Peugeot has upgraded the quality it offered with the 205 and 207. The 2013 Peugeot 208 is set to become the brand’s flagship vehicle with a number of new features and tweaks to the original design. For people looking to buy a light car, the Peugeot 208 is as light as you can get without compromising on performance and fuel economy. If you had fun driving the 207, the 208 will deliver an even better experience. According to Peugeot, the car is roomier, better and safer than before. However, let this review be your guide instead of the company’s claims.
Price
Starting off, the value for money the 2013 Peugeot 208 offers proved to be much better than any of the other cars similar in its size and make. You can easily buy the car for under $20,000. However, the price does vary according to the version you want to buy. For instance, the four-door costs more than the three-door design. Based on the features that other cars in this price range offer, the 208 is equally, if not more, economical.
Design
Peugeot has clearly aimed for a more ‘European’ feel this time around, a feature that is clear from its design. It surely is an improvement on the 207. The great thing about the design is that its actual design is not obvious from the outside as the lines somewhat ‘shrink’ the size. It is when you open the door and look inside that you realize how roomy and spacious the car is. In fact, the 2013 208 is one of the most spacious small cars on the market today.
Safety
The 2013 Peugeot 208 received a five-star rating after thorough crash testing. This indicates that the car is reliable, durable and safe to drive. The safety features of the 2013 Peugeot 208 include:
- Rear park sensors
- Six airbags (each one equipped with electronic aids)
- Auto headlights and wipers
- Emergency brake light
- LED taillights and daytime running lights
Power
The 2013 Peugeot 208 is powered by 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine, which is the same engine used in the BMW Mini. A GTI version of the engine also available and you can get it if you opt for the Turbo version. These aside, the new model’s emphasis is on fuel economy and reducing emissions, which makes this a ‘green’ car. Plus, you get to save money on fuel.
Performance
The drivability of the car is excellent. Being a light and compact car, it is easy to control. It is also one of the few cars that give the driver a sense of authority when on the road. Once you have grabbed the steering, the car will respond to your every command. That being said, the steering panel does appear like that of a go-kart’s due to its low wheel and compressed footwell. However, if you are looking for a car that offers superior handling and can be driven around corners easily, the 2013 Peugeot 208 is the perfect choice for you.
Overall, the Peugeot 208 offers more car than its price tag. If you want a small, easy to maintain car, this is the one for you.