Peugeot 208 - best small cars
Our pick: Active 1.2L PureTech 82Price: £13,365
The 208 offers an upmarket cabin and grown-up driving experience, with good economy from the nippy 82bhp 1.2-litre VTi and punchy 92bhp 1.6 HDi diesel.
The 208 marks a return to form for Peugeot, and is one of the best-looking cars in the supermini class. Peugeot attempted to push the model a little more upmarket compared with previous offerings, with a bold front end – incorporating LED lights on top-spec models – and a higher-quality cabin than in the old 207.
Dominating the dashboard on Active-spec models upwards is a stylish seven-inch touchscreen display, while all but entry-level 208s get air-con and Bluetooth. The interior has decent space for four adults, and the boot size can be increased from 285 litres to a massive 1,152 litres by folding the rear seats.
Highlights of the wide engine range are the nippy 82bhp three-cylinder 1.2-litre VTi turbo and the punchy and refined 92bhp 1.6 HDi diesel. Both promise low fuel consumption, with the diesel returning 83.1mpg. Its 89g/km emissions mean it is road tax exempt, although those who go for the 1.2 VTi pay only £20 a year and benefit from longer, 20,000-mile service intervals.
Safety kit includes ESP and plenty of airbags, although Peugeots don’t have the best reliability record, so owners may encounter problems in time.
