Peugeot 108 buyer’s guide
Mk2 city car can be yours used for £5,000. Here’s how
PEUGEOT has been making cars for well over a century, offering models of all shapes and sizes during that time. But it’s the brand’s smaller models that have been the most desirable, with its 205 proving to be a landmark car.
When Peugeot/citroen collaborated with Toyota to launch the 107, C1 and Aygo in 2005, it was clear that another fun and affordable car had been born.
Those models were such a hit that almost a decade after their introduction PSA and Toyota came up with an all-new car that didn’t have the cheeky charm of the original model, but was much more grown up in every way; and now you can get into a Mk2 for less than £5,000.
History
THE second-generation 108 reached UK showrooms in July 2014. Buyers could choose between 68bhp 1.0 and 82bhp 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engines; there was no diesel option. Both came with a five-speed manual gearbox, but the 1.0-litre was offered with a semiautomatic transmission, called 2-Tronic.
There was a choice of three or fivedoor versions and either a regular hard-top hatch or one with an electric, folding cloth roof, called the 108 Top.
Roland Garros special editions were launched in May 2015, June 2016 and August 2017, plus a new range-topping Gt-line trim level was added in June 2016. A range refresh in May 2018 brought new colour options, but the only engine available was a 72bhp 1.0-litre.
Which one?
One-litre cars are fine around town, but if you do any motorway driving the 1.2litre unit offers extra zip without any real fuel economy penalty. The 2-Tronic box takes some mastering, but once you’ve done so you’ll probably love it.
Entry-level Access cars feature remote central locking, electric front windows, LED daytime running lights and six airbags. Active trim adds air-con, a seveninch touchscreen with Bluetooth and DAB, plus a multifunction steering wheel.
Active+ brings alloy wheels, a spacesaver spare wheel, electrically adjusted and heated door mirrors, automatic lights, privacy glass and a reversing camera. The range-topping Allure comes with leather trim and climate control.
Alternatives
THE competition is fierce in this class, with the Volkswagen up!, Skoda Citigo and SEAT Mii being convincing rivals. They feel grown up to drive, are refined and well made, plus there are lots about.
Korean duo the Kia Picanto and the Hyundai i10 are also very desirable
thanks to their long warranties, excellent reliability and generous kit levels; they also feel surprisingly mature to drive.
The Renault Twingo and the Smart Forfour are in effect the same car. While they’re not class-leading, they look neat and are surprisingly practical thanks to a clever interior design. Don’t forget the Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo, either; both are rebadged versions of the 108.
Verdict
THINGS change very quickly in the city car class, with the bar constantly being raised when it comes to equipment levels, refinement and usability. As a result the 108 is starting to feel dated in some ways, but it can still make a fine used buy. If you avoid lower-spec cars you’ll also get plenty of kit.
All 108s are free to tax if you buy one registered before 1 April 2017, and Top variants offer open-air fun with a healthy dose of style thrown in. Cheap to buy and run, the 108 won’t excite you, but it’s easy to drive and is perfect in town due to its compact size and decent ride.