VM Comparison Test Opel Corsa-e / Peugeot e-208: Similar, but Different

A Slightly More Staid, But Timeless Opel - Sporty Peugeot

But back to "same same but different": In terms of drive and chassis, the two small cars are as alike as two peas in a pod, but the design and overall character are fundamentally different. The Opel portrays the sensible and functional Teuton with a "clean" design, which still predates the "Vizor" look of the Mokka-e and appears somewhat staid but also timeless. On the other hand, the Peugeot comes across as much sportier, flaunting its LED saber teeth and deep red glowing claws at the rear. Quite rowdy, but as they say, taste is subjective. The corporate philosophy is to offer "each to their own" and that fits well, especially since with the DS E-Tense, there is a third option that gives off an air of sophisticated electric avant-gardism.

Clear Ergonomics in the Corsa-e, Playful Design in the e-208

The diversified approach is also reflected in the interior: Although the Opel lacks the "Wow effect" that the Peugeot achieves with its unusual, elevated "i-Cockpit", the numerous spaceship-like toggle switches, the "bumper car" mini-steering wheel in a wannabe Formula 1 format, the gray-black Karonaht Alcantara seats, carbon-look plastics, and the surrounding light band. However, in the Rüsselsheim car, you immediately feel at home, the ergonomics are self-explanatory, and the instruments do not give a caged-in feeling as the Peugeot does with its wall-like double balustrade. Clearly, the Opel Corsa-e is more of an "everyday good friend", while the Peugeot plays the "Captain Future" for young or young-at-heart "techies".

An illustrative example: Rotary controls in the Opel versus toggles in the Peugeot for ventilation, and a matte central navigation screen instead of the "outstanding" mounted and obstructive tablet in the Lion. The Peugeot’s audio system might sound a bit sharper, its "Captain Future" design encourages playfulness, pleases the console generation, and its material selection and build quality seem more premium than the Opel's. But connectivity and other features are very much "same same but different".

Adequate, But Not Ample Space

In other attributes, the two electric vehicles, both slightly over four meters in length, width, and height, are very similar: ample space in the front, though the Peugeot actually offers more comfortable seats with more side support. The rear seats are rather cramped concerning head and legroom, and the backrest is very upright, which forces a straighter seating position. However, four adults can manage. The boot space is about 40 liters less than the conventional versions, with 267 to 1,042 liters in the Opel and similarly 265 to 960 liters in the Peugeot, which is not spacious but sufficient for most daily tasks. Nonetheless, a Renault Zoe offers significantly more space for the same length, particularly in the cargo area. The weigh-in figures are almost identical too: 1.6 tons for the Opel, 1.59 tons for the Peugeot, each with a 75 kg driver. The test run was conducted with an additional 150 kg ballast as usual.

Confirmation: The PSA Drive Is Not Particularly Efficient

And the German-French driving harmony continues: With exactly 18.3 kWh/100 km for the French and 18.4 kWh/100 km for the Teuton, measured in the vehicle, both e-small cars completed the economically driven mixed course of city, countryside, and highway, with even the individual values being almost identical. Especially in the city and on the highway, they each exceed 19 kWh/100 km, while the country road hills of Hallertau modestly require 15.3 and 16.2 kWh/100 km (Peugeot/Opel). Absolutely viewed, these are not top efficiency values, as also seen in the previously tested DS E-Tense which was not particularly frugal. Even an Opel Vivaro-e electric transporter with 25.2 kWh/100 km is not a paragon of efficiency. The standard PSA drive seems to have potential for improvement in terms of energy yield. Considering that over 21 kWh/100 km of power flowed into the storages at the column, one can generally add about 2 kWh/100 km between vehicle consumption and actual drawn power.

Mini SE, Zoe or Model 3 Are Much More Economical

The values are somewhat acceptable, but an also converted Mini SE or originally developed electric cars like a Tesla Model 3 or the similarly spacious Renault Zoe use significantly less energy. Obviously, consumption impacts range, thus moving a bit away from the promised values: Opel advertises up to 337 kilometers with the Corsa-e, up to 340 kilometers for the e-208, both even according to WLTP. This is also initially displayed by the range indicator when unplugging, but it quickly corrects downwards... Realistically, with 18 kWh/100 km and 45 usable kWh in the batteries, a maximum of 250 kilometers can be achieved depending on driving style and highway share.

