Citroën C3 vs. Peugeot 208: Complete comparison 2026

Citroën C3 is a distinctive French hatchback that, on the used car market, attracts primarily with its extraordinary driving comfort and original design featuring practical Airbump protective panels. Standing against it is its technological sibling, the Peugeot 208, also available in its fully electric variant as the Peugeot e-208, which targets drivers looking for a more aggressive sporty look and a more premium interior with the innovative i-Cockpit layout. Let's take a detailed look at which of these two popular city cars will better suit your needs and represents a smarter choice for your daily journeys.

Although the Citroën C3 (3rd generation) and Peugeot 208 (2nd generation) share a common technical foundation developed within the Stellantis Group, their exterior proportions differ quite significantly. This difference accurately reflects the focus of both carmakers in the four-year-old used car market. While Peugeot bets on a low-slung, dynamic, and even sporty look, Citroën prefers a more relaxed, slightly elevated, and more practical urban style.

Looking at the specific numbers, the main difference is the overall length and height of the body. The Peugeot 208 is, at 4,055 mm, 59 mm longer than the Citroën C3. The latter measures 3,996 mm in length, safely staying below the psychological four-meter mark, which is an advantage in heavy city traffic. Citroën, on the other hand, makes up for this length deficit with body height – it is a significant 44 mm taller (1,474 mm compared to 1,430 mm for the low Peugeot). As for width, both models are almost identical, with Citroën offering just a cosmetic 4 mm extra.

The wheelbase, which is usually a key parameter for interior spaciousness and vehicle stability, clearly reveals the technological kinship of both models. The values of 2,539 mm for the Citroën and 2,540 mm for the Peugeot represent an entirely negligible difference of a single millimeter. Thanks to this identical foundation, the legroom layout in the cabin is very similar; however, the exterior shaping of the roof and overhangs gives each car a completely different character and target group.

What do these specific parameters mean for the driver in practice? You will appreciate the shorter and taller Citroën C3 especially during daily parking in narrow city streets or at shopping centers, where every centimeter really counts. In addition, its taller body structure makes getting in easier and ensures a more natural upright seating position with a better view of the surroundings. On the other hand, the longer and significantly lower Peugeot 208 offers better aerodynamics, a lower center of gravity, and a much more confident feel at highway speeds or when cornering, which clearly underlines its aim to appeal to drivers oriented towards a sportier driving experience.

Luggage space is often a key parameter for small city hatchbacks, determining their everyday usability. Whether it's family shopping, transporting sports equipment, or overall practicality for a weekend trip, every extra liter plays a role. Looking at roughly four-year-old used cars on today's market (models produced around 2022), we see that both French rivals approach spaciousness very similarly, albeit with slight variations. The second-generation Peugeot 208 offers slightly better "on-paper" values in this regard, while the third-generation Citroën C3 scores with a symmetrical trunk shape that makes it easier to maximize the available space.

When comparing standard versions with internal combustion engines, we find that the base luggage capacity of the Peugeot 208 is 309 liters, while the Citroën C3 provides exactly 300 liters. This nine-liter difference represents only a negligible advantage in practice – in both cases, the space is perfectly sufficient for weekend shopping or a longer holiday for two. However, a more significant difference occurs when you fold down the rear backrests. While the Peugeot 208 can increase its cargo space to a solid 1004 liters, the Citroën C3 reaches a maximum capacity of 922 liters. Although neither car creates a perfectly flat surface after folding and you have to account for a small step, the Peugeot offers space for a few extra suitcases thanks to its larger total volume, which you will greatly appreciate especially when transporting bulkier cargo.

It is necessary to take into account that modern technologies and alternative powertrains sometimes take a toll on interior space. In the Peugeot 208, this is clearly evident in the fully electric e-208 variant, where the installation of the traction battery cuts into precious liters. The base trunk volume in the electric version shrinks to 265 liters and reaches a maximum of 960 liters with the seats folded down. This reduction can already mean in real life that you will have to give up one larger travel bag. With the Citroën C3 from this period, you don't have to deal with a similar problem when choosing a used car, as the third generation relied fully on traditional internal combustion engines. In conclusion, if absolute transport capacity is crucial for you, the classic internal combustion Peugeot 208 will be a slightly better choice, although both models excel as practical city cars.

Towing Capacity and Trailer Weight

If you plan to occasionally tow a trailer or even a caravan behind your car, the difference in the permitted trailer weight between these two models can be a decisive factor in your choice. Although both cars belong to the same segment, looking at relevant roughly four-year-old used cars (3rd generation Citroën C3 from 2016–2024 and 2nd generation Peugeot 208 produced since 2019), we encounter diametrical differences.

