Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Peugeot 108 hatchback review (2014-2022)

“The Peugeot 108 looks good and costs little to buy or run, but it’s starting to show its age in a competitive class”

Carbuyer Rating

3.1 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.1 out of 5

Read owner reviews

Pros

  • Available with full-length folding roof
  • Impressively cheap to run
  • Very well equipped

Cons

  • Not much space in the back
  • Other rivals are better to drive
  • Smaller engine struggles on the motorway

Twins and triplets are all the rage in the city car class, as manufacturers look to spread the cost of development and boost profit margins by sharing platforms and parts in what is a very cut-throat end of the business. Many buyers expect a few nice features, good refinement and a decent amount of space, plus a low monthly price. The Peugeot 108 is part of a trio that use the same platform with the Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo, while the Hyundai i10 and Kia Picanto are also closely related. It’s a similar story with the SEAT Mii, Skoda Citigo and Volkswagen up!, even if the SEAT and Skoda are now electric-only.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Many more city cars will go electric, as it’s becoming too expensive for companies to ensure they pass stringent emissions legislation. The Smart ForTwo and Honda e are two other small EVs, while the Fiat 500 is now also available as a pure-electric model. Electric cars have higher price tags than petrol equivalents but running costs are much lower; recharging costs a fraction of refilling a tank and EVs are VED (road tax) exempt.

best city carsTop 10 best city cars 2024

While the Peugeot 108 shares many parts with the C1 and Aygo, the good news for consumers is that modern engineering techniques mean they’re far more than clones with new badges stuck on the boot. So that the cars have differences and aren’t just selling on price, the brands involved make sure the individual models have different looks, equipment and marketing.

In the case of the 108/Aygo/C1 trio, the Peugeot arguably has the most upmarket design, especially if you’re not sold on the Toyota Aygo’s bold ‘X’ nose. Originally there was plenty of choice, with three or five doors and the option of a retractable canvas roof to let some air into the interior on the ‘Top!’ model, but Peugeot has recently slimmed down the range, with three-door models, the automatic gearbox and the fabric roof all dropped. Three well-specced trim levels remain.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Like the other two, the Peugeot only has one engine option now - a three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol with 72bhp. It’s economical and has just enough power to cope with a motorway, but it will still need to be worked hard to accelerate down a slip road, overtake slower traffic or climb a steep hill.

There’s a five-speed manual gearbox, which is now the only choice. Previously, you could pay £500 for a 2-Tronic ‘piloted manual’ transmission. This did away with the clutch pedal and could be used like a conventional automatic, but it wasn’t as smooth or economical and took some getting used to.

The 108 is never going to be fast, but the advantage of this lack of performance is that insurance companies look upon the 108 very favourably - it is very cheap to cover, making it especially popular with young drivers. Peugeot also offers a package where all your insurance, servicing and breakdown cover costs are rolled into the monthly price, called ‘Just Add Fuel’.

The 108 is the smallest model Peugeot sells, but clever packaging means four adults can fit inside, even if back-seat passengers might start to complain on longer journeys. The boot is small as expected, but big enough for most shopping trips and easy enough to access thanks to a low loading lip for the class.

There are several trim levels to satisfy customers, from the current entry-level Active through to Allure and the special-edition Collection trim. We think the Active model is a good bet, with essentials like air-conditioning, Bluetooth, DAB radio and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system making it a well equipped city car. You can also choose vibrant trim pieces if you want to give the interior a lift.

The best first cars 2023Top 10 best first cars for new drivers 2024

Considering its tiny size, the 108’s four-star Euro NCAP crash-test result isn’t too disappointing and comparable with several rivals. Six airbags, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control are standard features regardless of trim level.

In our 2020 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, Peugeot finished 8th out of 30 manufacturers. Owners praised the brand's fuel economy, reasonably priced servicing and the smooth ride of their cars. Overall, an average of 12 per cent of owners reported a fault within the first year of ownership.

Rivals like the Hyundai i10 and Volkswagen up! are more fun for keen drivers, but the 108 has light steering that makes it agile in town and easy to park, while undercutting most of its competitors.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Volvo XC90 review – understated upmarket large SUV
Volvo XC90 Best Buy cutout
In-depth reviews
29 Oct 2024

Volvo XC90 review – understated upmarket large SUV

Tesla Model Y review – clever tech and practical, top charging access
Tesla Model Y
In-depth reviews
22 Oct 2024

Tesla Model Y review – clever tech and practical, top charging access

Porsche Panamera review – a tech-packed sports saloon
Porsche Panamera facelift
In-depth reviews
22 Oct 2024

Porsche Panamera review – a tech-packed sports saloon

Volkswagen T-Roc review – the logical SUV step up from a Golf
Volkswagen T-Roc front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
16 Oct 2024

Volkswagen T-Roc review – the logical SUV step up from a Golf

Most Popular

It’s official – the Dacia Duster is the Carbuyer Car of the Year 2025!
Carbuyer Car of the Year – Dacia Duster
News
23 Oct 2024

It’s official – the Dacia Duster is the Carbuyer Car of the Year 2025!

The best cheap fun cars from under £5k to over £10k
Best cheap fun cars
Best cars
25 Oct 2024

The best cheap fun cars from under £5k to over £10k

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
25 Oct 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

More on 108

Updates for the Peugeot 108 announced
Peugeot 108
News
20 Jul 2021

Updates for the Peugeot 108 announced

Peugeot’s compact city car receives a number of styling upgrades in 2021 update, including new paint finishes and interior details
Peugeot 108 gets new colour option
News
9 Jul 2020

Peugeot 108 gets new colour option

New options and graphics packs also available for the 2020 Peugeot 108
Citroen C1 vs Toyota Aygo vs Peugeot 108
News
29 Oct 2018

Citroen C1 vs Toyota Aygo vs Peugeot 108

Which city car should you buy? We compare three small cars from Citroen, Toyota and Peugeot
New convertible option for Toyota Aygo
News
15 Jan 2015

New convertible option for Toyota Aygo

Toyota Aygo buyers can now enjoy wind-in-the-hair thrills with a new fabric roof option

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024