Forget the other B-segment cars, the 208 takes the cake! Jerrica Leong tests out the smaller version of Peugeot’s B-segment contender.

My time with the 208 did not start off well, the first half hour with the three-door 208 had been marred by the usual KL traffic jam that allowed a very bored me to pick out every “not-so-appealing” detail in the car. But once the jam subsided and I was alone on the roads the 208 proceeded to change my mind with a vengeance.

How did the “littler” 208 change my mind? Read and find out.

Exterior (Score: 5/5)

First off, I have been admiring the 208 from afar ever since Nasim launched the latest generation. From the range of colours to the rounded edges and the cat-eye headlights, everything about the 208’s exterior design ticks every box on a girl’s “must-have” list. While the men would call the 208’s style muscular the ladies would counter that it is feminine. Regardless of how many doors the 208 has the car just looks stylish in every way.

Interior (Score: 3/5)

Interesting how the 208 is so comfortable that you will forget that this is a B-segment contender, then again the French always scores an A+ when it comes to creature comforts. Even though the 208 we had was a three-door, there is still plenty of leg room in the back seat although I would still not recommend you transport humans in the back, the back seats are too straight to get comfortable in!

But I can’t help but complain about the steering wheel, I know that the idea of a small steering wheel is for easy handling but that small steering wheel effectively blocks out half the meter cluster displayed from me. The meter cluster is not the only subject that plays hide and seek, while the arm rest contributes to the A+ for comfort I would prefer the rest stowed away so I can reach the hand brake. Yes the hand brake is located under the arm rest and that is the only way you can reach the hand brake.

Power and handling (Score: 5/5)

The rev metre hovers a little too much around the 4000rpms range for comfort but that is not surprising seeing as the 1.6-litre engine is mated to a four speed conventional gearbox. But don’t worry the 208 is still effortlessly fast, floor that throttle and the engine will give you a satisfying sporty roar along with a gut dropping sensation that tells you just how much momentum the car is giving you.

It steers well too, no doubt helped by the small steering wheel that allows it to zip around the highway like a busy bee and thanks to the small dimensions the 208 behaves like a sports car rather than a typical hatchback. It’s all typical Peugeot behaviour in this area.

Tech and Safety (Score: 4/5)

That radio, is not my ranking high on my “what I like about the car” list. While it allows for a number of pre-saved channels it is just a little too complicated for on-the-go changes. It would have been more to my liking if the touchscreen would remain on the same screen that I left it in instead of reverting back to main menu. But I could just be picky.

For a tiny car, the 208 three door comes with six airbags as standard and the usual parking aids are all present. While the 208 might miss out on the reverse camera it has auto headlights and auto wipers function that most manufacturers makes a pass on for their B-segment models.

Summary

There are too many items written down in my “to-like” list and there are only two items in my “complain” list. By looks alone the 208 wins out and it has creature comforts that would make it your best friend after a long hard day at work to boot. While I might admit that my brain has been poisoned by the not-so-good impression of the elder generation which contributed to the earlier nit-picking during the traffic jam, I have always had my doubts that Peugeots are as what they say. Spending time with the 208 has definitely chased away the impressions of the old.

Overall Score: 17/20

Specifications

Price

RM95,888.00 on-the-road with insurance

Engine

4 inline cylinders, DOHC 16 Valve, VTi, 120bhp @ 6000rpm, 160Nm @ 4250

Transmission

Auto Adaptive Gearbox with Tiptronic and sport mode

Performance

0-100kph 10.7 seconds, 6.7-litres/ 100km, top speed 190kph

Length/ width/ height/ wheelbase

3962/ 1739/ 1460/ 2538mm