For the Citroën C3 model, the maximum permitted weight of a braked trailer is surprisingly low. Standard petrol engines, such as the 1.2 PureTech with 61 kW or 81 kW, can only tow between 450 and 600 kg depending on the specification. Even with the 1.5 BlueHDi diesel version, you won't get more than 600 kg. The weight of an unbraked trailer for these models stays at the 450 kg limit. In contrast, the second-generation Peugeot 208 offers much more generous limits. Common mid-range and more powerful engines (such as the 1.2 PureTech 100 or the 1.5 BlueHDi 100 diesel) boast a braked trailer capacity of up to a respectable 1200 kg. Only the basic, weaker versions, such as the 1.2 PureTech 75, are limited to 500 kg. Differences can also be found in alternative powertrains – fully electric models generally do not allow the installation of a full-fledged towing hitch for trailers at all, while newer mild-hybrid variants of the Peugeot 208 easily maintain their generous 1200 kg limit.

In practice, these numbers mean a vast difference in daily usability. While the towing capacity of the Citroën C3 is sufficient at most for a light garden trailer with weekend shopping from a DIY store or taking autumn leaves to the recycling center, the Peugeot 208 with its 1200 kg value becomes a very capable all-rounder. You can easily tow a smaller family caravan, a boat, or a heavier load of building materials to the cottage with it. The conclusion in this regard is therefore quite clear: for drivers who need to use a towing hitch regularly, the Peugeot 208 is an incomparably more practical and better choice.

Differences under the hood: Quiet strength vs. dynamics and electricity

When choosing a roughly four-year-old used car, the range of engines is a crucial factor that determines not only dynamics and fuel consumption but also the overall character of the car. Although the Citroën C3 and Peugeot 208 share the same technical foundation within the Stellantis Group (formerly PSA), their approach to powertrains differs slightly. Citroën intentionally sticks to a proven and somewhat narrower range focused primarily on a comfortable and calm ride. Here, the basic naturally aspirated 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder or its popular turbocharged variant takes center stage. Peugeot 208, on the other hand, offers a much more diverse and modern engine lineup that will also appeal to performance-oriented drivers. In addition to more potent internal combustion versions and the use of a much more advanced eight-speed automatic transmission, it has also offered a fully electric e-208 variant with 100 kW of power since the start of the second generation's production. For highway mile-munchers, both brands offered an identical 1.5 BlueHDi diesel engine; however, a look at availability data clearly shows that production of this previously very popular engine was definitively ended for both Peugeot and Citroën at the turn of 2023 and 2024.

Citroën C3: A bet on simplicity and calm

The engine range for the third-generation Citroën C3 was characterized by economy and affordability. The base is the naturally aspirated 1.2 PureTech engine with 61 kW (83 hp). This is an ideal choice for budget-conscious drivers and undemanding city hopping, although its dynamics for frequent overtaking outside of town are already quite breathless. For combined use and occasional highway trips, it is therefore worth reaching for the turbocharged 1.2 PureTech version with 81 kW (110 hp). This noticeably livelier variant could be paired with a classic six-speed automatic (6AT) in addition to a manual. For drivers with high annual mileage, the four-cylinder 1.5 BlueHDi turbodiesel with 75 kW (102 hp) made the most sense. It offered excellent operating efficiency and a solid torque of 250 Nm; however, as production statistics show, its sales for the Citroën C3 definitively ended in the first half of 2024, and you will no longer find it in the latest models.

Peugeot 208: Technological lead and electrification

In its second generation, the Peugeot 208 went for a significantly more advanced and dynamic lineup. Its base is the same naturally aspirated 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder, but tuned to a more conservative 55 kW (75 hp). The core of the offering in used car dealerships is thus the turbocharged 1.2 PureTech units with outputs of 74 kW (100 hp) and a very brisk 96 kW (130 hp). A huge advantage for drivers desiring comfort is the possibility of pairing these more powerful petrol engines with an excellent eight-speed automatic (8AT), which shifts incomparably smoother and faster than the six-speed automatic in the Citroën. However, a look at the availability table warns: both the powerful PureTech 130 version and the 1.5 BlueHDi diesel workhorse completely dropped out of the brand's range at the end of 2023, making way for modern mild-hybrids (which are logically still mostly missing from the market of roughly four-year-old used cars). But the biggest ace up the sleeve for modern-oriented drivers remains the fully electric e-208 variant with 100 kW of power. This makes the Peugeot a zero-emission, instantly responsive, and very quiet "pike" for city traffic.

