Peugeot 108: small in stature, huge in personality — the pint-sized Peugeot that proves less really can be more

 The Peugeot 108 is the city car that refuses to blend in. Compact enough to slot into a parking space the width of a crisp packet, yet clever enough to feel genuinely premium, it’s a reminder that driving joy doesn’t need to come in litres or horsepower. This is motoring’s version of a perfectly pulled espresso — small, intense, and far more satisfying than you expect.



Why the Peugeot 108 works so well in the real world

It’s easy to mistake the 108 for another disposable city runabout — until you live with one. Then you realise how its thoughtful engineering and cheerful design add up to something quietly brilliant. The steering is feather-light, the pedals cooperative, and the 1.0-litre engine thrums with an optimism that makes even school runs feel cheerful.

  • Urban agility: A turning circle so tight you’ll grin every time you U-turn. Its dimensions make city streets feel wider.
  • Wallet-friendly economy: Excellent mpg, sensible road tax, and modest insurance group ratings keep running costs laughably low.
  • Smart practicality: A useful boot, split-fold seats, and 5-door flexibility wrapped in a stylish body.
  • Everyday tech: Bluetooth, touchscreen infotainment, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support — all neatly integrated.


Trims, colours and years that made the 108 shine

From the sensible Active to the well-dressed Allure and the breezy Top! soft-top, every Peugeot 108 has a hint of character baked in. There were chic Collection and Roland Garros versions too, proof that Peugeot understood fun doesn’t have to mean fast. You’ll find cars from 2015 through 2021 in everything from midnight black and pearl white to bold purple and vivid red — because why should city cars look bored?

Engines, gearboxes and the charm of being light

There’s genius in simplicity. The 108’s petrol engines are small but eager, delivering enough fizz for the bypass while sipping fuel like it costs gold. Most come with a slick manual gearbox, though the automatic suits stop-start commuters. You’re not buying this car for a 0–60 brag; you’re buying it for that sweet, nimble feel — the kind that makes a parallel park feel like choreography.



  • 1.0-litre petrol: the dependable all-rounder with solid fuel economy.
  • 1.2-litre PureTech: more poke, ideal for those doing longer motorway stretches.
  • Low emissions: plenty of models fall into modest road tax bands and meet Euro 6 standards.

Inside: small doesn’t mean basic

Slide into the 108 and you’ll find a cabin that feels delightfully modern. The touchscreen dominates the dashboard, providing easy access to music, navigation, and phone mirroring. Materials are refreshingly solid for a car this size. Higher trims bring air conditioning, reversing cameras, and parking sensors. It’s less minimalist than many rivals, and that’s part of the charm — Peugeot wants you to smile, not merely commute.

Maintenance made simple

Here’s the joy of owning a Peugeot 108: you can look after much of it yourself if you’re mildly handy. Routine checks like engine oil, spark plugs, wiper blades, and tyre pressure are straightforward. The battery and key fob battery swaps take minutes. Even the service light reset is satisfyingly easy — a rare nod to owner empowerment in an age of sealed hoods and hidden menus.

  • Keep an eye on tyre wear and alignment — light cars respond quickly to uneven surfaces.
  • Check the clutch bite point on higher-mileage manuals.
  • For automatics, ensure smooth changes and prompt kickdown.
  • Listen for rattles from the tailgate — often just loose fittings, not doom.

Buying used: what to look for

The market is awash with tidy examples, many owned by retirees or first-time drivers. Full service history matters more than odometer figures. Seek regular oil changes, complete MOT records, and any paperwork confirming timing-belt or wet belt replacements. Before you get lost on classifieds, you can see a strong selection right here: Peugeot 108 for sale.



Reliability and running costs

The Peugeot 108’s simplicity is its superpower. There’s no turbo to fail, no air suspension to drain your wallet — just tried-and-tested mechanicals. Road tax is low, tyres cheap, and fuel economy consistently impressive. Replacement headlight bulbs and wipers cost pocket change. For city dwellers, it’s the closest you’ll get to automotive zen.

Competitors and cousins

Technically, it shares DNA with the Toyota Aygo and Citroën C1. But the Peugeot feels grown-up — the Aygo is playful, the C1 is basic, and the 108 sits comfortably between. It’s a car for those who want a dash of French flair with their fuel efficiency, not a badge engineered afterthought.

Trim highlights and popular picks

  • Active: essential equipment, reliable simplicity — the no-nonsense choice.
  • Allure: alloy wheels, touchscreen tech, and an upmarket feel without the price tag.
  • Top!: the folding roof model — think holiday spirit, even on the commute.
  • Collection: a few extra colour pops and style upgrades to keep things interesting.

The brand and its heritage

Behind this charming hatchback is Peugeot, a marque with over a century of innovation and an unmatched knack for building small cars that punch above their weight. From the 205 GTI to the 108, Peugeot has never forgotten that driving joy can live in the modestly powered and beautifully balanced.

Final thoughts

The Peugeot 108 doesn’t shout. It doesn’t need to. It simply turns every small journey into an easy pleasure — light steering, nimble handling, and that mischievous hum from its compact engine. For drivers who want low costs, reliability, and a glimmer of personality in every trip, the Peugeot 108 remains one of the smartest little choices on the road.

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