Peugeot 108 review
The Peugeot 108 is a little car with a lot of character. It's great fun to drive with zesty engines that sound sporty. Not only is it highly reliable, but the interior looks and feels modern and fresh.
Pros
- Very affordable even at the top of the range
- Efficient engines keep things low cost
- Good reliability
Cons
- Engines can be noisy, especially on longer journeys
- Boot space isn’t as good as rivals
- Hard plastics let down a good interior
Summary
“A great little city car that manages to be fun and efficient.”
The 108 offers a pleasant drive with a punchy little 1.0-litre engine and excellent economy. Equipment levels are good with a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system on some models that can stream all your favourite tunes.
It’s full of character and is a whizz in the city where it’s most at home. Don’t expect loads of interior space though. As with most cars of this size, it’s quite cramped in the back. Boot space is more about carrying the shopping or a gym bag rather than luggage for a big family holiday.
If you want a bit more character, there’s also a version with a sliding canvas roof which is great for making the most of a sunny day.
What’s the interior like?
“Functional town car with a hint of style.”
The interior of the 108 is simple but modern. There are a few touches of colour, but it mostly has dark trim. It’s all about stylish elegance.
The entry-level Access model is a little basic so if you want some decent equipment, go for the Active spec or higher. This spec includes a touchscreen infotainment system and sat nav. The Feline spec has even better leather upholstery, which adds a touch of class.
Space in the back isn’t great for taller adults. The five-door model is easier to access than the three-door. Boot space is 180 litres if there’s a full-size spare wheel, but if you’re happy going with a repair kit then your boot size will increase to 196 litres. It’ll be able to hold a carry case or a few shopping bags.
What’s it like to drive?
“Surprisingly fun on city streets.”
The 108 can be great fun in the city. The 1.0-litre engine makes a gruff, almost sporty sound that feels like the drive is more exciting than it is. The 1.2-litre motor will be the nicest to live with if you travel further afield. It’s smooth and easy through the neat five-speed gearbox.
The suspension handles most city bumps well, but things can feel a little bouncy and it does lean if you corner too hard.
Venture out of town and you’ll find the engine starts to get a little noisy. The ride is slightly less comfortable over longer distances. However, the 108 isn’t designed to be a long-distance commuter. It’ll be most at home in town or nipping to the shops, where its compact dimensions, great road visibility and light steering makes it easy to live with.
Is it cost-efficient to buy and run?
“A city runabout that’s budget-friendly.”
The 108 is a low cost and trustworthy buy. It has excellent running costs courtesy of low insurance groupings and fuel-efficient engines that return around 60 mpg economy.
Service and parts costs will be affordable. The good level of equipment means you’re getting value for money. You can expect to pay a little more for five-door versions but you’ll still be paying less than rivals.
How reliable and safe is it?
“A small car you can trust, although it lacks the latest safety tech.”
Peugeot topped the 109 JD Power Vehicle Dependability Survey rankings and the 108 was the third most reliable city car after the Volkswagen Up and Hyundai i10.
Euro NCAP has never tested the 108 but judged it to be the same as the Toyota Aygo in 2014 so awarded it four stars. It’ll have basic safety kit including anti-lock braking and hill start assist.
Which one is best for you?
Best for economy - 1.0 Active
Best for family - 1.2 PureTech Feline 5dr
Best for fun - 1.2 PureTech GT Line
The 1.0-litre is great fun if you spend most of your time in town, which is what the 108 was built for and generally where it should be. Go for the 1.2-litre if you regularly travel a bit further afield and, with either engine choices, the manual gearbox is the best option.
The Active trim won’t break the bank and gives you a good level of kit, including the touchscreen infotainment, but even the highest spec models should be well priced.
