Peugeot 208 2016 review
Overview
The first-generation Peugeot 208 was facelifted in 2015, so 2016 cars wear the sharper front end with LED running lights, a new grille and the distinctive i-Cockpit cabin with its tiny steering wheel and high-set instruments. Sold in the UK as a three- or five-door hatch, it undercut the Ford Fiesta on price while feeling a class above inside — a formula that made it one of Britain''s most popular superminis.
The engine range is built around the 1.2-litre PureTech three-cylinder. The naturally aspirated PureTech 82 makes 82bhp and 118Nm, hits 62mph in 11.8 seconds and officially returns 62mpg with 104g/km of CO2 — Parkers lists the 2016 Active Design 5dr at £14,585 when new. The turbocharged PureTech 110 adds real pace, the 1.6 BlueHDi 100 diesel claims up to 83mpg with 90g/km, and the 208 GTi''s 208bhp 1.6 THP remains one of the great affordable hot hatches.
Trims in 2016 ran Access, Active, Allure, GT Line and GTi, with special editions such as Roland Garros. Even Active cars got the 7-inch touchscreen with Mirror Screen and Apple CarPlay, DAB radio, air conditioning and LED rear lights, while Allure added the panoramic glass roof and GT Line the sporty body kit and larger alloys.
The big used-buying caveat is the PureTech wet timing belt. Turbocharged 1.2 PureTech 110 and 130 engines built between March 2013 and April 2017 were subject to a brake-vacuum-pump and timing-belt campaign, and degraded belts can clog the oil pick-up with debris. Stellantis now runs a support programme covering belt-related failures up to 10 years/180,000km with full service history — check the VIN and demand proof of belt inspection or replacement. The 1.6 BlueHDi diesel avoids the issue entirely and is the safest high-mileage pick.
UK price from: £14,585
Specifications
| Engine | 1.2L 3-cylinder petrol (PureTech 82) |
| Power | 82 bhp |
| Torque | 118 Nm |
| 0-60 mph | 11.8 seconds |
| Top speed | 109 mph |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy | 62 mpg combined (NEDC) |
| CO2 emissions | 104 g/km |
| Boot space | 285 litres |
| Kerb weight | 975 kg |
| Insurance group | 10 |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60,000 miles |
| Euro NCAP | 5 stars |
Features
- 1.2-litre PureTech 82 three-cylinder petrol (82bhp, 118Nm)
- Five-speed manual gearbox with stop/start
- 7-inch touchscreen with Mirror Screen, Apple CarPlay and DAB radio
- i-Cockpit cabin with small steering wheel and high-set dials
- LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights
- Air conditioning and front fog lights
- 60:40 split-folding rear seats
- Five-star Euro NCAP safety rating (2012 test)
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £42.99 | Pattern part; OEM specification |
| Oil filter | £8.99 | |
| Cabin pollen filter | £15.99 | |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £18.99 | |
| 12V battery | £84.99 | |
| Engine air filter | £12.99 |
Pros
- Frugal: 62mpg and 104g/km mean £20 annual VED and cheap insurance (group 10)
- Distinctive i-Cockpit interior feels premium for the class
- Comfortable, supple ride that suits British roads
- Generous standard kit — touchscreen and CarPlay from Active trim
- BlueHDi diesel offers up to 83mpg for high-mileage drivers
Cons
- PureTech wet timing belt needs documented inspection or replacement — verify before buying
- Small 285-litre boot trails the Fiesta and Polo
- Cramped rear seats and some hard cabin plastics
- GT Line''s big wheels make the ride choppy
