BMW I3 vs Peugeot 208
What's the difference?

BMW I3

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2020 price

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Peugeot 208

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2019 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Volkswagen Transporter

Volvo C40

Volvo Es90

Volvo V40

Summary

2020 BMW I3

2019 Peugeot 208

By James Cleary

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Turbo 3, 1.2L

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Electric range

270 km

4.5L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

14.6 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

42.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Design
Dynamics
Tech

Unique styling
Sporty drive
Spacious and comfortable

Dislikes

Pricey
Tight rear room
Short warranty

Pricey
Missing advanced safety
Barely any cabin storage

2020 BMW I3 Summary

It’s easy to forget BMW was paddling into the growing electric vehicle wave when it was only a gentle swell. It took off early with the i3 city car, which believe it or not has been in the Aussie new car market for six years.

While the German maker has long been developing the concept of electrified powertrains in existing models, the i3 was the result of a dramatically different approach, showcasing the use of exotic materials and innovative packaging.

Like its i8 supercar sibling, the i3 won’t be replaced with a new-generation version, but BMW says it will continue to develop this high-tech hatch before it departs, and we spent a week in the sporty i3s to see how it stands up in 2020.

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2019 Peugeot 208 Summary

In a world of cheap, popular and well-specified Japanese and Korean small hatchbacks, it’s easy to forget the humble French cars that once helped define the segment.

They’re still around, though. You’ve probably seen a few Renault Clios, you might not have seen the tragically underrated new Citroen C3, and there’s at least a chance you’ve seen one of these – the Peugeot 208.

This iteration of the 208 has been around in one form or another since 2012 and is due to be replaced by a second-generation model in the near future.

So, should you consider the aging 208 in a busy market segment? I spent a week behind the wheel of the second-from-the-top GT-Line to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2020 BMW I3 2019 Peugeot 208

Verdict

Yes, it’s pricey for a small hatch, but this little BMW is a city car like no other. The i3s is tailor made for the urban environment, and six years on retains the quirkiness and charisma that stood it apart at launch, and it can still hold its head high among the current EV crop.

Verdict

The 208 GT-Line is hardly a car purchased on its value offering; it’s an emotional purchase. Fans of the brand know it, even Peugeot knows it.

Here’s the thing, though, the GT-Line looks the part, is true-to-its-roots in how fun it is to drive, and will surprise most with its spacious dimensions and decent spec level. So, while it might be an emotional buy, it’s not necessarily a bad one.

BMW I3 vs Peugeot 208 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW I3 vs Peugeot 208
What's the difference?