Quick Fill-Up: 100-kW Charger Is Standard

At least both can accelerate up to 150 km/h, then stopping in consideration of energy reserves. Fortunately, a 100-kW DC fast charger is standard. The optional 11-kW AC charger, which costs about 1,200 euros gross at Opel, can almost be disregarded as the gain of two and a half hours compared to the standard 7.4 kW onboard charger is not significant. According to Peugeot's price list, the 11-kW charger is standard as it is only available from the Active line.

Differentiated Driving Programs

One should not shy away from the Eco mode, which already provides decent performance. Especially in Normal and even more in Sport mode, both small EVs accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in under eight seconds. The intermediate sprint from 80 to 120 km/h is also completed in just over six seconds, ensuring there is no lack of power with the standard drive. In Sport mode, the front wheels sometimes struggle to transfer the fully available 260 Nm to the ground.

The Opel Feels More "Natural", Both Are Quite Agile

In terms of handling, the Opel stands out with a more natural steering feeling and more consistent driving behavior, whereas the Peugeot sometimes aims overly sporty and sharp into corners. Both vehicles have excellent stability due to the underfloor battery's lower center of gravity and offer high agility, making them enjoyable to drive, especially in twisty terrain. However, braking performance in both is moderate, with the pedal feeling synthetic, doughy, and poorly controllable. Fortunately, the brake system is rarely needed thanks to decent, but not overly aggressive, regenerative braking in "B" mode. The concept does not support one-pedal driving; PSA engineers argue that the "coasting" strategy is more efficient, which accordingly represents the "standard setting".

Driver Assistance: At a High Level in the E-Models

Many driver assistants are included, which one would expect from a modern electric vehicle. The e-variants generally align with higher equipment levels. The Peugeot has an active lane-keeping assist (somewhat sharp), an intelligent cruise control with traffic sign recognition, a front collision warning, active emergency braking, an acoustic pedestrian warning, a fatigue alert, an electric parking brake, or a rain sensor. The standard features include a keyless start system and automatic climate control, as well as a Bluetooth DAB+ radio with a 5" touchscreen, optionally 7" or 10" devices with upgraded sound systems, connectivity, and navigation features.

Price Question: Plusher Peugeot, Stingier Opel

So, price remains the distinguishing feature: Here, the Peugeot, starting at 30,450 euros (including 19% VAT) and only available as an "e" from the second trim level "Active", is 500 euros dearer than the base Corsa-e. But adjusted for equipment, it is actually a lot cheaper, with almost everything you need included. Hence, the Peugeot can be priced up to 35,750 euros for the GT Pack, all-inclusive with blind-spot assist, 3D cockpit, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, rearview camera, full LED headlights, telematics box, live navigation, or ambient LED mood lighting.

The "everything pizza" version with a similar functionality and Alcantara sports seats, fully digital instruments, live-navigation, and LED matrix lights is named "Ultimate" at Opel and costs 35,645 euros. However, it is slightly less comprehensively equipped, annoyingly missing the then costly 11-kW onboard charger (1,160 euros) or keyless access (325 euros). The rest is negotiable. It would be problematic if it is the same dealer, who might simply say: "Same same but different", or as taste is subjective.

Comparison Test VM Conclusion:

If it's a matter of taste: After two weeks of everyday testing, we prefer the Opel. After the initial amazement at the Peugeot's interior, some of its quirks become irritating and seem over-engineered, though it may look and feel better. Perhaps it's because we are essentially sober-minded Teutons... In any case, the more important issue is that PSA needs to make the electric drive more efficient. The 300-kilometer mark is essential for a mature electric car that aims to be more than just a second car and both have the potential for this. With consumption at an appropriate 15 kWh/100 km for these vehicles, it would be achievable. Fundamental improvements will likely come with the shift to almost pure electric platforms planned to start with the Peugeot 3008 successor in the C-Segment in 2023 under eVMP and in 2025 under the revised eCMP platform for small cars.

