Peugeot e-208 review: interior, dashboard & infotainment
A striking dashboard design and textural finish give the electric Peugeot 208 the edge for perceived interior quality and design appeal
The e-208 gets one of the most high-tech dashboards in the small-car class, not least thanks to digital dials complete with 3D-effect graphics that seem to jump out from the screen. The trim structure was changed for 2022, with the removal of Active and Allure. The range currently comprises Active Premium+, Allure Premium+ and GT, with all but the base version getting the uprated instrument cluster.
Every e-208 gets at least a seven-inch colour touchscreen, while GT cars boast a larger 10-inch display. The e-208's interior is a comfortable place to spend time, and also more interesting and appealing-looking than what you’ll find in a Vauxhall Corsa Electric or Renault ZOE. Visibility could be better, though, and the driving position won’t suit everyone.
Peugeot e-208 dashboard
The Peugeot’s dashboard gets an appealingly striking design and a blend of materials. The overall effect is dominated by the screens – both the dash-top, 3D digital dials in front of the driver and the big touchscreen mounted centrally. It’s annoying that you have to change the temperature on the screen rather than the switchgear arrayed underneath, though.
Equipment, options & accessories
Equipment levels on the e-208 are very good, although you’re better off avoiding the entry-level car, as it does without the funky 3D dials. Changes to the line-up in 2022 removed the cheapest trims with the grades now comprising Active Premium+, Allure Premium+ and GT. The e-208 still comes with a 50kWh battery and 225-mile range at the time of writing, with th eupdated 51kWh version due on sale later in 2023.
Active Premium+ gets 16-inch alloys, automatic lights and parking sensors, as well as a seven-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Peugeot i-Cockpit instrument panel setup. Standard safety kit includes Peugeot Connect SOS and Assistance, lane-keeping assistance, speed-limit recognition and driver attention alerts.
The mid-range Allure Premium+ trim is our pick of the line-up for its balance of comfort and cost, as it gets a 180-degree colour reversing camera and automatic windscreen wipers, as well as 3D i-Cockpit driver’s display, gloss trim, LED rear lights and leather-effect seats.
GT ups that again with 17-inch wheels, LED headlights with a distinctive daytime running-light signature, plus a diamond-black roof and gloss-black wheelarch trim. Inside, you'll find eight-colour ambient lighting, plus a larger 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 3D navigation. Optional extras offered on GT models include adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, a panoramic glass roof and keyless entry and start.
An even more expensive GT Premium spec was offered for a while, but it’s currently not available to order. For the extra money you got Alcantara seat trim, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control and some extra safety kit.
Infotainment, apps & sat nav
Active Premium+ and Allure Premium+ e-208s come with a seven-inch central touchscreen, while GT models get a larger 10-inch unit. Thankfully, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range, and Peugeot's infotainment system is pretty decent and logical to use. But the screen can be slow to respond and the graphics aren’t quite as good as on some other cars.
TrustpilotWe’d also like certain key commands – such as turning off the spoken directions – to be more obvious. The system in the Kia Niro EV and Hyundai Kona Electric is better overall, but the Peugeot’s interface is unlikely to disappoint. Go for anything but the most basic spec and you get two USB sockets up front and two in the back, as well as wireless phone charging.
