Peugeot 108 (2014 - 2021) Review

Capitalising on the success of their 107 model was the plan for Peugeot and in an incredibly competitive city car segment they’re hoping 108 will be as popular.

It’s a fun, cute looking car and is a reminder why smaller Peugeots have over the years been well-liked. That being said the brand has also needed a car to get back up fighting amongst the big boys and maybe the 108 is that one.

It is distinctly Peugeot with their famous lion logo sitting above their floating grille and rear ‘lion claw’ lamps. Size wise it has an extended wheelbase and the rear and front overhangs are shorter than the outgoing 107. 

The most popular engine on the Peugeot 108 is likely to be the 1.2-litre VTi PureTech. The rather lively three-cylinder engine produces 82bhp, is mated to a smooth five-speed manual gearbox and is highly efficient.

There are also three 1-litre petrol variants based on the 1.0 VTi 68, the e-VTi has Stop & Start technology, the other uses a five-speed 2-Tronic electronically automated manual box. These are ideal when using the 108 for city driving, it does take some getting used to the lack of power and be wary of hills if you have passengers in the car.

The 108 weighs 840kg, the ride is good, comfortable and deals well with unduly road surfaces. If you’re looking for a fun drive then you’re unlikely to get it with the Peugeot 108 as it doesn’t feel that planted on roads or gives you much confidence going into tight turns. Steering is light which is ideal for city driving, with a turning circle of 4.8 metres it is perfect for parking in tight spaces.

At higher speeds it can get quite noisy from the wind and roads and there are a few noticeable rattles. If you’re going for the TOP! version you may want to shut the roof as the wind noise is deafening even with the addition of an aero-acoustic deflector in the cabin. 

With the driving position being brought forward there is great all-round visibility in the Peugeot 108.

There is plenty of personalisation on the 108, bright exterior colours and matching interior trims. There are also seven personalisation themes which include Kilt, Barcode and Tattoo. Making the car look even more unique the designs are implemented on the door mirrors, carpet mats, exterior and interior decals and even the key fob.

A seven-inch touchscreen features DAB radio, car information, settings and the optional reversing camera. Smartphone connectivity is available through Bluetooth or their Mirror Screen system, which displays exactly what’s on your phone screen onto the centre touchscreen.

There are four trim levels: Access, Active and Allure and Feline. Base level Access features standard equipment including electric front windows, LED daytime running lights, remote central locking and tyre pressure sensors.

Active adds 15-inch wheels, DAB radio, Bluetooth, Touchscreen with mirror screen, a multi-function steering wheel and a trip computer.

Allure features keyless entry, tinted windows, DAB radio, automatic headlights and a reversing camera. Top spec Feline features climate control, leather seats, carpet mats and aluminium door sills.

Available as a three, five door and as a hatchback or a TOP!, which features a retractable fabric roof, the 108 then turns from practical city car into a summer drive.

The Peugeot 108 is practical but even though boot space has been increased over the 107 and is now 196-litres, it’s still very small so you won’t get much in it. Passengers too might find the rear quite cramped 

The 1.2-litre VTi PureTech has CO2 emissions as low as 99g/km and a 65.7mpg figure so running costs will be really good for the Peugeot 108.

The other available engines have CO2 emissions below 100g/km, the 1.0 e-VTi 68 Stop & Start emits an impressive 88g/km with a combined 74.3mpg figure.

Priced from £8,345 the Peugeot 108 is a well-equipped, fuel efficient, city car that will appeal across the generations. The five-door starts at £9,995.

All new Peugeots come with a two year unlimited mileage warranty and a free optional additional one year of warranty.

The interior makes do with plenty of cheap plastics but there are the various personalisation options if you want to make it look better. The optional decals are best avoided as the ones on the launch cars were already peeling away.

Its predecessor, the 107 didn’t always rate very highly in the reliability stakes but so far so good for the 108 as there have been no issues reported with the model so far.

Safety systems on the Peugeot 108 include six airbags, hill assist and ESP stability control and it has scored four stars in the Euro NCAP tests, one more than the 107 with 80% protection for adult and child occupants.