Skip advert
Advertisement

Peugeot 208 and 2008 gain minimalist gear selector

The cars’ strangely shaped automatic gear selector has been replaced with a space-freeing design already seen in the 308

New Peugeot gear selector

The strangely-shaped protruding automatic gear selector in the Peugeot 208 and 2008 is no more. The French manufacturer has announced that both models are to adopt a more minimalist-designed drive select switch similar to what's already seen in the newer 308 family hatchback.

Intended to free up space, the new control for the 208 and 2008 is finished in satin chrome with a piano black surround and a “carbon look” finish for the wrist rest. The toggle switch selects reverse, neutral and drive, while adjacent buttons operate the parking brake and - on models powered by internal combustion engines - a manual mode controlled via steering wheel-mounted paddles.

Advertisement - Article continues below

On fully-electric e-208 and e-2008 models, the manual mode is switched for a ‘B’ button. This activates the regenerative braking mode, which remains switched on for the next restart unless the button is pressed again.

2022 Peugeot interior

The basic design for this switch is already making its way through the Stellantis-owned brands, with several electric vans and the new Vauxhall Astra using it. More are likely to follow. 

As for Peugeot’s passenger cars, we can expect further models to drop the old selector - internally referred to as ‘Cobra’ - before long. The company’s cockpits will retain their ‘i-Cockpit’ layout, which involves the use of a smaller steering wheel with an instrument cluster placed above. 

Now read our reviews of the Peugeot 208 and 2008...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs
Best electric car deals - header image

Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs

Making the switch to an EV? These car brands have an offer (or two) for you
Best cars & vans
28 Apr 2025
Older drivers don’t care about in-car tech, but millennials want more
Auto Express UX web developer Victoria Coquet driving the Peugeot E-3008

Older drivers don’t care about in-car tech, but millennials want more

Peugeot research reveals the size of the age-gap when it comes to connectivity and autonomous features in cars
News
13 Mar 2025
Peugeot 308 and 408 plug-in hybrids now go further with boost to nearly 50 miles of EV range
Peugeot 308 SW - front tracking

Peugeot 308 and 408 plug-in hybrids now go further with boost to nearly 50 miles of EV range

The new plug-in hybrid powertrain will be available in 308, 308SW and 408
News
26 Feb 2025
Best new cars for under £300 per month
Best new cars under £300 per month - header image

Best new cars for under £300 per month

You can get these top cars for less than £300 per month
Best cars & vans
8 Feb 2025

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025