New Hyundai Kona Electric & Peugeot e-2008 vs Smart #1: verdict

Our verdict

Unfortunately, the recent updates haven’t done nearly enough to elevate the e-2008 close to the class leaders; it stands out in too few areas to be a strong contender. It makes the least financial sense for private buyers, too, so you’d have to really be focused on keeping your electricity costs as low as possible to choose it over the other two contenders.

The Kona is a much more well-resolved choice, fixing most of its predecessor’s flaws to become a car that’s extremely easy to live with. We can see why its low PCP costs and long range will be enough to tempt buyers.

So, why doesn’t it win? Well, while the Kona is capable in most areas, the #1 shines in more of them. True, the #1’s small boot won’t suit everyone, but those sitting inside get to stretch out and enjoy its plush interior, while the combination of fine driving manners and the ability to charge more quickly than its rivals means it goes that little bit farther to satisfy buyers’ needs.

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1st – Smart #1

For Best to drive; plush interior; spacious and versatile rear seats; generously equipped; fastest charging capability
Against Small boot; least efficient; slightly unsettled low-speed ride
Recommended options None

What Car? rating 5 stars out of 5

Smart #1 review >>

Smart #1 deals >>

2nd – Hyundai Kona Electric

For Cheapest to buy on PCP finance; biggest boot; longest range; user-friendly dashboard layout; slowest predicted depreciation
Against Not much fun to drive; some motor whine; steering wheel short on reach adjustment
Recommended options Comfort Pack (£550)

What Car? rating 5 stars out of 5

Hyundai Kona Electric review >>

Hyundai Kona deals >>

3rd – Peugeot e-2008

For Most efficient; quietest cruiser; good-sized boot; comfy ride
Against Stingily equipped; grabby brakes; driving position won’t suit everyone; cramped rear seats; horrendous predicted depreciation
Recommended options Keyless entry (£350), heated seats (£200)

What Car? rating 2 stars out of 5

Peugeot e-2008 review >>

Peugeot e-2008 deals >>

Specifications: Hyundai Kona Electric 65kWh Advance

Engine Electric motor
Peak power 215bhp
Peak torque 188lb ft
Gearbox 1-spd automatic, FWD
0-60mph 7.8sec
30-70mph in kickdown 6.2sec
Top speed 107mph
30-0mph braking 8.9m
70-0mph braking 46.9m
Noise at 30mph 59.9dB
Noise at 70mph 65.0dB
Kerb weight 1698kg
Tyres (std) 215/60 R17
Battery capacity (usable) 65.4kWh
Rapid charging type CCS
Maximum charging rate 102kW
Charging time 7kW home wallbox (0-100%) 10hr 30min
Charging time rapid charger, peak rate (10-80%) 41min
Real-world range (est) 209 miles
Official range 319 miles
Efficiency on test 3.2 miles/kWh
CO2 emissions 0g/km

Specifications: Peugeot e-2008 Allure

Engine Electric motor
Peak power 154bhp
Peak torque 192lb ft
Gearbox 1-spd automatic, FWD
0-60mph 8.5sec
30-70mph in kickdown 7.2sec
Top speed 93mph
30-0mph braking 8.0m
70-0mph braking 44.3m
Noise at 30mph 60.6dB 
Noise at 70mph 64.4dB
Kerb weight 1548kg
Tyres (std) 215/60 R17
Battery capacity (usable) 50.8kWh
Rapid charging type CCS
Maximum charging rate 100kW
Charging time 7kW home wallbox (0-100%) 7hr 30min
Charging time rapid charger, peak rate (10-80%) 30min
Real-world range (est) 183 miles
Official range 250 miles
Efficiency on test 3.6 miles/kWh
CO2 emissions 0g/km

Specifications: Smart #1 Premium

Engine Electric motor
Peak power 268bhp
Peak torque 283lb ft
Gearbox 1-spd automatic, RWD
0-60mph 5.8sec
30-70mph in kickdown 4.8sec
Top speed 112mph
30-0mph braking 8.5m
70-0mph braking 46.6m
Noise at 30mph 59.4dB
Noise at 70mph 65.2dB
Kerb weight 1888kg
Tyres (std) 235/45 R19
Battery capacity (usable) 62kWh
Rapid charging type CCS
Maximum charging rate 150kW
Charging time 7kW home wallbox (0-100%) 10hr
Charging time rapid charger, peak rate (10-80%) 27min
Real-world range (est) 186 miles
Official range 273 miles
Efficiency on test 3.0 miles/kWh
CO2 emissions 0g/km

Weather conditions Damp, 9deg C

Cars pictured

Hyundai Kona Electric 65kWh Ultimate with Meta Blue metallic paint (£585)

Peugeot e-2008 GT with Selenium Grey paint, Iconium Alcantara seats (£500), Connected 3D Navigation (£400) and Drive Assist Pack Plus (£300)

Smart #1 Premium with Digital White metallic paint and Eclipse Black roof

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