While the city car segment is under significant strain due to stronger emission rulings and a growing appetite for SUVs, the French brands aren’t loosening their grip. After the heavily revised Renault Clio, Peugeot took the wraps of its updated 208, last year’s best-selling car in Europe.

The facelift doesn’t strike as lightning, as the French marque recently launched the upgraded version of its larger twin, 2008, and gave the all-electric e-208 a boost in the fall of 2022. The upsized battery pack of 51 kWh, providing a range of 400 kilometers, hasn’t been altered this time. Next to this version with 156 hp, there’s also a zero-emission base model featuring 136 hp and a range of 326 kilometers.

Half the time electric

Electrification is the name of the game, as the diesel version has been ditched completely (in strong contrast to its main rival at Renault) in favor of mild hybridization for the gasoline versions leaving customers with a choice between 100 hp and 136 hp.

These models get assistance from the starter generator on 48 volts and an integrated e-motor in the six-speed gearbox, a system that was introduced on bigger nameplates like, for example, the 3008, which will be replaced by a battery-powered version by the end of the year.

The electrons’ share on the 1.2 Puretech gasoline engine resulted in a decent improvement. According to Peugeot, consumption drops by 15%, and within an urban context – aka the use case of this car – full-electric driving is possible 50% of the time.

The charging options for the e-208 haven’t been altered either. The onboard systems can cope with 7.4 or 11 kW, and a 100 kW DC module allows a 20 to 80 percent charge in less than 30 minutes.

Dethroning the Golf

While the driveline remains status quo for the electric e-208, the model does enjoy a refresh with a more aggressive facia spearheaded by the new retro-inspired logo and a restyled backside.

The stakes are high for the kitten in Peugeot’s nest, as the model has amassed nearly a million customers since its debut in 2019 and has consistently been a top-selling car in Europe. Last year, it dethroned the Volkswagen Golf, heir to the crown, as if it were a stereotype. Not a small achievement for a small car.

On the inside, Peugeot retains the i-Cockpit design but with technological enhancements. The GT version features a 10-inch digital instrument display with three-dimensional graphics, while the Active base model has an analog solution with a 3,5-inch center screen. The passengers must operate a 10-inch screen in all versions for the infotainment. The optional i-Connect Advanced package serves goodies like 3D Navigation TomTom with real-time updated maps and advanced voice commands.

Coming back home?

There’s no shortage on the level of driving assistance, either. The facelifted model has Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). These include Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, Active Safety Brake with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Extended Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Alert, and a high-definition front camera with an improved resolution.

Only a few days ago, the French Minister of Economy, Bruno Lemaire, addressed Carlo Tavares, boss of Peugeot’s mother company Stellantis, to bring the production of the group’s electric city cars to France. Currently, the 208 model is built in Spain.