Peugeot 108: a shared success story built on clever engineering and quiet reliability
The Peugeot 108 wasn’t designed to shout; it was designed to work. When it first appeared in 2014, it represented Peugeot’s third generation of compact city cars — the successor to the 107, which itself replaced the now-legendary 106. But beneath its neat lines and Parisian charm lies an international collaboration that blended French flair with Japanese precision — a partnership that’s still paying dividends for drivers today.
The birth of the Peugeot 108
Unveiled at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, the Peugeot 108 arrived at a time when city cars were expected to be both stylish and sensible. It had to look good on the school run and cost next to nothing to run. Peugeot understood this perfectly, crafting a car that was light, efficient, and delightfully practical — a small car that didn’t feel cheap, just compact.
The shared platform — the secret to its success
At the heart of the 108’s design lies the PSA-Toyota B-Zero platform — a joint venture between the French PSA Group (Peugeot and Citroën) and Toyota. The trio of cars built on this foundation — the Peugeot 108, Toyota Aygo, and Citroën C1 — were produced side-by-side at the TPCA (Toyota Peugeot Citroën Automobile) plant in Kolín, Czech Republic.
This collaboration allowed each brand to give the car its own identity while sharing the fundamental engineering underneath. The platform’s lightweight construction and reliable Toyota-developed drivetrain became the 108’s calling card, delivering exceptional fuel economy, low emissions, and remarkable durability. Peugeot’s version added a dash of design flair and the sort of interior comfort that made the 108 feel a cut above its siblings.
Built with Toyota’s reliability, tuned with Peugeot’s finesse
The 108’s DNA is a fascinating hybrid of cultures. The Toyota-sourced 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine is renowned for its longevity and simplicity — a compact unit that has proven itself over millions of miles. Peugeot, meanwhile, handled the styling and driving feel: sharper steering, more premium trim options, and the kind of cabin detailing that feels unmistakably European. It’s this blend of reliability and refinement that makes the 108 so endearing to owners.
Variants and body styles
The Peugeot 108 was available in both 3-door and 5-door configurations, catering to drivers who valued style or practicality in equal measure. Then came the Top! — a soft-top version with a retractable fabric roof that turned the 108 into one of the most affordable convertibles on sale. For those who wanted something sportier, Peugeot offered trims like Allure and Roland Garros, each adding a touch of personality with bespoke colour palettes and interior finishes.
The Peugeot connection
The 108 is part of a long and proud lineage from Peugeot, a marque with deep roots in European motoring. From the pioneering days of the 1890s to modern icons like the 205, 306, and 208, Peugeot has always excelled at making small cars that feel special. The 108 continued that tradition with a modern twist — proof that even in a world of crossovers and hybrids, there’s still a place for a simple, brilliantly executed city car.
Shared DNA, distinct character
While the Toyota Aygo leaned on youthful, quirky styling, and the Citroën C1 went for minimalism, the 108 struck a balance between elegance and efficiency. It was the most refined of the trio — quieter on the motorway, a touch more comfortable inside, and unmistakably Peugeot in how it handled. That balance has earned it a loyal following among drivers who appreciate value but refuse to compromise on quality.
A platform built to last
Nearly a decade after its launch, the B-Zero platform continues to prove its worth. Owners report consistent reliability, low servicing costs, and superb durability — a combination that keeps used prices stable and ownership satisfaction high. It’s no exaggeration to say the Peugeot 108 stands as one of the most dependable small cars of its generation, a testament to the strength of the Franco-Japanese partnership that built it.
In summary
The Peugeot 108 might not shout for attention, but its story is one of quiet brilliance — a city car born from collaboration, refined with French design sensibility, and powered by the dependability of Toyota engineering. Small, stylish, and wonderfully efficient, it remains one of the smartest ways to own a piece of motoring history that still makes perfect sense today.