Meanwhile, there’s a slightly sour feeling, even if fast chargers quickly provide energy again and the 7.4 kW onboard charger or, for Peugeot, the 11 kW charger also serve AC charging quickly. It always costs money and, more importantly, time. Otherwise, the package fits: Finally, no SUV or trendy "crossover", but "normal", yet serious small cars that can do everything needed daily – taking up little space, being handy and agile to drive, and most importantly: being reasonable in price. Chapeau, PSA, that was quick – and mostly good!

Technical Data: Peugeot e-208 GT Pack

• Drive: Continental synchronous electric motor (100 kW/136 PS, max. 260 Nm) with fixed transmission
• Dimensions LxWxH: 4,055 x 1,745 x 1,430 mm; turning circle: 10.4 m
• Weights (measured): empty 1,585 kg (including driver 75 kg); GVW 1,910 kg; load 325 kg; test weight 1,730 kg (150 kg ballast)
• Boot: 265/960 l
• Battery: CATL lithium-ion 50 kWh (gross)/45 kWh (usable)
• Charging technology: 11 kW AC Type 2 (standard); 100 kW DC CCS (standard)
• Prices: Active from 30,450 euros; GT Pack 35,750 euros (including 19% VAT)
• Standard equipment GT Pack (among others): Active Safety Brake Plus, acoustic pedestrian warning, three-phase onboard charger 11 kW, electric parking brake, automatic climate control, fatigue alert, Connect Box with free telematics services SOS and Assistance, rain sensor, 3D navigation system, front parking aid (acoustic and visual), high beam assistant, full LED headlights, LED ambient lighting, multifunctional 10" touchscreen, blind-spot assist, ACC with Stop & Go function, including active lane-keeping assistant, Keyless System Plus (keyless access & start), front seat heating, heat pump, fully digital 10" 3D instrument cluster, 180° rearview camera
• Options (selection): Park Assist including steering aid 250 euros, inductive charging station for phone 150 euros, metallic paint 520 euros, panoramic glass roof 550 euros
• Test consumption: 18.4 kWh/100 km; city: 19.7 kWh/100 km; country: 15.3 kWh/100 km; highway: 19.3 kWh/100 km (onboard computer); consumption including charging losses: 21.6 kWh/100 km; total distance consumption 857 km: 19.7 kWh/100 km (charging column)
• Acceleration 0-60/80/100 km/h: 3.8/5.8/8.5 s (Sport mode); elasticity 50-80 km/h/80-120 km/h: 2.7/6.7 s

Technical Data: Opel Corsa-e Ultimate

• Drive: Continental synchronous electric motor (100 kW/136 PS, max. 260 Nm) with fixed transmission
• Dimensions LxWxH: 4,060 x 1,765 x 1,433 mm; turning circle: 10.7 m
• Weights (measured): empty 1,605 kg (including driver 75 kg); GVW 1,918 kg; load 313 kg; test weight 1,755 kg (150 kg ballast)
• Boot: 267/1,040 l
• Battery: CATL lithium-ion 50 kWh (gross)/45 kWh (usable)
• Charging technology: 7.4 kW AC Type 2 (standard); 100 kW DC CCS (standard)
• Prices: Base from 29,900 euros; Ultimate 35,640 euros (including 19% VAT)
• Standard equipment (among others): Acoustic pedestrian warning, active front collision warning including pedestrian detection, active lane-keeping assist, hill holder, fatigue detection, traffic sign recognition, three-phase onboard charger 7.4 kW, electric parking brake, rear park pilot, automatic climate control, Connect Box with free telematics services SOS and Assistance, Quickheat system with heat pump
• Options (selection): Onboard charger 11 kW 1,160 euros, Park & Go package including steering aid + rearview camera 550 euros, visibility package including rain sensor 170 euros, wireless charging 135 euros, panoramic sunroof 550 euros, keyless access 325 euros
• Test consumption: 18.3 kWh/100 km; city: 19.0 kWh/100 km; country: 16.2 kWh/100 km; highway: 19.3 kWh/100 km (onboard computer); total distance consumption 874 km: 17.9 kWh/100 km (onboard computer); consumption including charging losses: 21.0 kWh/100 km
• Acceleration 0-60/80/100 km/h: 5.0/7.4/10.0 s (Normal mode); elasticity 50-80 km/h/80-120 km/h: 3.1/6.9 s