Peugeot e-208: a Lioness very much in phase

Peugeot made you roar with its turbo engines 16 in past decades. In the 21^st century, the Lion of Sochaux continues its inspiration and all electrifying. That’s what we were able to experience when we tested the new Peugeot e-208. But not just any car from the new range. The editors of www.testecar.com took the wheel of the 100% electric version of this 208, the new Peugeot e-208. A car that Peugeot wants to make one of its spearheads like the 205 was in its time. After picking up our test vehicle from the Peugeot Tressol-Chabrier dealership in Montpellier, we decided to take this 100% electric French car on various fields to see how this new car would perform.

Asserted electromobility

100% ok, but which electric? For that, it is necessary to open the eye. The electric version we have is distinguished externally by its grille and the “lion” whose facets are the same color as the body. The “dichroic lion”, changes color depending on the angles. Similarly, the sides, do not find the acronym “e” for “electric”. But what is more notable is the absence of exhaust system. No gas emission, so no pot!

So we set off through the roads of the Hérault region. During our test drive, a light north wind took us from the heart of Montpellier to the ponds of Carnon and the urban pyramids of La Grande-Motte. Excellent places to discover the urban behavior of the car. The first few laps around this latest Peugeot model already confirmed the brand’s commitment to the environment. To be part of an affirmed electromobility approach and especially a versatility in terms of use. The new Peugeot e-208 is intended to be in the heart of the cities and to take the first places in sales.

Autonomy of 340 km for the Peugeot e-208

But what are its advantages? One of the first is undoubtedly its motorization. This new Peugeot e-208 is equipped with a simple but very efficient electric motor. With a power of 100 kW/h, equivalent to 136 hp, it announces a torque of 260 Nm. Figures that, on paper, already make it the most powerful 208 of the whole range! But let’s see if these promises are kept… The few kilometers that separated us from Montpellier have no significant impact on the battery capacity. Given a range of 340 km (WLTP standard), the car still carries 350 kg of lithium-ion battery of 50 kWh under the floor. This is an optimal configuration for testing the car’s Eco mode (82 hp).

Brake bite

Behind the wheel, the pressure on the gas pedal propels the car with a certain ease. It is thus very pleasant to feel the engine’s torque. A responsiveness that, in the city, is very appreciable, for insertion in traffic. Powerful, but economical in its consumption. Like all electric cars, the new Peugeot e-208 recovers range when decelerating.

The use of the engine brake is very interesting. If the engine brake is quite light when you lift your foot, it can be amplified with a “brake” mode which offers a more important regeneration. The use of the brake pedal is therefore always very useful! If it is flexible, it does not lack bite. In particular, on small urban slowdowns. You learn to control your pressure on the brake pedal to stop when you want to and to recover a maximum of energy.

A concentrate of technology

Inside, the signature of the new Peugeot environment is displayed. In particular, the steering wheel proposed by the brand with a smaller diameter. This projects a “cockpit” type effect where the reading of information is easy. An effect enhanced by the 3D vision proposed by the car. However, it is important to find the right seat height to drive the car because, depending on your height, you will have to choose whether to read the information below or above the steering wheel… A concentrate of technology that, on a daily basis, makes driving easier. The succession of narrow streets is not a concern for this e-208. The 4 meters long and 1.75 meters width allow it to pass everywhere.

On board, the good surprise is to find the same level of comfort as the thermal version. In terms of habitability, the battery has been integrated under the floor (e-CMP electrified modular platform) which preserves the space on board as well as the trunk volume at 311 liters. It is when leaving the asphyxiated traffic of Montpellier that the car offers other perspectives. As we drove along the first roads under our wheels, this 100% electric car revealed its dynamic capabilities.

Excellent soundproofing

Let’s head to the hinterland of the Hérault region to get a taste of the other assets of this e-208. In Normal mode, the car allows you to drive with complete peace of mind, in optimal comfort. We can note that Peugeot has made a great effort on the comfort. A Normal mode that allows you to drive while optimizing consumption and recovery. All this at stabilized speed. The car seems to slide on a cushion of air. Especially since the soundproofing is excellent, worthy of a vehicle in a higher segment. A feeling that makes this 100% electric new Peugeot e-208 an interesting alternative for daily travel. Both for its road qualities and for its comfort and performance.

The “GTI” spirit of the Peugeot e-208

With this Peugeot, we feel that a filiation is always present with the character of other cult models. It is by pushing the change mode button, by switching to Sport, that the car becomes free. As soon as the road starts to turn, the maximum power arrives at the front wheels with vigor. Of course, the issue of the overall weight (1,445kg) is felt, but this e-208 is well balanced. A good compromise has been found between the handling and the chassis. If we know that there is an “e” on the side, we could be tempted to think that the letters “GTI” flirted in the minds of those who designed this Peugeot…

A spirit that our witness did not fail to underline during our test drive. Jérôme, our driver of the day, was able to appreciate the dynamic qualities of this 100%. “I must admit that I had never driven an electric car before. And I have about 30 years of driving experience, but this is the first time I’ve driven this type of engine”, he explains. “I have to admit that I am seduced by this car. In the context of my professional project, it is clear that having this type of vehicle as a fleet car is something to think about”, says our guest.

Reasonable consumption on the highway

When our test drive took us to the seaside, the Grand-Mottois pyramids stood in front of us, and especially the urban maze. “We drove in silence and in total comfort”, said Jérôme, bluffed… In town, the car is in its element. On the road, you can drive at your own pace or more dynamically. On the highway, it is the only place where the autonomy can drop sharply if the accelerator pedal is used too much. The battery gauge can quickly melt in front of your eyes. However, the car’s behavior is optimal. The outside temperature can affect the range. Indeed, the cold is not a friend of the batteries… the ideal is not to exceed 130 km/h at cruising speed. For a reasonable consumption, the compact car stabilizes at 24.2 kWh per 100 km at 110 km/h.

With this Peugeot e-208, the car manufacturer has struck a blow in the highly competitive 100% electric compact segment. A car that was eagerly awaited and on which the Lion brand has high hopes. A car that could convince those who are still reluctant to go electric. Peugeot is on the right track by offering a vehicle that begins to combine performance, comfort and pleasure. The price seems to be a bit high for a top-of-the-range version, but it is certainly more judicious to think in terms of cost of use rather than cost of purchase⁽¹⁾. The extension of the network of charging stations can only help this type of vehicle to grow in the automotive market.

Pierre-Jean Côme

Recharging the Peugeot e-208

It is possible to recharge the e-208 in two ways: at home or outdoors.

• At home: Simply plug the charging cable into a domestic socket. It is advisable to have a secure and reinforced socket (like Green’up). The recharge time is 16 hours instead of 20 hours.

There is the possibility to recharge on Wallbox.

(7 h 20 in 7,4 kW; 5 hours in 11 kW; 2 h 30 in 22 kW)

• Outdoors: the car can be recharged at the various public or private network terminals. The battery can handle 100 kW of power. It is then possible to regain 80% of autonomy in 30 minutes.

⁽¹⁾ Example of an offer for the purchase of an e-208 Active

From 159€ /month after a first rent of 3 400 €.
Ecological bonus of 6 000 € deducted.
Conversion bonus deducted.
Assistance and warranty included for 3 years. More information on www.peugeot.fr

A drive test conducted in partnership with the Peugeot dealership (Tressol-Chabrier Group), 905 rue de l’Industrie 34070 Montpellier.

https://concessions.peugeot.fr/ggh