Peugeot 208 P21

The second-generation Peugeot 208 (P21) launched in 2019 as a five-door-only hatchback on the new Common Modular Platform, moving away from the earlier PF1 platform. The petrol range uses the 1.2 PureTech turbo (EB2DT) in 75 and 100 hp forms. A 1.5 BlueHDi diesel (DV5RC) is offered with a manual gearbox. The range also includes the fully electric e-208, using a 100-115 kW motor on a 50-51 kWh battery for a WLTP range of 340-400 km depending on battery variant.

The 1.2 PureTech turbo has a specific and well-documented failure mode worth understanding before you inspect it: this engine family's wet timing belt is affected by progressive degradation caused by unburned fuel diluting the engine oil, which can release residue that obstructs the oil pump and vacuum pump. Critically, this does not announce itself with one dramatic symptom the way a snapped dry belt would — ask for documented proof of belt inspection or replacement rather than treating the absence of a warning light as reassurance. On the e-208, request a battery state-of-health reading and charging-history data rather than relying on the indicated range alone, since range figures degrade with battery age and charging habits in ways a single test drive cannot reveal.

To judge a specific 208 P21, first confirm whether it is a combustion car or the electric e-208, since the inspection routes differ completely. Get a full fault-code read across all control units and keep the printout.