Choosing the right engine is crucial for long-term satisfaction with a car, and our recommendations are based on real-world experience, actual fuel consumption, and mechanical reliability. Since both cars, which typically fall into the used car category at around four years old (specifically the third-generation Citroën C3 and the second-generation Peugeot 208), share Stellantis Group technology, you will find very similar PureTech family power units under their hoods. However, the difference lies in how the cars deliver their performance on the road. While Citroën has historically focused on French comfort and a softer setup ideal for the city, the second-generation Peugeot 208 has a stiffer body, a wider track, and aims for a more driver-oriented and dynamic feel that suits a slightly more aggressive engine.

For the Citroën C3, we recommend: 1.2 PureTech, 61 kW (83 hp)

In the case of the third-generation Citroën C3, which serves perfectly as a comfortable suburban car, the naturally aspirated 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder with 61 kW (83 hp) is an absolute safe bet in terms of long-term reliability. This engine lacks a turbocharger and direct fuel injection, making it a very durable unit that does not suffer from carbon buildup even during very frequent short trips and driving with a cold engine. In terms of performance, it is fully sufficient for city and suburban traffic and will reward you with very low real-world fuel consumption of around 5 to 5.5 liters per 100 km. The biggest technical weakness of this power unit is the timing belt immersed in oil (wet belt). To prevent it from crumbling and subsequently clogging the oil pump pickup, we, as experienced mechanics, recommend shortening the oil change interval to a maximum of 10,000 to 15,000 km (or one year) and having the belt's condition visually inspected through the filler neck during every service. For calmer drivers and shorter commutes, however, it is an unrivaled choice.

For the Peugeot 208, we recommend: 1.2 PureTech 100, 74 kW (100 hp)

For the second-generation Peugeot 208, which features a significantly more agile and stiffer chassis, the turbocharged 1.2 PureTech 100 version with 74 kW (100 hp) is much more suitable. This engine represents the perfect middle ground in the range. It offers much better dynamics, strong torque available from low RPMs, and excellent flexibility that you will appreciate when overtaking or on longer highway journeys. Real-world fuel consumption remains at a very favorable level below 6 liters per 100 km. This engine perfectly complements the sportier character of the "208". Regarding maintenance, the same rule applies to the timing belt immersed in oil – regular and timely oil changes are an absolute necessity. Furthermore, since this engine has direct injection unlike the weaker version, it is advisable to use high-quality fuel with additives and regularly "stretch its legs" on longer routes at higher RPMs, thereby minimizing the risk of carbon deposit formation on the valves. This specification is ideal for universal use and will please drivers who enjoy a more spirited drive.

When we look at official manufacturer tables, we often find that laboratory fuel consumption values differ quite significantly from real-world ones. Standardized tests can rarely fully simulate normal everyday use, from crawling in city traffic jams to fast highway travel. For the most accurate comparison, we have therefore used data from users themselves from the popular portal Spritmonitor.de, where hundreds of thousands of drivers regularly enter their actual refueling data. We focused on models roughly four years old (i.e., the 3rd generation Citroën C3 and the 2nd generation Peugeot 208), which are highly relevant to the current used car market.

For our readers, we have sorted these real-world values by fuel type and engine in the following table:

Several interesting trends and surprising findings can be read from the collected data:

• Differences in naturally aspirated engines: The base Peugeot 208 with the PureTech 75 engine can, in practice, drive on average half a liter more efficiently than the comparable PureTech 83 unit under the hood of the Citroën C3.
• Small turbos take their toll: Although turbocharged three-cylinder engines offer much better dynamics, they don't perform any miracles at the pump. Their real-world average settles safely above the six-liter mark, while for the most powerful 130-hp version of the Peugeot, it climbs up to 6.5 l/100 km.
• Diesel maintains an excellent standard: The 1.5 BlueHDi diesel units show very similar and stable values for both models (4.4 to 4.5 l/100 km), which continues to make them the kings of efficiency on long routes.

For a typical city driver or a buyer on a limited budget who will mostly travel shorter distances, a petrol engine will still be the most rational choice. A slight concession in the form of slightly higher consumption will reliably be offset by lower service costs – for diesel cars, there is a real risk of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging during city driving. BlueHDi models only make sense if you are a highway traveler and cover high annual mileages.

