The small, already widely known 3-cylinder engine was inaugurated as a hybrid by the old generation of 3008 last year. On the menu: 136 horsepower, instead of 130. And, above all, a hybridization that works like a stop and start widened: the engine cuts off when you stop accelerating, and you can temporarily drive on pure electric power. Surprising. Because this 208 is a so-called “light” hybrid. SO, a priori, little pure electric driving and a limited gain in consumption. Well, it’s the opposite!
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Operation: progressive and smooth, with pep!
From the first turns of the wheel, you notice that the electric mode intervenes quite generously at low speed. A small whistle accompanies acceleration when you turn on the electric motor or as the batteries recharge when slowing down. But it’s ultra discreet. More noticeable is the increase in engine braking when you lift your foot: this is the moment when the hybrid system battery recharges. A little surprising at first, but you gradually get used to it. Fitted as standard, the robotic gearbox is no longer the same as before: 6 speeds instead of 8. And still very smooth operation when changing gears. The most surprising thing is the tone of the little 3-cylinder: what responsiveness, what vitality! With its very good road handling, this 208 becomes joyful to drive, with a lively and communicative temperament.
Consumption: records of sobriety
Consumption appears to be particularly low. On the road, in eco-driving, the car made do with 4.5 liters. Even more surprising, on the highway, only 6.1 l and, in town, 3.7 l! There is also a slightly cheaper 100 hp version in the catalog: €1,200 less. And she’s even more sober! On the road, we went down to 4.3 l. if the 36 hp less translates into lower performance figures, the pep felt remains very present.
Not given, but ultimately well placed
Like all hybrids, this 208 does not give a free pass in terms of prices. But seeing what the competition offers, the prices are ultimately well positioned. The surprise comes from the comparison with the Renault Clio: although less powerful than the Clio hybrid (145 hp), the 208 turns out to be more efficient! Both from the figures and from the impression felt. Certainly, a hell of a number, this 208!
We liked
Beautiful mechanical liveliness, safe and lively driving behavior, impressive sobriety, generous equipment, fairly simple access to the screen menus, comfortable bench seat for three.
We appreciated less
High price, firm suspension, brake pedal too sensitive, engine braking too marked and irregular depending on whether the batteries are empty or not.
208 Hybrid from €23,550
Version tried: 208 Hybrid 136 GT, €27,220
Length : 4.06m
Chest : 265 l
Engine : 3-cylinder turbo petrol, 1,199 cm3, 136 hp
Performance. 210 km/h, 0 to 100 km/h: 8.1 seconds.
Mixed consumption: 4.6 liters
CO2 : 104 to 106 g/km depending on equipment
Bonus Malus : neutral
Main equipment
17-inch aluminum rims, LED headlights, keyless opening and starting, electrically folding mirrors, front and rear radars, reversing camera, 10-inch 3D digital dashboard, 10-inch touch screen, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, charger induction laptop, two USB sockets at the front, 2 at the rear, automatic air conditioning, electric driver’s seat.
The rivals
Opel Corsa 1.2 Hybrid GS, €27,300
First and Germanic cousin, exactly the same mechanics. Very firm suspension. Less expensive.
Renault Clio E-Tech Esprit Alpine, €27,700
Less smooth operation, exemplary finish, very rich equipment, well placed price.
Toyota Yaris 130h GR Sport, €30,450
Great sobriety, firm suspension, very ordinary interior presentation, poor carpet. Dear.
