If you're looking for a stylish and practical electric hatchback that can go the distance, you might want to check out the Peugeot e-208. This compact car has a lot to offer, from its distinctive design to its impressive range and performance. But is it worth buying over other electric hatchbacks on the market? Let's find out.
Design: Sharper Claws
The Peugeot e-208 is one of the most eye-catching electric cars you can buy today. It has a sleek and sporty shape, with a low roofline, a wide stance, and a short overhang. The front end features Peugeot's signature lion badge and grille, flanked by LED headlights with three-claw motifs. The rear end also has LED taillights with the same claw design, creating a striking lighting signature at night.
The Peugeot e-208 also comes with some exclusive features that distinguish it from its gasoline-powered siblings. For example, it has an "e" monogram on the front fenders and the tailgate, as well as a body-colored chequered grille. It also has 17-inch alloy wheels with aerodynamic inserts that reduce drag and improve efficiency.
The Peugeot e-208 is available in seven colors, including two new ones: Vertigo Blue and Elixir Red. You can also opt for a black roof and black mirror caps for a more dynamic look.
Interior: High-Tech and Comfortable
The Peugeot e-208's interior is equally impressive as its exterior. It has a spacious and comfortable cabin that can accommodate five passengers and their luggage. The trunk has a capacity of 11.1 cubic feet (316 liters), which can be expanded to 40.6 cubic feet (1,151 liters) by folding the rear seats.
The Peugeot e-208 also boasts a high-tech dashboard that features Peugeot's i-Cockpit concept. This consists of a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 3D digital instrument cluster that displays key information such as speed, battery level, range, navigation, etc. The driver can also customize the display according to their preferences and driving modes.
The Peugeot e-208 also offers a range of advanced safety and convenience features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, reversing camera, wireless charging pad, heated seats, etc.
Performance: Zippy and Efficient
The Peugeot e-208 is powered by an electric motor that produces 136 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 8.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h). It also has three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, that adjust the power output and throttle response accordingly.
The Peugeot e-208's battery pack has a capacity of 50 kWh, which gives it a range of 249 miles (400 km) on the WLTP cycle. It also supports fast charging up to 100 kW, which can replenish 80% of the battery in just 30 minutes. Alternatively, it can be charged at home using a standard wall outlet or a dedicated charging station.
The Peugeot e-208 also has a regenerative braking system that recovers energy when decelerating or braking. This helps extend the range and reduce brake wear.
Price: Competitive but Not Cheap
The Peugeot e-208 is costly compared to other electric hatchbacks on the market. It starts at $37,500 (€31,900) in Europe, which is more expensive than the Renault Zoe ($33,000 / €28,000), the Volkswagen ID.3 ($35,000 / €29,900), or the Hyundai Ioniq Electric ($34,000 / €29,000). However, it is cheaper than the Mini Cooper SE ($40,000 / €34,000) or the Honda E ($43,000 / €37,000).
The Peugeot e-208 also comes with a warranty of eight years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for the battery and three years or 60,000 miles (100,000 km) for the rest of the car. The Peugeot Easy-Charge service also offers free access to over 220,000 charging points across Europe.
Verdict: A Solid Choice for Electric Car Buyers
The Peugeot e-208 is a solid choice for electric car buyers who value style, practicality, and performance. It has a distinctive design that stands out from the crowd, a spacious and comfortable interior that offers high-tech features, and a zippy and efficient electric powertrain that delivers long-range and fast charging. It is also competitively priced compared to other electric hatchbacks on the market.
However, the Peugeot e-208 could be better. It has some drawbacks, such as a firm ride quality, limited rear visibility, and a lack of availability in some markets (such as the U.S.). It also faces stiff competition from other electric hatchbacks that offer similar or better features and performance.
The Peugeot e-208 is a stylish and practical electric hatchback that can go far. But is it worth buying over other electric hatchbacks on the market? That depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you're looking for a sleek and sporty electric car that can accommodate five passengers and their luggage, you might want to check out the Peugeot e-208. But if you're looking for a more affordable or more spacious electric car, you might want to look elsewhere.