From an overall perspective, however, fuel consumption alone should not be the main and only argument for choosing one model or the other. Both roughly four-year-old used cars fall under the parent Stellantis group and share identical technology in the vast majority of cases. Small deviations in the measured values are thus mainly due to slightly different body aerodynamics, different curb weights given by the equipment level, and the specific driving style of the drivers themselves. In terms of operational efficiency, both French siblings are practically the same in the real world.

Price comparison on the used car market

When looking for a car approximately four years old (typically 2021 to 2022 models), you will find that although both cars belong to the B-segment and share many group engines, their price tags on the used car market differ quite significantly. This difference reflects the technology used as well as the overall focus of both manufacturers.

While the third-generation Citroën C3 (post-facelift) uses the older PF1 chassis platform and focuses primarily on relaxed comfort and the best possible price-to-value ratio, the second-generation Peugeot 208 is built on the newer CMP platform. This provides it with better sound insulation, more stable driving characteristics, and the installation of more advanced assistance systems. As a result, the Peugeot feels much more premium, which the used car market prices accordingly.

Approximate price range (2021–2022 models)

What affects the price of both models?

• Premium for design and technology: The Peugeot 208 holds its used value significantly better. For an average used example, you will pay roughly €2,000 to €3,000 more than for a Citroën of the same age. The reason is not only the highly desirable aggressive look (often with distinctive LED daytime running lights) but also the specific interior with i-Cockpit technology and the overall more modern construction.
• Citroën's budget advantage: If you have a limited budget, the C3 is the clear favorite on the secondary market. You can get a newer model year significantly sooner, and for the price of a basic Peugeot, you can have a Citroën in the highest trim, often already with the exceptionally comfortable Advanced Comfort seats.
• Availability of automatic transmission: In both models, the presence of an automatic transmission (the modern eight-speed EAT8 automatic in the Peugeot and the older six-speed in the Citroën) noticeably increases the price. There are fewer cars without a clutch pedal in this class, which naturally pushes their price towards the upper end of the range.
• Electrification: Furthermore, Peugeot offers a fully electric variant (e-208), whose purchase price visually pulls the brand's used car values even higher. The third-generation Citroën C3 did not offer a purely electric version at all, relying exclusively on traditional petrol and diesel engines.

Although customers often automatically look for five-star Euro NCAP ratings when choosing modern used cars, it must be noted that both of these French representatives earned a solid four stars in their tests. However, it is absolutely crucial to view the results in the context of the year the crash tests took place. Euro NCAP methodology and protocols are constantly evolving and becoming stricter over time. While a rigid body was once enough for a good result, today active assistants – such as advanced autonomous braking with cyclist detection or intersection collision simulation – play a vital role. For this reason, percentage scores from different years cannot be simply and directly compared.

The third-generation Citroën C3 passed through Euro NCAP testing facilities in 2017. The protocols at that time focused primarily on passive safety, where the car performed very well, as evidenced by a respectable 88% for adult protection and 83% for child protection. However, in the area of safety assistance systems, it achieved a rating of 58%. At that time, modern autonomous emergency braking systems were far from being as standard in small cars as they are today. For used car buyers, it is also good to know that due to the age of the methodology and the organization's standard procedure, the official validity of this safety certificate has already expired.

The second-generation Peugeot 208 underwent testing in 2019, when much stricter rules accounting for modern active safety features were already in place. Although the Peugeot shares the overall four-star result with the Citroën, its rating is much more relevant and demanding from today's perspective. The car performs better primarily in the safety assist category, where it earned 71% thanks to the standard automatic emergency braking (AEB) system. Adult protection (91%) and child protection (86%) are also at a slightly higher level than its competitor.

In an overall comparison, the Peugeot 208 emerges as the safer and more comprehensive choice. Although the Citroën C3 offers very good mechanical protection during an actual impact, the Peugeot benefits from a newer design and, above all, substantially more advanced active systems. These help to actively prevent collisions in busy city traffic using modern means in accordance with newer standards.

Euro NCAP Results Comparison

In addition to standard equipment, each of the models offers more than just basic functions and comes with a completely different approach to added value, which can be decisive for the end user when choosing. While one of the cars places maximum emphasis on relaxation and comfort on board, the other bets on aggressive design and futuristic driver-oriented technologies.

Citroën C3: Master of Personalization and Unmistakable Comfort

The third generation of the Citroën C3 (especially after the 2020 facelift) approaches the small car segment playfully and with an emphasis on absolute passenger comfort. It offers features that are hard to find competition for in this class.

