Peugeot 108: the little car with a big-city attitude and a grin that refuses to fade

 The Peugeot 108 is one of those cars that seems to understand its purpose perfectly. It doesn’t boast about horsepower or brag about torque figures; it just gets on with the business of making everyday driving feel easy, affordable, and — dare one say — rather enjoyable. It’s the pocket-sized Peugeot that makes parallel parking feel like performance art and proves that fun doesn’t have to come at 200 horsepower.



Designed for the city, ready for anything

Peugeot has a long history of making clever small cars, and the 108 continues that tradition with quiet confidence. It’s compact enough to slip down narrow streets yet stylish enough to look perfectly at home outside a boutique café. The proportions are neat, the lines crisp, and the face — that slightly cheeky grin of a front grille — tells you this car was built with personality.

  • Effortless agility: Light steering, tidy suspension, and sharp turning make urban driving a delight.
  • Economical performance: With a frugal petrol engine, it delivers superb mpg and impressively low CO₂ emissions.
  • Affordable ownership: Low insurance group ratings and gentle road tax costs keep the smile wide long after purchase.

Engines and transmissions — small but spirited

Under the bonnet lies the beating heart of simplicity: a compact, reliable petrol engine that’s as easy to maintain as it is to enjoy. Whether paired with a smooth 5-speed manual or a relaxed automatic gearbox, the Peugeot 108 thrives on short commutes and weekend jaunts alike. Its lightweight build means it feels more eager than its modest power would suggest — an example of engineering minimalism done right.

  • 1.0-litre 3-cylinder: thrifty, characterful, and great for city miles.
  • 1.2-litre PureTech: ideal if you want a touch more torque for the motorway.
  • Low maintenance: timing chain engines and easy access for oil changes make it DIY-friendly.


Inside the cabin: simplicity meets style

Peugeot’s knack for creating inviting interiors shines through in the 108. The dashboard is intuitively laid out, with a central touchscreen that feels more high-end than you’d expect in a car this size. Most models come with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and even MirrorLink integration — all designed to make modern life just a little less fiddly.

  • Comfort where it counts: Supportive seats and quality fabrics make longer trips surprisingly pleasant.
  • Smart practicality: The boot is deceptively useful, expanding neatly when the rear seats fold down.
  • Visibility and tech: High driving position, optional reversing camera and parking sensors make manoeuvres effortless.

Trims, colours, and special editions

The 108 range includes trims like Active, Allure, and the roof-sliding Top! edition, each offering its own blend of flair and functionality. Special editions such as Roland Garros and Collection add a touch of sport and style — think chic colour combos and bespoke interior stitching. From understated grey to bold purple, red, and white, there’s a 108 to suit every personality.



Running costs and maintenance

Here’s where the Peugeot 108 really earns its keep. It’s one of the cheapest cars to run in its class, and maintenance is refreshingly straightforward. Regular items like wiper blades, batteries, and headlight bulbs are affordable, and the simple mechanical layout means fewer expensive surprises at MOT time. Its lightweight frame helps tyres last longer, and fuel efficiency remains impressive even on longer commutes.

  • Service costs: Predictable and low; parts are widely available.
  • Fuel efficiency: Typically 55–60mpg depending on model year.
  • Reliability: Shared underpinnings with the Toyota Aygo mean long-term dependability.

Buying a used Peugeot 108

On the second-hand market, the 108 makes an excellent buy. Its reputation for reliability and sensible running costs has made it a favourite among first-time drivers and city commuters. Check for complete service history, ensure warning lights stay off at startup, and verify that tyre pressure sensors are correctly reset. Look for evidence of regular oil changes and brake servicing.

If you’re considering taking the plunge, browse a trusted selection here: Peugeot 108 for sale.

Rivals and shared DNA

The 108’s closest siblings are the Toyota Aygo and Citroën C1 — built alongside it in the same factory. Yet Peugeot’s offering has always felt a touch more sophisticated: better materials, smarter trims, and that quintessential French sense of style. If the Aygo is playful and the C1 pragmatic, the 108 is the understated all-rounder that quietly wins hearts.

The Peugeot story

It comes from Peugeot, a brand that knows a thing or two about crafting clever small cars. For over a century, Peugeot has mixed charm with engineering precision — from the iconic 205 to the sleek 208 — and the 108 continues that heritage beautifully. It’s not just transport; it’s a masterclass in getting the basics exactly right.

Final verdict

Some cars impress you with brute force. The Peugeot 108 wins you over with grace, good manners, and genuine intelligence. It’s easy to drive, cheap to run, and, crucially, it makes sense — a rare thing in motoring today. Whether you’re a learner, a commuter, or just someone tired of oversized SUVs hogging the lane, the Peugeot 108 might just be your next little victory on four wheels.

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