PROMOTION

FOOD, Shopping, SPA: WE PICK OUR city HIGHLIGHTS – VISITED by zero emissions city car

Words Annie Vischer | Photography Jonny Storey

Who doesn’t love a city break every once in a while? The perfect opportunity arrived one sunny weekend (thankfully prior to the UK being hit by any sort of lockdown) with me taking the new Peugeot e-208 for a two-day spin in Bristol. The city was new to me, as was driving a pure electric car with a range of up to 217 miles*. But the e-208 made discovering Bristol’s must-visit eateries and shopping areas effortless indeed.

First stop, the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge (an absolute must-see). It spans the Avon Gorge and the River Avon and is a grade I listed building which first opened way back in 1864. Turns out you can’t beat the view from the Clifton Suspension Bridge on a sunny day.

It was so eye-popping that I couldn’t resist turning around and driving over it and back a second time. The toll booth attendant looked a little perplexed but like I said, the view was worth it. Parking up was a cinch – all 208s from mid-range Allure Premium trim have a 180˚reversing camera that really had my back when it came to lining up at the bridge’s gates for some photos.

Then it was into the heart of Bristol. Anyone who’s ever toured the city’s beautiful streets will know there’s often a steep gradient to contend with (yes, Park Street I’m looking at you), which can be combined with some narrow stretches. In a bigger car these tight streets might have proved daunting but the e-208 is compact and its one-pedal simplicity and driver aids made my driving look a lot more fine-tuned than it is (you don’t live a decade on Transport For London alone without losing a little finesse in the driving department!).

TAPAS FOR LUNCH, SHOPPING FOR AFTERS

A dose of sustenance at Poco Tapas later (book in here for incredible food and an inspired cocktail menu) and I was keen to get down to Wapping Wharf. I’d heard about Fig1, a great little homewares shop, and was eager to check it out. The sun was still going strong and I was lapping up all the vitamin D I could via the optional panoramic glass roof, so I took my time making my way over. Locating the store was simple thanks to Connected 3D Navigation, which can guide you from the beautiful 3D i-Cockpit® driver’s display, or using the central 10" touchscreen – or both.

Cue a serious shopping session. You simply can’t leave Fig1 without a purchase: there’s a vast selection ranging from chic looking speakers and tech to sumptuous soft furnishings and kitchen accessories.

A few presents (to myself) later and I was feeling really at home in this electric car. I’ve driven the odd hybrid, but unlike them the Peugeot e-208 always runs on electric power, so it’s extremely quiet and relaxing. Don’t be fooled that this Peugeot doesn’t have any teeth though: it’s perfectly nippy for the cut-and-thrust of city traffic.

Read Grazia’s tour of 5 must-visit Suffolk destinations

SPA – AND CAR – DELIVER ON RELAXATION

I was en route to the Bristol Harbour Hotel, where the spa was calling my name. All in the name of research of course, I’m a beauty editor after all! I took my sweet time getting ready and lounged about in my fluffy hotel robe drinking copious amounts of tea before heading to dinner.

As much as I’d have loved to show off my new Peugeot ride that evening I left it tucked up at the hotel because there was a tasting menu at Wilson’s with my name on it. It was ruddy gorgeous, a real secret gem, I’d recommend any visitors to the city pay them a visit.

Sustainability is at the heart of this restaurant and head chef Jan Ostle’s mission to support producers, growers and traders that use ethical and low impact methods is something well worth noting. Wilsons even has its own market garden where they grow a lot of the ingredients on the menu. On a trip spent zipping around Bristol in an emissions-free car, what could be more fitting? Oh and the wine was out of this world too.

PRIZE DRAW: win a road trip to a boutique hotel – and a Peugeot to travel there in

The next day (after a delightfully decadent lie in) I headed to the harbour in search of a coffee and boat-laden views. I wasn’t disappointed. Looking out at the River Avon was the perfect morning pick-me-up, you can’t beat being by the water, especially when you find yourself slap bang in the middle of a popular dog walking route. I stopped to fuss a very cheery black Labrador, a freshly groomed cocker spaniel and a scruffy little mongrel that was so full of character he deserved his own story book. When the clouds closed in and the temperature dropped I hopped back into the sanctuary of the car.

I selected some warm yellow lighting, switched on the heated seats and connected my phone to shuffle through my Spotify playlists, most of which involve a healthy peppering of Jack Johnson tunes. I’m all about ambience whether that involves lighting my favourite Jo Malone and Diptyque candles at home or making the most of what the Peugeot e-208 has to offer. This car delivers the cosy factor and then some.

Of course the electric version has to fit your lifestyle, and being able to charge at home or at work makes it so much more feasible. Out and about in Bristol I saw plenty of charge points, as you’d expect from a city with strong environmental credentials. Find a 100kW ultra-rapid charger, and the e-208 will charge from next-to-nothing to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes.

But the standout for me was enjoying guilt-free, zero emissions driving. I frequently write about the leaps and bounds that the beauty industry is making with planet-friendly practices, so extending that same ethos to cars feels absolutely right. Anything that lessens my carbon footprint and stands to earn me brownie points with David Attenborough is a major win in my book.

New electric Peugeot 208 – from £26,725 on the road**

* Range figures are obtained from WLTP laboratory testing & intended for comparison between vehicles. They may not reflect real driving results.
** Price includes Plug-in Car Grant of £3000 from the government

• Content created pre-COVID. Car features described are standard or optional dependent on version.

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