• Design and everyday practicality: Iconic elements are the Airbump® protective panels on the sides of the body. These air-filled pockets not only give the car a crossover-inspired look but, above all, effectively protect the doors from minor scratches and dings from crowded city parking lots.
• Comfort and interior: As part of the Citroën Advanced Comfort program, the C3 offers specific seats with an additional 15 mm layer of special foam. The seats resemble soft home armchairs rather than classic car seats, which significantly reduces fatigue during longer journeys or crawling in traffic jams.
• Telematics and innovation: A unique feature is the ConnectedCAM Citroën® – a fully integrated HD dashboard camera located behind the interior rearview mirror. It allows the driver to take photos or record videos of the drive at the touch of a button, or share experiences on social media. In the event of an accident, a recording of the events in front of the car is automatically saved, serving as evidence.
• Wide range of personalization: The exterior and interior offer up to 97 different color combinations (in the facelifted version). On the used car market, customers could choose cars with a contrast-painted roof, various colored frames around the fog lights, and decors on the protective panels, making each unit often a visual original.

Peugeot 208: Futuristic Cockpit and Sporting Flair

The second generation of the Peugeot 208 (introduced in 2019) takes a completely different path. It focuses on dynamics, modern display technologies, and more premium detailing that visually draws the driver into the action.

• Interior concept and ergonomics: The foundation is the characteristic Peugeot i-Cockpit®. It features a very compact (almost go-kart-like) steering wheel with a flat top and bottom, above which the driver views the instrument cluster. This specific seating position takes a bit of getting used to but significantly enhances the feeling of agility and sporty handling.
• Infotainment and electronics: In higher trim levels (e.g., Allure and GT), the interior is dominated by a 3D instrument cluster. The system projects key information (such as speed or assistant warnings) in two layers as a hologram. More important data is displayed closer to the driver's eyes, which, according to the manufacturer, shortens reaction time by fractions of a second.
• Design and controls: The center panel is dominated by a touchscreen, but below it is a series of beautifully crafted physical buttons resembling piano keys (so-called Toggle Switches). These provide quick access to the main menus (climate control, navigation, radio) and form an elegant, premium-looking detail.
• Powertrain and electrification: While the C3 relies primarily on classic internal combustion engines, a major advantage of the Peugeot is the shared platform, which allowed for the creation of the fully electric e-208 version. Customers can thus choose between proven PureTech petrol engines, BlueHDi diesel, and zero-emission electric drive with fast charging within the same model (and almost the same design).
• Lighting technology: In higher trim levels, the exterior is dominated by full-LED headlights with daytime running lights in a "lion fangs" or "sabers" design, which stretch deep into the front bumper and give the car a very aggressive and unmistakable look in the rearview mirror.

The Citroën C3 is the perfect choice for drivers who prioritize maximum comfort, distinctive style, and a calm drive in and out of the city. Thanks to its very favorable price tag and unbeatably soft suspension, it represents a great car for daily commuting without sporting ambitions.

The Peugeot 208 targets drivers looking for a stylish, modern, and dynamically tuned hatchback with a touch of the premium segment. It is ideal for used car buyers who don't mind paying extra for more sophisticated driving characteristics, top-tier design, and innovative technologies at the expense of absolute comfort and space.

Based on breakdown statistics, long-term user experience, service bulletins, and findings from our physical used car inspection service (known as CarAudit), we have compiled an overview of the most common problems that used car buyers should watch out for.

Citroën C3 (3rd generation)

For roughly four-year-old used Citroën C3s, it is generally a solidly built car whose greatest weaknesses are hidden in specific engines and occasionally glitchy electronics.

• Engine and Drivetrain: By far the most discussed issue is the 1.2 PureTech petrol three-cylinder. It uses a timing belt immersed in oil, which tends to degrade prematurely. Crumbling pieces of the belt clog the oil pump's intake strainer, leading to a loss of lubrication pressure and can cause fatal engine damage. In 1.5 BlueHDi diesel units, failures of AdBlue emission system pumps and tanks are relatively common.
• Electronics and Infotainment: The infotainment touchscreen integrates practically all vehicle controls, including air conditioning. Common ailments include slow response times, occasional freezing, or complete screen failure. While a software update sometimes helps, in worse cases, a costly replacement of the entire control unit is necessary.
• Chassis and Brakes: The soft and maximally comfortable tuning takes its toll on the lifespan of chassis components. Mechanics quite often replace worn stabilizer links, shock absorber mounts, and point out faster wear of brake pads on the front axle.
• Body and Interior: Lower quality door seals on older or more heavily used units can let in aerodynamic noise at highway speeds. Hard plastics in the interior also tend to creak when driving over larger bumps.

