Peugeot 208 P21 vs Renault Zoe ZOE
Peugeot 208
P21 · 2019 – 2026
The second 208 (P21), on the CMP platform with the electric e-208.
Renault Zoe
ZOE · 2012 – 2026
The Zoe (ZOE), a compact electric hatchback.
Peugeot 208
Pick the P21 for the modern 208 with sharp design and the electric e-208.
Renault Zoe
Pick the Zoe for an affordable, efficient electric city car with a long range (ZE50).
Performance
1.2 PureTech 100 · Petrol vs ZE50 R135 · Electric
| Peugeot 208 | Renault Zoe | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
100 hp
|
135 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
205 Nm
|
245 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
9,5 s
|
9,5 s
|
| Top speed |
188 km/h
Winner
|
140 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
90,9 hp/t
Winner
|
89,9 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
108 g/km
|
0 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
4,8 L/100km
|
—
|
Dimensions & space
| Peugeot 208 | Renault Zoe | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
309 L
|
338 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.035 L
|
1.225 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,54 m
|
2,59 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,06 m
|
4,09 m
|
| Ground clearance |
—
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
10,4 m
Winner
|
10,5 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.200 kg
|
—
|
Powertrain & tech
| Peugeot 208 | Renault Zoe | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CMP | Zoe (EV) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | 1.2 PureTech · 1.2 Hybrid (48V) · 1.5 BlueHDi · e-208 (EV) | Q210/R240 (22 kWh) · ZE40/R90/R110 (41 kWh) · ZE50/R135 (52 kWh) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | Single-speed automatic |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | N/A (electric) |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- 1.2 PureTech: wet timing belt (until ~2022–23)
- 1.5 BlueHDi: AdBlue and chain on early units
- Infotainment software needs updates
- 12V battery drain
- Charging port and infotainment glitches
- Battery degradation on early cars
Pros
- Modern i-Cockpit with digital cluster
- All-electric e-208 (~400 km WLTP)
- Smooth and efficient engines
- Low electricity consumption
- ZE50 with ~390 km range
- Affordable used
Cons
- 1.2 PureTech: wet belt until ~2022–23
- Tight rear seat
- Limited range on early versions
- Battery rental on early cars
Driving experience
Peugeot 208
The P21's trick is how light and eager it feels. Built on the CMP platform shared with the 2008 and Corsa, it keeps mass down, so the front axle changes direction keenly and the car shrinks around you in town. The small i-Cockpit wheel and raised digital dials take a short acclimatisation, then the steering feels fast and accurate while body roll stays tidy. Most versions run a comfort-tuned rear that copes well with broken city tarmac, and the ride stays settled for such a small car. The 1.2 PureTech 100 is lively, the e-208 is near-silent and instantly responsive, and the EAT8 automatic shuffles smoothly. It is an easy, stylish supermini, not a hot hatch.
Renault Zoe
Quiet and smooth in town with instant torque delivery. Early models feel modest above 80 km/h; the R135 is more usable for faster roads. Steering is light and accurate enough for urban manoeuvres but lacks feel. Ride quality is comfortable on smaller wheels and firmer on larger alloys. Body roll is noticeable in corners due to the battery weight. Regenerative braking (especially "B" mode on later cars) aids one-pedal driving in town. High-speed refinement is limited by wind and road noise. Overall a competent and relaxing city EV rather than a dynamic driver's car.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
Peugeot 208
44 for sale · from € 2.990
Renault Zoe
0 for saleNo listings at the moment
