Budget car bliss: Peugeot 108
Here in South Africa, the Peugeot brand has lost quite a bit of its market share in recent years, however, with the first Peugeot having been imported locally as far back as 1902, the brand has certainly been around for as long as cars have been a source of mobility within our country.
It was perhaps the 1985 withdrawal of the brand from the country that has contributed to a loss of customer support for the French marque while the half-bake returns in 1995 under the McCarthy banner and later PSA in 2003 saw the brand bring is great products, but with very little in the way of backup and support.
We recently got behind the wheel of the Peugeot 108, a product that is Peugeot's best chance at a local resurgence, or it will at least secure some much-needed volume within this tough economic climate.
As with the previous generation, this city car shares its platform, engine, gearbox, various interior bits and its infotainment system with the Toyota Aygo. It is even built in the same factory in the Czech Republic alongside its Toyota and Citroen C1 siblings. This bodes well for longevity.
This is a good thing for the French marque as it looks to take the fight to those in the ever-growing budget segment. The small Peugeot might be couple of thousand Rand more than the Aygo X-Play, however, it comes with a five-year/100 000km warranty and service plan versus the Toyota's three-year/100 000km warranty with an optional service plan, making this a better ownership proposition.
Cars like the 108 will be many a driver's first taste of personal mobility, offering back-to-basics motoring and a modern package. In the case of the 108, niceties include six airbags, a solid crash test safety rating, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, respectable build quality and great stability and refinement at the national speed limit.
The 108 represents all that a first-time buyer needs in a vehicle, although, at altitude, the 53kW/93Nm 1.0-litre three-cylinder motor feels painfully asthmatic at times, something which plagues many a car in this segment. Its fuel consumption makes up for the lack of punch though, with my weeklong stint registering 5.5-litres/100km.
Verdict
Overall, the 108 deserves sales success, it is a safe, frugal and affordable budget car from a brand that specializes in small city hatchback. We deem this budget car worthy of being shortlisted when shopping for your first micro-machine.
Also worth a look: the Enduring Legacy of Peugeot in South Africa: A Historical Jou and the PEUGEOT E-3008: European Car of the Year 2024 Finalist.
FAQ
Q: What does the Peugeot 108 cost in South Africa?
The Peugeot 108 starts from around R180,000 for the base model, making it a few thousand rand pricier than the Toyota Aygo X-Play but offering better warranty coverage with a five-year/100,000km warranty and service plan included.
Q: Is the Peugeot 108 worth buying as a first car?
Absolutely, the 108 makes an excellent first car with its back-to-basics approach, six airbags, solid crash test ratings, and modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus that reassuring five-year warranty gives new drivers proper peace of mind.
Q: How reliable is the Peugeot 108 compared to other budget cars?
The 108 shares its platform, engine and gearbox with the Toyota Aygo and is built in the same Czech Republic factory, which means it inherits Toyota's legendary reliability while offering better warranty coverage than most budget competitors.
Q: What features does the Peugeot 108 come with standard?
Standard kit includes six airbags, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, decent build quality throughout, and impressive stability and refinement even at highway speeds, making it properly equipped for daily driving.
Q: Should I buy a Peugeot 108 or Toyota Aygo in South Africa?
Go for the 108 despite the slight price premium because that five-year/100,000km warranty and service plan beats Toyota's three-year/100,000km warranty hands down, making it better value over the ownership period.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, the Peugeot 108 is absolutely worth buying, especially as your first car or city runabout. At around R180,000, it's one of the best budget cars under R200,000 in South Africa right now. You're getting Toyota Aygo reliability with better warranty coverage, six airbags, modern connectivity features, and that crucial five-year peace of mind that most budget competitors simply can't match. Sure, Peugeot's local support has been patchy over the years, but with Toyota DNA under the bonnet and a proper warranty backing you up, the 108 represents excellent value for money in today's tough economic climate. If you need affordable, reliable transport with modern touches, this little French charmer deserves serious consideration.
