1.0 / 1.2 VTi (EB2 naturally-aspirated)
2012–2019 · petrol · 1199cc · 82hp
Engine codes: EB0, EB2F, HMZ
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Peugeot 208 1.0 / 1.2 VTi (EB2 naturally-aspirated). Check this before you buy used.
The naturally-aspirated 1.0/1.2 VTi three-cylinders (EB2 without the turbo) are the simple, dependable 208 petrols — chain-driven, port-injected, no turbo and cheap to run. Crucially these are NOT the troublesome wet-belt PureTech turbos: the non-turbo EB2 is a far lower-worry engine. They're slow, especially loaded or uphill, and a bit thrummy, but mechanically low-risk. The honest budget choice for a city 208 — buy on basic history and enjoy minimal costs. (Watch only the odd timing-chain/coil item with age.)
Same engine, other cars
This is the same physical engine (HN05) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:
- Citroën C3 III— 1.2 PureTech (EB2 turbo / NA)110hp
- Citroën C3 Aircross— 1.2 PureTech (EB2)130hp
- Peugeot 308 III— 1.2 PureTech (EB2 turbo)130hp
- Opel Corsa F— 1.2 PureTech (EB2 turbo / NA)100hp
- Peugeot 208— 1.2 PureTech (EB2DT turbo)110hp
- Citroën C4 III— 1.2 PureTech (EB2 turbo)130hp
- Citroën C5 Aircross— 1.2 / 1.6 PureTech (EB2 / EP6 turbo)130hp
- Opel Mokka B— 1.2 PureTech (EB2 turbo)130hp
- Opel Grandland— 1.2 PureTech (EB2 turbo)130hp
- Opel Astra L— 1.2 PureTech (EB2 turbo)130hp
- Peugeot 2008— 1.2 PureTech (EB2 turbo)110hp
Known Issues
82 hp is slow loaded; three-cylinder vibration normal.
Fix / Workaround: Accept the character; city car.
0Chain and ignition items with age.
Fix / Workaround: Check chain; replace coils as needed.
Repair cost: €80–€600
Typically appears after: 120,000 km
The EB2's timing belt runs INSIDE the engine, in oil. The belt sheds rubber into the oil over time; debris clogs the oil pickup and pressure drops — the same wet-belt story as the PureTech turbo, and PSA repeatedly shortened the change interval. This is the defining risk of this engine.
Fix / Workaround: Replace the belt by 6 years / 100,000 km at the latest (earlier for city cars), use exactly the specified oil, and have the oil pickup checked/cleaned when the belt is done.
Repair cost: €400–€800
Typically appears after: 80,000 km
Downstream effect of belt shedding: intermittent low-oil-pressure warnings, especially at hot idle. Ignore it and bearings suffer.
Fix / Workaround: Treat any oil pressure warning as urgent: sump off, pickup cleaned, belt condition inspected.
Repair cost: €150–€400
Mileage Thresholds
After 180,000 km: Low-worry, cheap to run.
After 100,000 km: Wet belt MUST have been changed by here (or be budgeted immediately) — the deal-breaker question for any EB2.
Fault Codes to Scan
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐NOT the wet-belt PureTech turbo
- ☐Simple, low-worry choice
- ☐Slow but dependable
Frequently asked questions
Is the Peugeot 208 1.0 / 1.2 VTi (EB2 naturally-aspirated) reliable?
Reliable — The naturally-aspirated 1.0/1.2 VTi three-cylinders (EB2 without the turbo) are the simple, dependable 208 petrols — chain-driven, port-injected, no turbo and cheap to run. Crucially these are NOT the troublesome wet-belt PureTech turbos: the non-turbo EB2 is a far lower-worry engine. They're slow, especially loaded or uphill, and a bit thrummy, but mechanically low-risk. The honest budget choice for a city 208 — buy on basic history and enjoy minimal costs. (Watch only the odd timing-chain/coil item with age.)
What are the common problems and reviews for the Peugeot 208 1.0 / 1.2 VTi (EB2 naturally-aspirated)?
The most commonly reported problems: Modest power / 3-cyl thrum, Timing chain / coils (age), Wet timing belt degrades and clogs the oil pickup, Oil pressure warnings from clogged pickup strainer.
Is a used Peugeot 208 1.0 / 1.2 VTi (EB2 naturally-aspirated) worth buying?
Minor issues only, easy to maintain, no design flaws. A safe used buy.