Peugeot 208 review - Reliability and safety
Peugeot customers rate improved quality and reliability, but the 208 misses out on a top safety rating
The Mk2 Peugeot 208 fell from 37th to 51st place on our list of the best cars to own, which is based on owners' feedback from our most recent Driver Power customer satisfaction survey. However the French supermini did manage to finish ahead of one of its main rivals, the Volkswagen Polo (62nd), meanwhile its sister car, the Vauxhall Corsa, didn't make the list.
The Peugeot 3008 and 2008 SUVs also made it onto our list of the best cars to own, while Peugeot itself finished ninth in the latest best car manufacturer rankings. Owners said they like how their cars drive and look, but they also reported more faults than Citroen owners.
The previous-generation 208 achieved the maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, albeit under a less-stringent testing procedure. The new 208 has been awarded a four-star rating from the new tougher testing, but you should still view the latest model in context as a definite move forward.
All cars get six airbags, lane keeping assist, speed limit recognition and recommendation, tyre pressure monitors and stability control. Also included as standard is Peugeot’s Active Safety Brake (pedestrian) system, which is able to auto-activate the car’s braking at low speeds, if there is a risk of collision. The GT Line adds a night and cycling function to the active safety brake system, while the e-208 GT includes adaptive cruise control, lane positioning assist and blind spot monitoring.
Warranty
Peugeot’s warranty applies for three years, which is the industry standard. Some rival brands do offer more generous warranty lengths, including Hyundai (five years), Kia (seven years) and Toyota (up to ten years). The fact that Peugeot applies no limit to the mileage covered makes it a definite cut above the norm though, while it’s possible to extend the warranty at extra cost.
Servicing
Peugeot offers flexible service plans for up to five years, with various mileage options. All packages remain at a fixed cost for the duration of the plan and can be paid for either as a one-off sum, or monthly direct debit arrangement. An approved Peugeot service plan can be purchased up to 12 months after the car’s first registration date.
