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Peugeot 108 Looks Like a Bigger Minicar with Premium Features

The Geneva Motor Show has opened its doors today and with that we witnessed the beginning of a new chapter in the minicar segment. These models were previously left for dead by manufacturers, due to their small profit margins, poor safety ratings and lack of attention-grabbing features.
2014 Peugeot 108 Live Photos @ Geneva 2014 26 photos
Photo: Stefan Baldauf / Robert Kah
2014 Peugeot 108 Live Photos @ Geneva 20142014 Peugeot 108 Live Photos @ Geneva 20142014 Peugeot 108 Live Photos @ Geneva 20142014 Peugeot 108 Live Photos @ Geneva 20142014 Peugeot 108 Live Photos @ Geneva 20142014 Peugeot 108 Live Photos @ Geneva 20142014 Peugeot 108 Live Photos @ Geneva 20142014 Peugeot 108 Live Photos @ Geneva 20142014 Peugeot 108 Live Photos @ Geneva 20142014 Peugeot 108 Live Photos @ Geneva 20142014 Peugeot 108 Live Photos @ Geneva 20142014 Peugeot 108 Live Photos @ Geneva 20142014 Peugeot 108 Live Photos @ Geneva 20142014 Peugeot 108 Live Photos @ Geneva 20142014 Peugeot 108 Live Photos @ Geneva 20142014 Peugeot 108 Live Photos @ Geneva 20142014 Peugeot 108 Live Photos @ Geneva 20142014 Peugeot 108 Live Photos @ Geneva 20142014 Peugeot 108 Live Photos @ Geneva 20142014 Peugeot 108 Live Photos @ Geneva 20142014 Peugeot 108 Live Photos @ Geneva 20142014 Peugeot 108 Live Photos @ Geneva 20142014 Peugeot 108 Live Photos @ Geneva 20142014 Peugeot 108 Live Photos @ Geneva 20142014 Peugeot 108 Live Photos @ Geneva 2014
Since the new Peugeot 208 is the among the shortest and lightest cars in the supermini class, the French Lion was ideally placed for the revival of the once crucial minicar segment. The answer they came up with seems to be focused on adding premium options to increase the value and appeal. Today, we witnessed what the French carmaker Peugeot can put together when it really sets its mind to it. Within a very short body, they've managed to squeeze plenty of upmarket features, lots of bold colors and even a retractable fabric roof. Just like the Opel Adam, customization is key not only to a larger market share, but also to profit.

Platform

The new 108 is, like the 107 it replaces, built on the same platform with two other cars, the Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo. The trio is assembled on the same line in the Czech republic, owned as a 50/50 joint venture between Toyota and PSA. However, while the old minicars differed only in their bumper designs, these triplets are radically set apart.

Both the 3- and 5-door versions of the new Peugeot measure is 3.47m long and 1.62m wide, which make it about 70mm shorter than the Fiat 500. However, they are still a bit longer than their predecessors.

All of them are much lighter and more efficient than their predecessors. New-generation gasoline engines and the car's low weight (840kg) will put the 108 firmly on the map.

Styling

Just like the 208, the 108 has feline headlights, a floating grille and petite features. The same three streaks of light for a uniquely-Peugeot taillight cluster which is rapidly becoming their trademark. By far the coolest feature, however, is the the folding fabric roof fitted to the 108 TOP!. This panoramic feature revolves around a 80 cm by 76 cm skin that can be ordered in a number of different styles.

Expectations

The engine range includes three-cylinder units with displacements of 1.0-liter or 1.2-liter. Basically, they are similar to what you got before, but more economical and refined. The 108 is also more spacious inside and will have up to 196 liters of boot space, which to be honest is way less than the Hyundai i10. With LEDs everywhere, 15-inch wheels, two-tone color options and available 7-inch touchscreen infotainment, the 108 will be the most expensive of the trio. It's also the poshest and because fewer people will buy it due to the price, exclusivity will also be on its side.

The only problem we foresee with the 108 is that even in France it might not be a best-seller. Renault is also launching a new Twingo this year and its minicar will likely offer turbo engines placed at the back, just like on a smart.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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