Peugeot 208

Supermini hatchback (3-door and 5-door on early cars, 5-door only from 2019) · 2012 to present

The Peugeot 208 is a supermini that has competed with the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa in one of the UK's busiest car market segments. The first generation ran from 2012 to 2019 and was offered with 3-door or 5-door bodywork, petrol engines including the 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech, and diesel HDi options. The second generation arrived in 2019, moving to a 5-door-only layout, sharper styling with distinctive LED lighting, and Peugeot's i-Cockpit interior. Alongside conventional 1.2 PureTech petrol engines and BlueHDi diesel, this generation introduced the fully electric e-208, giving UK buyers a zero-emission option within a familiar supermini shape. The 208 has remained a common sight on UK roads throughout, used as a private car, company runabout, and a popular choice in the used market. Trim levels and equipment have varied over its life, so checking a vehicle's specific history and MOT record is worthwhile.

Fuel and powertrain options

The Peugeot 208 is sold in the UK with the following powertrain options across its current and recent model years:

Petrol Diesel Electric

Things to check at MOT

Below are common inspection items that owners and technicians often pay attention to on the Peugeot 208. These align with standard DVSA MOT criteria. Every individual vehicle is different, and the MOT history of a specific car can be checked on gov.uk using its registration plate.

Front tyre wear patterns, which can indicate tracking or suspension issues common on superminis with daily urban use
Condition of front brake discs and pads, as city driving can accelerate wear on this size of car
Corrosion around rear wheel arches, sills and the tailgate, particularly on older first-generation examples
Operation of headlights and indicators, including any LED units fitted to later models, checking for condensation or failure
Front suspension bushes and lower arms for wear, listening for knocking noises over bumps during the test

Frequently asked questions

When does a Peugeot 208 need its first MOT?

Like all cars in the UK, a Peugeot 208 needs its first MOT three years after the date it was first registered, and then annually after that. You can always confirm a specific vehicle's MOT history and due date using the free DVSA MOT history checker on gov.uk.

What is the difference between the petrol 208 and the e-208?

The e-208 is the fully electric version of the second-generation car, using a battery and electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. It looks almost identical to the petrol and diesel versions but has different running costs and requires charging rather than refuelling.

Are there any known problems to look out for on a used 208?

As with any used car, it's worth checking the service history and MOT record for recurring advisories, particularly around suspension components and electrical systems. Rather than relying on general reputation, check the vehicle's own DVSA MOT history for the real pattern of advisories and failures.

Can I check a specific Peugeot 208's MOT and tax status for free?

Yes, the UK government provides free online services to check a vehicle's MOT history and current tax status using its registration number, which is useful before buying a used 208 or checking one you already own.

Run a free reg lookup on any 208

Enter any 208 registration on MotifyMe^® to see its MOT history, tax status, full vehicle details and an estimated valuation. Free, instant, and no account needed.

Run a free reg lookup →