Three-pot powerplant puts a pep in the step of new Peugeot 108
The Peugeot 108, as we know, is a sister car to the Citroen C1 and the Toyota Aygo, both of which we have reviewed favourably in these columns in recent times.
We at Examiner Motoring really like small cars because there is a sense of youth and freedom about them that is sadly lacking in most other market segments. And, more often than not, they are powered by small capacity petrol engines which have a joie de vivre all of their own and add to the pleasure of driving them.
Some might scoff at these assertions. Where’s the joy in driving a car that will take over 11 seconds to dash from 0-100 kph, many might ask. What pleasure will you get from a machine which only has a top speed of 170 kph, others will mutter.
Well, sometimes satisfactory motoring is not at all about performance, it is simply about the car itself and the manner in which it goes about its’ business. The 108 is a very game car and one which loves to be driven and on that basis alone it merits consideration.
The karty wheel-at-each-corner demeanour makes it a very able driver, whatever road type you’re on, although it is seen at its’ best on twisty B-roads where impressive grip levels and great handling allow you get into the groove quickly and to pedal it quite a deal quicker than you might have thought. For a car which is supposed to be primarily for the urban buyer, that’s not a bad thing at all.
Central to this is the 1.2 PureTech three cylinder engine which is as willing a powerplant as you could wish for. It outputs 60 kW (82 bhp) and some 118 Nm of torque, figures which — believe me — are more than adequate for the job at hand. It will also guzzle just 4.3 l/100 km (65 mpg) and emit just 99 g/km for an annual tax bill of €180.
More than all that though is the wonderful gurgle it produces which should be music to the ears of any petrolhead. If this doesn’t put a smile on your face then you need to see a doctor.
Peugeot has managed to make this car look quite a deal different from its’ Citroen and Toyota siblings, which is actually quite an achievement given that all three have so much in common. That its’ looks render it immediately recognisable as a Peugeot is very much to the credit of the company’s design department.
We tried the ‘Top’ Allure specification which adds a sliding fabric roof to proceedings and further adds to the youthful feel of the car and for those who like such things, the company has made it possible to personalise the car’s look to your satisfaction.
The amount of kit on the inside underlines too where Peugeot are targeting the market for this car. It will allow you synchronise the car’s infotainment system with your smartphone via the 7” touchscreen which is simple to use and largely idiot proof — even for me.
The dash layout contrives to look like simplicity manifested, but is actually quite sophisticated and I liked the addition of the digital rev. counter, something which the C1 doesn’t have.
Rear passenger space and carrying capacity in the boot are tight enough and this will impact on whether or not the 108 will do as a second family car. But then, if you have grown up kids who are learning to drive, then this will provide them with a funky and cool environment in which to learn.
COLLEY’S VERDICT
Fom €13,290 — €15,870 as tested.
A delightful three-pot which might not be terribly potent, but is hugely willing and economic.
Decent enough at entry level, but can get a touch expensive as you go up the grades.
a very neat town car indeed.
DISCOVER MORE CONTENT LIKE THIS