Peugeot 208 (2nd generation)

The second generation of the Peugeot 208 suffers from very similar mechanical problems as its corporate sibling, but adds specific faults of sophisticated onboard systems.

• Engine and Drivetrain: Just like with the Citroën, the 1.2 PureTech unit is plagued by a degrading wet timing belt. The fault often manifests as a low oil pressure warning light, typically during braking when the oil shifts and blocks the already partially clogged intake strainer. In some poorly maintained units, higher oil consumption due to excessively worn piston rings has also been recorded.
• Electronics and Infotainment: A specific weak point of the model is the innovative 3D i-Cockpit. Used car owners quite often complain about instrument cluster display failures, spontaneous changes in driver assistance system settings (e.g., unsolicited lane-keeping interventions or sudden automatic braking), or unreliable phone pairing via Bluetooth.
• Electric Version (e-208): In roughly four-year-old fully electric versions, there are occasional issues with the onboard charger (OBC) and a failing air conditioning compressor, which is absolutely crucial for the proper thermal management of the traction battery.
• Transmission: In cars with manual shifting, mechanics record more frequent grinding or inaccuracies in the gear shift linkage. In cars used mainly in city traffic, synchronizer rings may show premature wear.
• Chassis: The firmer and sportier-tuned chassis can soon show creaking of the front axle in cars fitted with large 17-inch wheels. The reason is usually faster fatigue of the control arm bushings.

When buying a used car, a thorough inspection is key. Here are a few specific points to focus on for these two models, and why a detailed physical inspection of a used car is worth it before purchase. Although both French cars share many technical solutions, each has its own specifics and potential pitfalls.

When choosing a Citroën C3:

• 1.2 PureTech engine timing: This extremely widespread three-cylinder petrol engine uses a timing belt that is immersed in oil. Carefully check the service history and visually verify through the oil filler neck that the belt is not starting to fray. Crumbling material can clog the oil pickup screen and cause engine seizure or brake booster failure.
• Soft chassis condition: The C3 model is famous for its very comfortable suspension. During the test drive, find a bumpy road and listen for any dull knocking sounds coming from the front axle. These sounds most often indicate prematurely worn stabilizer links or tired upper shock absorber mounts.
• Infotainment functionality and speed: Air conditioning settings and most onboard functions in the C3 are controlled almost exclusively via the central touchscreen. Click through the menu and test the response speed. Verify that the system does not freeze or restart spontaneously, which would otherwise mean a software update is necessary.
• Manual transmission and clutch operation: Older manual transmissions from the PSA Group can have slightly looser and longer shift throws from the factory. However, gears should engage smoothly and without sticking or grinding noises. During sharp acceleration in a higher gear, check if the clutch is slipping.

When choosing a Peugeot 208:

• i-Cockpit ergonomics: Before you finally decide on this car, thoroughly test the driving position during a test drive. The specific small steering wheel can partially block the view of the raised instrument cluster for drivers of certain builds. A test drive will immediately reveal whether this unique layout is comfortable for you.
• Lubrication system (1.2 PureTech): Just like with its sibling, prevention regarding the timing belt condition is critical here. It is highly recommended to undergo a process such as an independent technical inspection of the car, which will use diagnostics to check if the control unit has recorded any oil pressure drops in the lubrication circuit in the past.
• EAT8 automatic transmission behavior: The modern eight-speed torque converter automatic should change gears completely smoothly and logically. Test the car while crawling in traffic as well as during a sudden request for a downshift (kickdown). Jerking, hesitation, or noticeable jolts during gear changes can indicate wear or a neglected transmission oil change.
• Battery condition in the electric e-208 version: For roughly four-year-old fully electric versions, it is essential to verify the degradation of the high-voltage battery. Request a diagnostic report of the battery status (so-called SOH – State of Health), as reduced capacity has a fundamental and direct impact on the car's real-world range per charge.
• Electronics and assistance systems: The second-generation Peugeot 208 features richer and more advanced electronic equipment than the C3. During the drive, test whether the parking cameras, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist are working correctly. Any repair or calibration of these sensors tends to be expensive.

Sources: ADAC, idnes.cz, denik.cz, autoservis.cz, smartmania.cz, automotodrom.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.