Peugeot 108 has received its final and remarkably minimal update
SADLY, this littlest of lions is on the extinction shortlist.
As Peugeot’s car line-up heads more upmarket with every launch, the humble 108 is the last of the truly cheap ones.
It also, tellingly, doesn’t wear the company’s new LED-encrusted “fangs” either side of a glitzy grille.
Nor does it bear the cool new corporate badge.
And the successful, platform-sharing partnership which began in 2004 giving birth to tiny car triplets – the Toyota Aygo, Citroen C1 and the Peugeot 107 (before it became the 108) has come to an end.
Having just received its final and remarkably minimal update, it is now only available as a five-door – which is a bit of a shame as the 3-door looked cuter – but the disproportionate amount of doors does give it that faint whiff of potential practicality.
The rear doors are so diddy they can’t have windows that roll down, and so rock some adorable little pop-out ones instead.
And there is a boot too – albeit just 196-litres worth of one.
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But it’s enough for a couple’s weekly shop.
Crucially, however, you can still option it in semi-convertible guise called Top! – a factor that makes driving this Peugeot a genuinely memorable experience.
The fabric roof peels back automatically – a bit like a sardine tin, but at the touch of a button.
That also makes this Peugeot’s only convertible.
Around town, and with windows down, the convertible gives drop-top pleasure for frankly silly money.
However, keep things open to the skies and hit the motorway and you’ll have a less desirable soundtrack . . . akin to an Airbus A380 taking off.
And don’t try to mask it by turning up the stereo either.
While the central touchscreen is fully Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, it’s got all the dynamic delicacy of a Sanyo Walkman.
At speed on the motorway (with the roof thankfully closed) you’d expect, given its bijou wheelbase, that it would handle abysmally.
But you’ll be pleased to hear it doesn’t.
As Peugeot’s car line-up heads more upmarket with every launch, the humble 108 is the last of the truly cheap ones
The steering is surprisingly acceptable and doesn’t require the constant corrective inputs other city cars can be plagued with when they are out of their element.
Around town, the three-cylinder engine revs enthusiastically and sounds up for fun but the 72hp, 1-litre Frenchie runs out of puff, and quite quickly, when it comes to overtaking or tackling any degree of incline.
You need to choose your moments wisely – or at least well in advance.
The latest upgrades ostensibly amount to a few new alternative paint colours and co-ordinating interiors, which give the little thing a touch of the bespoke but without the bill to match.
The antelope red, as shown here, or contemporary smooth green stand out best and the retro chrome wing mirrors are another cute detail.
This cub is the last of a dying breed – go barter for a new car bargain while it’s still sunny and it’s still on the shelf
There is only one gearbox on offer – making the choice a particularly easy one – and that’s a five-speed manual.
One that you’ll get quickly acquainted with if you live in a hilly city.
It may be short on frills beyond aircon and a USB port but it does pack those wind-in-the-hair thrills.
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This cub is the last of a dying breed – go barter for a new car bargain while it’s still sunny and it’s still on the shelf.
By the end of the year it’ll be consigned to history.
Key Facts
PEUGEOT 108
Price: £13,320
Engine: 1-litre petrol
Power: 72hp, 93Nm
0-62mph: 13.8secs
Top speed: 99mph
Economy: 54.8mpg
CO2: 111g/km
Out: Now
