According to Peugeot, its aim is to support its consumers better than ever with an improved product and after sales service. With this in mind we had to try and remove all previously set notions of the brand and enjoy this new version of the 108 for what it actually is. Without further adieu, here are our thoughts of the new Peugeot 108.

First things first, lets step inside the 108. Upon entry, the interior of the Peugeot 108 looks and feels comfortable, and one noticeable thing is that  over time its petite size starts to grown on you. Or you grow accustomed to it. Either way, its something worth writing home about. There’s no crammed up feeling when you’re in the drivers seat or hailing shotgun.

We quite liked seeing the body colour of the car as it moves into the interior. This broke the black from the dash and seats and made the 108 a little bit more attractive.

In terms of seating arrangement, the Peugeot 108 does limit the size of your rear passengers but a medium sized adult can fit but we wouldn’t see them comfortably seated for a long  journey. The boot space is tiny and would only allow for small grocery shopping. However, should you have relatively larger cargo to transport the rear seats can fold to create more space for your goods.

The Peugeot 108 has a pleasantly decent sound system that we were surprised by and is paired up with the easy to use infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but be warned, the much-vaunted touch screen system isn’t as responsive as your phone and the plastics on the dash are cheap and scratchy.

We were particularly pleased with the multi-function steering wheel as it allowed us to control so much without having to let go of the steering wheel. Another thing we couldn’t ignore and  was the six airbags that come standard in the vehicle. It’s also important to point out that Peugeot is making safety a priority with all its models moving forward.

We’d best describe the exterior of the Peugeot 108 as cute and will admit that we grew fond in liking its peculiar shape over some time. Our specific review 108 has been fitted with day time running lights and the distinct Peugeot claw like rear lights. The 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre naturally-aspirated engine is targeted for individuals that have placed fuel efficiency at the top of their needs.

Did You Know?

This new 108 marks the second generation of Peugeot’s tie-up with Citroen and Toyota to build a cost-effective city car. The division of responsibilities means that Toyota has been responsible for much of the engineering, while the PSA Group (Peugeot–Citroen) has been in charge of applying thumbscrews to the suppliers to help reduce costs.

Producing 53kW and 93Nm of torque, the 108 does manage to tick the relevant boxes when it comes to efficiency as we managed to get our average fuel consumption down to 5.1l/100km.

I see Peugeot encapsulating first-time buyers and corporates that are looking to invest in a pool car to run errands in. Coming with a 5-year/100 000km comprehensive service plan and comprehensive warranty, roadside assistance and 24-hour customer care contact centre. This would be a no-brainer for individuals seeking to buy their first car that’s fitted with key safety features, a decent infotainment system and great fuel-efficiency from only R184 900.

The Peugeot 108 not for you liking? Have a look at the Toyota Aygo, Suzuki Celerio or Volkswagen Up

Since its inception in 1808, Peugeot’s first shipment of imported cars only arrived at our Cape Town shores in 1902. Since then Peugeot has managed to steadily capture the hearts of South Africans with the company selling 10 000 units for the first time in 1972.

Is Peugeot ‘Back‘ In The Race?

In 2019, the launch of the entry level 108 and 5008 SUV marks a new beginning of the Peugeot brand as they try to recapture the South African market. The sleek 108 will be battling it out with the likes of the Volkswagen UP and Hyundai i10. The Peugeot 108 has been designed to tackle the urban traffic, the daytime led running lights and distinct three claw design of the rear lights carve the cars unmistakable appearance.

The dashboard has been fitted with a touch screen infotainment system. Windows, Android and iOs devices are compatible with the system and one can either connect via Bluetooth or cable. Peugeot’s 108 has a 3 cylinder 1.0VTi engine that pushes out 53kW with a claimed fuel consumption of 4.1 l/100km.

The bolder 5008

The new Peugeot 5008 on the other hand boasts a more enchanting design that’s packed with fresh features to spear it into the ever growing SUV market. The design and release of this model is said to continue the brands strategy in being up market and more so to lead the C-segment large seven-seater SUV.

The 5008 has fantastic interior design and finishes with great use of various materials to make it appealing to the everyday driver and passenger. The last row of seats are easily removeable to increase storage pace, the beauty about this is that each seat only weighs roughly 11kg so these can be removed and reinserted without difficulty. This Peugeot has the smallest steering wheel in this segment and in my opinion it’s something someone can get used to over time. The dashboard has a 12.3” high-resolution digital head-up instrument panel and an 8” capacitive touchscreen.

The i-Cockpit has been brought it to evoke feeling and emotion of the drive experience. This seeks to evoke your senses such as; sight with the screen and cabin light that can be adjusted, hearing with musical ambiance settings, touch with the five multipoint seat massage programmes and even smell through the built in fragrance diffuser. The exterior also displays the signature claws effect in the tail-lights, wide grille with chrome fins that lead you to its piercing feline like halogen headlamps.

The Peugeot 5008 will be available in 1.6 petrol and 2.0 diesel engines with all models having a six speed automatic transmission. The GT Line will have more standard features with the option extra of the opening panoramic sunroof with electric blind and side lighting.

Peugeot has not held back on these two models and its evident that they want their presence felt in the South African market. With both models coming equipped standard with six airbags and packed with a lot of features that may be ticket as extras in other vehicles. These cars really set an interesting tone for the manufacturer moving forward. Xavier Gobille, MD of Peugeot Citroën South Africa also added that it’s their biggest priority to reposition the brand perception. Peugeot cars now come with 5 Years / 100 000 km Service Plan , 5 Years / 100 000 km Warranty and road-side assistance and courtesy transport for all warranty repairs for 48 hours.

The 108 Active 1.0 THP base model has been priced at R 179 900 and the 5008 will start from R 534 900 for the Allure 1.6 THP and the GT LINE 2.0 HDi will start form R 554 900.

Words & Photographs by Tshego Mmahlatji