We went to Paris to test the new Peugeot 108. A model that breaks with the past, to shake the “waters” in the popular segment of city dwellers.
Last week I went to Paris to see the new Peugeot 108. In my suitcase I had clothes for two days and some expectations. The clothes arrived for the 2 days, but the expectations didn't. I took the little Peugeot 108 through the streets of Paris; through the twisted roads of the Vexin Regional Natural Park; and by the quick access roads to the «city of light». I confess that I was pleasantly surprised by the general behavior of the «little lion» during these more than 200km of intense interaction. I did not expect such a remarkable evolution.
Inside, the revolution is total. The build quality is in good plan, and the quality of the materials follows this evolution.
A car that you will be able to see in more detail in the next lines, and which was designed mainly for the female audience. Despite this, he was able to surprise this male specimen used to fraternize with models of another nature: me.
More «premium» positioning
The Peugeot 108 makes a definitive break with its predecessor. The spared and somewhat spartan appearance of the 107, gave way to a design full of stylistic details and a very pleasant cabin, where the build quality is in good plan, taking into account the segment in which it belongs.
Peugeot knows that 70% of the A-segment market is female, and that this audience is increasingly demanding. An audience that wants a small car, but that doesn't do without modernity, image, economy and comfort. Basically, it's an audience that likes to be in fashion, but doesn't want (or can't…) spend a lot on a car. It was based on these specifications that Peugeot set out to develop the 108.
The brand made it clear in the presentation that this is a proposal that wants to compete with the other proposals in the segment, not for the price, but for its qualities.
Bodywork: colors and design for all tastes
The design follows the lines present in the latest Peugeot models, such as the front led’s mimicking the eyebrows of a lion and the rear optics reminiscent of “three claws”, pasting the image of the Peugeot 108 to its older brothers 208 and 308.
The 108 is available in eight colors, two of which are exclusive – the Aïkinite, with a golden copper-like appearance and the Purple, in a violet similar to the XY version of the 208. Bi-color versions are reserved for the 3-door version. Color: Lipizan White/Aïkinite or Purple/Gallium Grey.
In addition to the colors, brand customers can also choose 7 themes for the bodywork: O dressy that reinterprets the timeless pied de poule; The Kilt , which mimics a checkered pattern; The diamont that plays with the contrast of matte materials with the brightness of this prism; THE Dual that makes the connection between the colors in the bi-color bodywork; The barcode that recreates a barcode; The tattoo inspired by a metallic floral theme; and finally the theme sport , objectively aimed at the male audience.
New to the range is the inclusion of the TOP version, which features a retractable canvas hood (in black, gray and purple). A version that should delight those who like to walk with their hair in the wind.
Interior: more equipment and better quality
Inside, the revolution is total. The build quality is in good plan, and the quality of the materials follows this evolution. But the big highlight is the presence of equipment that in some cases is an absolute novelty in the A segment. An example of this is the seven-inch touchscreen in the center of the dashboard – an extra from the Active version (base) and as standard at Allure. This screen concentrates the radio interface, the on-board computer and the other vehicle options.
The big news in this screen is the presence of Mirror Screen technology that allows you to connect an Android smartphone (soon also available for iOS) and see on the screen of the Peugeot 108 what we see on our mobile phone screen. Namely access the device's GPS, music, messages and images.
But there is more. Reversing camera, automatic air conditioning and the Start/Stop button are examples of extras that can make the Peugeot 108 even more appetizing. Note that all engines are equipped with Hill Assist technology, an incline starting aid system that prevents the car from tipping over.
Engine and behavior: the 108 doesn't stop in the city
Despite being a city dweller, the Peugeot 108 is not begged for a longer trip. It must have been to prove this that Peugeot prepared a circuit where we walked a few kilometers on the highway. Like any city, the Peugeot 108 is a light and agile city car, but it performs frankly well on the road. Comfort has always been in good shape.
As for engines, the 108 is presented in two gasoline engines: the 1.0 VTi with 68 hp and the 1.2 PureTech with 82 hp. On the 1.0 VTi engine, we can opt for the manual gearbox, electronic piloted gearbox and manual gearbox with Start/Stop function. The consumption announced by the brand is between 3.8 l/100 km and 4.3 L/100 km. In the 1.0 unit we can easily place consumption around 4.4 liters while in the 1.2 unit, the availability The top of the engine paid for itself with an additional 0.7l per 100km. They are numbers that however need a longer contact.
At 3.47 meters long and 1.62 meters wide, the Peugeot 108 has a turning radius of 4.80 meters, which confirms its natural agility. Fortunately, this agility in town does not correspond to nervous behavior on the road. It is not a prodigy to "papar" kilometers, but if necessary, don't deny it...
Launch during the month of July
The Peugeot will be marketed in Portugal from this month of July with prices starting at 11,700 euros. The brand's objective is to secure a 7% market share in Europe and maintain the 9% share it has in Portugal. For more details, they will have to wait for the test in Portugal, on Portuguese roads.
I confess that I liked the sensations that the Peugeot 108 gave me. It's urban, but it doesn't behave like a small car, it has a bigger car upholstery. It's feminine, but I wouldn't be embarrassed if I had to circulate one every day. In short, it is more car than what its dimensions show and is a remarkable evolution compared to the previous 107.
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