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electric, Peugeot

208 powers ahead

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Peugeot e-208

By Bill McCarthy

Peugeot has a proud record with small cars. The 205 GTi, which  became an icon of the British roads back in the 1980s, the most notable example.

That has continued with the latest 208 and particularly the e-208, the first all-electric car in the Peugeot range. It is already challenging the best on the market as more and more people start looking at electric cars seriously, battery range improves and charging infrastructure widens.

It needs to be good as it is up against challengers like the Honda E, Corsa-e, Renault Zoe and Kia e-Niro and MINI electric.

It features an electric 50kWh, 136bhp powertrain with a claimed 217 miles range (WLTP) from a single charge. While never working on a full charge, three-quarter charge showed a range of 161 miles, there was never the range anxiety associated with earlier electric cars and I always felt there was power to spare.

 The firm recommends using a wallbox charger, so the car comes with a Mode 3 Type 2 cable as standard, which will charge the vehicle in 7.5 hours with a 7kW charging point. There is also an optional facility for a booster charge cable which will give 80 per cent charge in around 30 minutes at certain charging points. The standard three-pin plug connector can take up to 14 hours for a full charge.

The latest 208 is a very stylish car and while the  e-208 is essentially the same as its combustion siblings, it adds some neat little touches to distinguish it, including body coloured chequered front grille, a bespoke ‘e’ monogram and a clever innovation to the signature Peugeot Lion badge, which changes colour from different angles. This version also featured gloss black wheel arch extensions, and a diamond black roof. 

Prices start at £28,100 for the Active model, rising to more than £33k for the the GT driven here.

The inside, which features the latest ‘3D i-Cockpit’, has a real premium feel, with high-end soft touch finish to dash and doors and neat chrome touches, piano-style control switches and heated, leather-trimmed front seats on this model.

It is dominated by a new 10-inch colour touchscreen and Connected 3D Navigation with Tom Tom live updates available, and controls major functions in the car like connectivity and infotainment.

 The central console houses a a nifty little drive selector and the car features the now familiar compact steering wheel.

This GT specification is exclusive to the electric car and includes front and rear parking sensors and 180˚ reversing camera, 17-inch alloys active and ambient interior lighting.

Safety features include cyclist and pedestrian detection, full LED headlights, automated parking, adaptive cruise control, lane and blind spot assistance.

 On the road, in true electric style, it is very nippy indeed, the instant torque powering it to 60mph in just under eight seconds, after which acceleration slows considerably, before reaching a top speed of just over 90mph, where permitted.

 It handles well, feeling stable and assured, even if the GT suspension and larger wheels make it feel firm, sometimes uncomfortable over poor road surfaces.

As with all electric cars, you are constantly monitoring the range and the regenerative braking. It is selected via the B on the gear lever, and puts charge back into the battery as it the car slows. It also means you are inclined to drive more economically to maximise power recovery.

But when the power is needed, however, it is instantly on tap.

Being a relatively small car, space is at a premium. But both head and legroom is decent for front passengers, but is more cramped in the rear.

As a hatchback, it also pretty practical with boot capacity ranging from standard 311 litres, stretching the 1,106 litres with the rear seats folded. In addition there are number of stowage areas and compartments.

 For easy of charging, customers can also download the MyPeugeot app, which will allow them to manage their vehicle charge remotely, precondition the temperature of the vehicle and receive ‘e-Coaching’ on how to benefit most from their vehicle. 

 As a first all electric effort, this is an impressive debut and should set a high standard across PSA brands. It also looks good by not falling into the trap of making electric power look slighty weird.

Factfile

Peugeot e-208 GT 136

Price: £33,150

Mechanical: 136bhp, 50kWh electric motor driving front via CVT auto gearbox

Max speed: 93mph

0-60mph: 8.1 seconds

Range: 211 (WLTP)

Insurance group: 31E

CO2 emissions: 0 g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

City cars, electric, Manufacturer, SEAT, Vehicle type

Leading the charge

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SEAT Mii Electric

By Bill McCarthy

CITY cars are no longer cheap and nasty, although not that many were that nasty in the first place. That has changed with the electric car revolution, so the Mii will now set you back the thick end of £20k. Pricey for such a small car.

But it boasts equipment levels usually found on premium models, somewhat mitigating the cost. These include metallic paint, sports seats, LED daytime running lights, cruise control, rear parking sensors, rain sensors and fast DC charging capabilities.

The funky Mii is the first electric vehicle from the SEAT brand, laying the groundwork for more to join the family in the future says the firm.

Longer journeys are now also less of a problem as the network of charging points grow

 But what you still get with this groundbreaking little car is the same practicality and fun as previous petrol versions, but with huge savings on fuel and carbon emissions.

The vehicle capable of a range of a claimed 161 miles on a single charge. I topped it up once during a week and that was only because I wanted to be on the safe side as the weather was shocking. Lights, wipers and demisters put a strain on the battery.

The problems of fully electric motors have always been the range, but this is becoming less of a problem as battery technology develops. Longer journeys are now also less of a problem as the network of charging points grow and the ability, like this vehicle, to get an 80 per cent charge in around an hour. Just enough time for a cuppa on a motorway service station.

Home wall box/public or work charge point will take around four hours, while plugged into an ordinary wall socket will take 13-16 hours.

The  motor, linked to a single speed transmission, provides its 61kW (83PS) of power and 212Nm of torque instantly, meaning the five-door car can reach 31mph from a standstill in only 3.9 seconds. It  simply zips away from a standing start, startling other road users with its pace.

Slightly refreshed, it still looks good, with great efforts to disguise the boxy shape with raked windscreen, neat light clusters and deep bumpers electric logo lettering at the rear and 16-inch alloy wheels.

 The interior too is upgraded and, depending on your taste, looks either funky or odd, with dark interior offset by the white, patterned dashboard. Other features include, ambient lighting, sporty and heated fabric seats, black sport leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake.  Safety is also well catered for with features  such as Lane Assist and Traffic sign recognition as standard equipment and a good range of airbags.

The binnacle and central controls are logical, and there is no central touchscreen. Instead SEAT have introduced a cradle above the dash to hold the phone or pad to do your own thing with navigation, connectivity and infotainment via Bluetooth.

 It is also the first model to include SEAT CONNECT, which allows you to  driving data, parking position, the vehicle’s status, including doors and lights, and the ability to control air-conditioning remotely, all from their smartphone app.

  The car has been designed like a box on wheels to get maximum room inside, which it does, but not totally compromise boot space, which it doesn’t. This makes for a spacious interior with excellent headroom and surprising good legroom.

 It is practical enough despite the limited boot size, with the rear seats splitting and folding to create decent stowage space when required.

On the road, the shape means it won’t appreciate being thrown into corners, but the customised suspension does give a pleasant ride for all occupants, handling pretty well what our potholed roads throw at it. The car is virtually silent, as there is no engine or transmission noise and it is well insulated from road and wind noise.

The Mii is leading the environmentally-friendly way forward for SEAT and while it was already and excellent little car, running costs have become cheaper despite the large initial outlay.

Factfile

SEAT Mii Electric

Price: £19,800 (includes up to £3,000 HMRC electric car grant)

Mechanical: 83PS, 61kwH electric motor driving front wheels via single speed auto transmission

Max speed: 81mph

0-62mph: 12.3 seconds

Range: 161 miles

Insurance group: 12E

CO2 emissions: 00g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles