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Peugeot 108 Hatchback engines, drive and performance

2014 - 2022 (change model)
Performance rating: 3.5 out of 53.5

Written by Debbie Wood Published: 6 June 2019 Updated: 6 June 2019

As with its predecessor, Peugeot 108 performance is very good around the city.

There are two engine options available and both are petrol. The first is a 1.0-litre petrol unit which is borrowed from Toyota, while the PureTech 1.2-litre VTi petrol engine was first seen in the 208.

Peugeot has decided to limit the engine choice for buyers depending on the trim they choose. If you opt for the entry-level Access or Active trim your car will be fitted with the 1.0-litre petrol. Move up the range to Allure or Feline and the 1.2-litre engine is available.

Not only does this approach make the higher trim models more desirable but it also simplifies the buying process.

You have three choices when it comes to the 1.0-litre petrol. It comes with the option of an automatic gearbox, stop/start technology, or neither. When accompanied with stop/start it’s at its most efficient, with CO2 emissions of only 88g/km.

Ideal for around the city, the 1.0-litre engine performs well on the road. It’s not the quickest car in the world but it feels nimble and light with the 67bhp proving enough to pull the car quickly away from the lights. The official 0-62mph sprint is achieved in 14.3 seconds, or 14.6 seconds if you opt for the stop/start technology. The five-speed manual gearbox is a little clunky though and feels stiff in contrast to the light steering.

On the motorway is where this engine really falls down; it struggles to gain speed and is noisy when accelerating.

The 1.2-litre engine choice performs better on the motorway and can cruise quite comfortably at 70mph, but there is still a fair bit of engine noise. The 81bhp available means the 0-62mph sprint takes 11 seconds with a top speed of 106mph verses the 99mph of the 1.0-litre petrol.

Around the city is where the car is most at home and it can be an exciting and engaging car to drive. The steering is well-weighted and responsive and the small turning circle helps the car nip in and out of spaces.

Packed full of character, the Peugeot 108 has ample grip and produces little body-roll in corners. Its lightweight design makes for a fun driving experience when behind the wheel.

Parking is also easy thanks to its compact dimensions.