Peugeot 208 Engine and Performance Review

The second-generation Peugeot 208 (launched in 2019) has been sold with more powertrains than almost any other small car: non-turbo and turbo petrols, a diesel, a 48-volt hybrid and a fully electric version. This guide explains how they differ, using official figures from the English-language Peugeot owner's handbook, and which one makes most sense for the way you drive.

The 208 Engine Line-Up at a Glance

The table below summarises the engines listed in the 2023 edition of the Peugeot 208 owner's handbook. Not every engine was sold in every country.

All petrol versions use the same 1,199 cc three-cylinder block; the diesel is a 1,499 cc four-cylinder. Braked trailer limits apply on a 10-12% gradient within the gross train weight, and the maximum nose weight on the towball is 55 kg for every combustion and hybrid version. The handbook notes that towing limits drop by 10% for every 1,000 metres of altitude above 1,000 metres, and that you should never exceed 62 mph (100 km/h) when towing, or less if local law requires.

Which 208 Engine Should You Choose?

Mostly town driving, tight budget: the PureTech 75 is the only engine in the range without a turbocharger. It's simple and adequate around town, but it feels breathless on the motorway and its towing limit is just 500 kg.

All-rounder: the turbocharged PureTech 100 is the sweet spot for most buyers. It's noticeably livelier than the 75, comfortable at motorway speeds and available with a manual or automatic gearbox.

Want some pace: the PureTech 130 is the most powerful petrol and comes only with an automatic. It's the version that makes the 208 feel genuinely brisk.

High mileage: the 1.5 BlueHDi 100 diesel suits drivers who do lots of long motorway runs, though diesel versions are becoming rare.

Mostly urban, want lower fuel bills: the Hybrid 100 and Hybrid 136 (listed in the 2023 handbook) pair a PureTech engine with a 21 kW electric motor built into a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a small 48-volt, 0.9 kWh lithium-ion battery. They can't be plugged in; instead they recover energy when slowing down and use it to help the engine, especially in stop-start traffic.

Home charging available: the electric e-208 (see below) is the quietest and smoothest option and has no tailpipe emissions, but note that the handbook does not permit it to tow at all.

Performance and Economy (Pre-2023 Petrol Models)

For the earlier PureTech petrol engines, brochure figures were as follows. Treat these as historical: fuel and CO2 figures depend on the test cycle and wheel size, and later cars may differ.

The PureTech 100 covers 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 10.8 seconds with a top speed of 188 km/h (117 mph). The PureTech 130 cuts the sprint to 8.7 seconds and reaches 208 km/h (129 mph). Expect real-world fuel consumption to be higher than these official numbers, particularly in town.

Gearboxes

The EAT8 eight-speed automatic is the pick: it shifts smoothly and quietly, and its wide spread of ratios helps economy at motorway speeds. Older PureTech 130 models used the six-speed EAT6. The manual gearboxes are light and easy, though the shift can feel a little rubbery. The hybrids use their own six-speed electric dual-clutch automatic (e-DCS6).

What It's Like to Drive

The 208's newer platform makes it light and agile, which suits town driving: it darts through traffic and is easy to park. The steering is quick and accurate, if a little short on feel, and the small i-Cockpit steering wheel can feel odd at first, though most drivers adapt quickly. The suspension soaks up bumps well and body roll is kept in check, while good sound insulation keeps the cabin quiet. It's not a hot hatch, but with the PureTech 130 it's genuinely fun.

PureTech Ownership: What You Need to Know

The 1.2 PureTech is a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, and turbo petrol engines like this need looking after. Some earlier PureTech engines suffered from premature wear of the oil-immersed timing belt, which can shed debris and lead to low oil pressure or, in the worst cases, serious engine damage. Other reported issues include higher oil consumption (especially when driven hard), carbon build-up on the intake valves and sensitivity to oil quality.

To keep yours healthy:

• Stick to the service schedule and use the oil grade specified by Peugeot. Don't stretch oil-change intervals.
• Check the oil level regularly between services.
• Drive gently until the engine is warm.
• Have the timing belt and the auxiliary (drive) belt inspected as the mileage rises. The auxiliary belt usually lasts at least 70,000 km (about 43,000 miles), but it's worth having it checked once you pass that.
• Investigate warning lights promptly. Our guides to Peugeot 208 red warnings and orange warnings explain what each symbol means.

Electric: the e-208

The first e-208 used a 50 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 134 hp electric motor, completing 0-62 mph in 8.1 seconds. The updated version listed in the 2023 handbook has a 51 kWh battery and a 115 kW (156 hp) motor. According to the handbook it supports Mode 2 domestic charging (230 V single-phase, 8 or 16 A), Mode 3 accelerated AC charging (230 V single- or three-phase, 16 or 32 A) and Mode 4 rapid DC charging (400 V). Real-world range and charging times depend on the version and on-board charger, so check the specification of the car you're considering.

The Bottom Line

For most drivers, the PureTech 100 is the best all-round 208 engine, with the PureTech 130 the choice if you want more performance. If you do a lot of town driving, the newer hybrids are worth a look, and if you can charge at home the e-208 is the most refined of all. Whatever you choose, regular servicing is the key to a trouble-free PureTech.

For the bigger picture, read our full Peugeot 208 review.