Peugeot 208 GT hybrid review: highlighting the fun

Damien O’Carroll
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Specifications

See All See All
Base price
$45,990
Body type
hatchback
Boot Capacity
309
CO2 level g/km
105
Fuel Consumption (l/100km)
4.7
Maximum power kW
100
Maximum torque Nm
230
Pros
  • Excellent high quality interior
  • Fun and engaging handling
  • Charmingly growly - and frugal - engine
Cons
  • Sluggish, confusing infotainment system
  • i-Cockpit can be challenging for taller drivers
  • Not quite as frugal as a Yaris, but then not much is

Before the latest incarnation of the 208 landed here back in 2021 I had the ultimate Peugeot experience in it - my first taste of the 208 GT was in Paris a year earlier, dodging Range Rovers, battered ‘90s Renaults and weird road-registered quad bikes on the congested cobbled streets.

As you might expect, the little 208 was completely at home here, nipping through the traffic while looking suitably stylish. But it was also impressively at home on both the narrow rural roads and sprawling motorways that we also covered on that particular trip, which just happened to be the global launch of the 208’s SUV sibling, the 2008 that shares its underpinnings.

PEUGEOT 208 GT HYBRID: Engine 1.2-litre turbo-petrol 3-cylinder with 48-volt mild hybrid system Power 100kW/230Nm Gearbox 6-speed automated dual-clutch, FWD 0-100km/h 8.1sec Consumption 4.7l/100km (3P-WLTP) Price $45,990.

Upon driving one back in New Zealand it was every bit as fun as I remembered, even handling our considerably rougher roads with a suitably aloof aplomb, despite its diminutive size.

Then the electric version arrived and I was slightly less impressed. I still genuinely liked it, but the extra weight of the battery was a drag on the sublime handling of the ICE car, while the mushy, lifeless brakes took the edge well and truly off the overall fun quotient for me.

Mild revisions to the 208's face make a big difference, particularly the "claw" LED DRLs.

But now both the EV and ICE versions are gone from New Zealand and in their place is a new model that fits somewhere in between the two - the new 208 GT hybrid.

Available in New Zealand in just a single specification, the hybrid uses the same 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine as the pre-facelift model, but adds a 48-volt hybrid system to bump things up fractionally in terms of power to 100kW/230Nm.

Keeping the power and torque roughly the same as the previous model (the ICE version had 96kW/230Nm, while the EV had 100kW/260Nm) keeps the driving experience extremely similar, and while the hybrid is heavier than the previous ICE model, crucially it is lighter than the EV, which is a very good thing indeed.

The 208's interior remains a high quality affair with fantastic styling.

While the hybrid torque peaks at the same point as the ICE model (1750rpm), it has a far better spread, making it noticeably more responsive down low than the old model. Peugeot also says the e-DCS6 dual clutch transmission/48-volt system reduces fuel consumption from 6.3L/100km for the ICE-only model to 4.7 for the hybrid.

And the 208 is still very much fun to drive, with that delightfully traditional French blend of superb ride comfort and sharp handling that was always a Peugeot hallmark.

The 208 is capable of getting down to that claimed figure if you mainly do a lot of urban driving where, unlike most 48-volt mild hybrid systems, the car will run in purely electric mode for a surprising amount of time, albeit at very low speeds.

The 208's fantastic 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine benefits from the added electrification.

Head out onto the open road and that figure will depend drastically on how you drive it: keep a relaxed approach and it will happily sit in the mid 5s, but drive it in a way that takes full advantage of its fun handling characteristics and it will start drinking a bit more, with a healthy blend of both seeing our car sitting on 5.9L/100km by the end of our week with it. From experience, the previous ICE model would have been getting close to breaking into the 8s with the same mix of driving.

And the 208 is still very much fun to drive, with that delightfully traditional French blend of superb ride comfort and sharp handling that was always a Peugeot hallmark. Slightly taking the edge off this is the steering that, while sharp and accurate, is a tad lifeless.

However the brakes are a simply massive improvement over the full EV model, with a nice firm pedal and a good amount of feel present. There is also a degree of regeneration at urban speeds, not enough to be a fully one-pedal experience, but enough that you know it's there and use it accordingly.

The 208 is roomy and practical for a small hatch, but it is still a small hatch.

Along with the new powertrain, the 208 gets a refreshed look, with Peugeot’s big new badge sitting in the centre of a grille that features body coloured elements (like the previous EV version) that are now angled inwards and blend down into the bumper, while there are also significantly more LED lights, with a set of LED “claws” added under the new headlights, where there was previously just a single strake.

The 208 GT Hybrid very much represents a “best of both worlds” approach, combining the previous ICE model’s delightful handling with the more miserly benefits of electrification.

Inside the interior largely carries over from the old model, with the same quirky driving position that is somewhat polarising and can be difficult to tailor for taller drivers, as well as the same high quality materials and striking styling.

A new grille design and the new (and larger) Peugeot badge dominate the front end.

Unfortunately, the same infotainment system also carries over and still features the same sluggish touchscreen and confusingly obtuse menus.

Overall though the 208 GT Hybrid very much represents a “best of both worlds” approach, combining the previous ICE model’s delightful handling with the more miserly benefits of electrification. While the price has crept up, at $45,990 the 208 still represents decent value for money by balancing out the fact it is both more expensive and not as frugal as a Toyota Yaris with the fact it is far more stylish, fun and has a much higher quality interior.

 

What are the key statistics for the Peugeot 208 GT hybrid?

The 208’s mild hybrid engine makes 100kW/230Nm, or just 4kW more than the non-electrified version. The electrification is provided by a 6-speed “e-DCT” gearbox that combines a dual clutch transmission and an integrated electric motor.

Is the Peugeot 208 GT hybrid efficient?

Peugeot claims 4.7L/100km for the 208 hybrid, which is down on the previous model's claim of 6.7L/100km. Real world driving brings this up to closer to the 6 mark, but that did include some spirited thrashing on a winding back road, so it still represents an impressive figure.

Is the Peugeot 208 GT hybrid good to drive?

Yes, it very much is. Smooth and comfortable around town, the 208 is effortless to pilot around urban areas, with light steering and a tight turning circle. But it is also a lot of fun on a winding country road, with an eager and agile chassis making it an absolute delight to head out for a bit of fun in.

Is the Peugeot 208 GT hybrid practical?

The 208 has a spacious cabin for a small hatch, but it is still a small hatch. The 208 is perfectly practical for one or two people, but if space and practicality are an overriding factor, then the mechanically-identical 2008 GT SUV is probably a better option for you.

What do we like about the Peugeot 208 GT hybrid?

Brilliantly eager three-cylinder engine is even better with the added oomph from electrification, while also being even more frugal. It still looks great both inside and out, with the interior quality being a particular highlight. And it's still just good fun to drive.

What don’t we like about the Peugeot 208 GT hybrid?

The i-Cockpit layout is not for everybody and makes it hard for taller drivers to find a good seating position, while the infotainment system is still somewhat frustrating in both its operation and layout.

What kind of person would the Peugeot 208 GT hybrid suit?

Somebody who wants a fun and engaging small hatch that is easy to live with and is not the slightest bit bland or boring.

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