Recently, I got the chance to drive a 2016 Peugeot 208 Hatchback. I’ve always wished to drive a Peugeot, mostly because of the urban legend from the 90s that the 504 model was banned from parking next to the banks. I’m not sure of the specifics, but apparently, it was the most favorable getaway car that could outrun the cops. On that note, if you have a neat unit, we’d love to review your car on our platform.
I’ve never driven the later Peugeot models, and that’s because they are scarce on this side of the globe and mainly because most car buyers do not want the headache of paying an arm and a leg for unavailable spares. But after spending two days with the Peugeot 208 Hatchback, I’m compelled to get one of these cars for myself or the wifey.
For context, this was the first time I got my hands on a Peugeot, and as you’d expect, I wasn’t ready for the surprises of being a Japanese fanboy. And here’s a tip to any auto sales guy out there having trouble selling these units—just schedule a simple test drive, and most people will be sold.
As you’ll see on the YouTube video below, I was really impressed with the Peugeot 208 Hatchback’s drive experience. It’s one of the basic European cars out there, but compared to most Japanese competition, it felt like a luxury car to me. The designers made this hatchback functional and easy to drive and sprinkled a little bit of that European aesthetic into it.
As you’ve noted, the price of Japanese import hatchbacks has risen, and getting the popular Toyota Vitz or Honda Fit means you have to part with more than KES 1.2 million to KES 1.5 million. And for that, you get the most basic plastic-interior contraption on the planet.
And you’ll need to ask yourself one simple question – how can a millionaire settle for such junk? Just because of cheap spares? I don’t know about you, but a million used to stand for something and deserve some respect.
The average price of a 2016 Peugeot 208 Hatchback is between KES 1 million and KES 1.2 million. That’s more value than you’d get with the Japanese options, with the closest competition coming from the fancy-looking new-generation Mazda Demio.
The owner of this Peugeot 208 Hatchback got it for KES 1.05 million.
For that, they get to enjoy some amazing gas mileage from the Peugeot 208 Hatchback. This hatchback is quite conservative on fuel, considering its performance edge. You also get a ton of tech features standard, including collision sensors at the rear and traction control.
Depending on the trim, the 2016 Peugeot 208 Hatchback has a 7-inch stereo with a six-speaker sound system.
It gets better. Under the hood, it packs a turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder petrol engine that is good for 108 hp and 205 Nm of torque, which is quite impressive for a tiny city car. Remember, the 2016 Peugeot 208 Hatchback weighs only about 1030 kilograms.
Here’s the kicker: The 2016 Peugeot 208 Hatchback (Active) is one of the most efficient compact cars in its category, with a claimed gas mileage of 4.5 liters per 100 kilometers.
That’s not all. That torquey engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with slurry gear changes that almost feel like a manual transmission. For non-car guys, these clunky gear shifts might be annoying, but for the average car buff, feeling the gears change is your God-given right.
I don’t want to talk too much about this car, but I’ll let you witness its awesomeness for yourself in the video below.
