toll barriers. Something to make your life easier. We just regret that Peugeot does not offer a free period after purchasing the car. At the very least, a year of eye service would have been a welcome little business gesture.

What bothers us about this e-208

To conclude this test, we wanted to come back to a specific point of the multimedia equipment, namely the 10-inch screen installed in the center of the dashboard. Did you forget it? We don't. Our verdict on this one is quite mixed. While it responds well to the pressure of a finger to validate or enter a command, but also to the famous "pinch" to zoom in or out in the map. While it is bright and rather well contrasted. While the system is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible. And, finally, while it is in the high position slightly oriented towards the driver to reduce the time (of distraction) during which we look away from the road to consult it… something annoys us.

The lost edges are much too important A double row of buttons to control multimedia functions

On either side of what we will call the main window, where the navigation instructions or even the multimedia functions are displayed, there are two wide bands which considerably reduce the display space, Peugeot has decided to hard display the indications related to heating and air conditioning. And that's all !

Suddenly, in addition to having a multitude of "piano keys", surmounted by sensitive buttons including access to heating, we still find on the screen these same functions where we would have liked to find contextual menus. For example, when we are under the navigation interface, we would have liked these areas to be devoted to displaying quick access to the nearest charging station and to its favorite destinations (home and work) from a side and, on the other, to display a list of his favorite radio stations. This would have made it possible to avoid wasting time and therefore being distracted by manipulating menus.

There is an urgent need to renew this interface

As for the idea of ​​having a home page, divided into several widgets for a display again intelligent and efficient, do not even count on it. The one proposed by Peugeot is accessible by tapping with three fingers on the touch screen and is only a repetition of the touch keys found just below.

In fact, when you are faced with this interface, you have the impression of using something already outdated on board a car which also marks a technological renewal by relying in particular on this 3D cockpit. That's a shame. In our opinion, there is an urgent need to renew this interface, even if it means disturbing a little customers who have already made their mark in Peugeot's multimedia world.

On the other hand, we like the support for the smartphone which is integrated into a tilting hatch. This could accommodate our iPhone 11 like our Samsung Galaxy Note 10+, except that for the latter, it was no longer possible to connect the USB cable to recharge it. And even if it means charging your mobiles, the e-208 incorporates an induction charging compartment.

A location can accommodate the smartphone

Peugeot e-208 price and availability

The electric Peugeot e-208 obviously sees its prices vary depending on the finish. Here are the prices, excluding the ecological bonus:

•  Active sold from 32 euros
•  Allure sold from 33 euros
• GT Line sold from 35 euros
• GT sold from 37 euros

Where to buy the
Peugeot e-208 at the best price?

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