The French manufacturer aims to give the 108
a range of "ultra-efficient three-cylinder engines", and a kerb
weight as low as 840kg. The model will again be produced alongside Toyota and Citroën versions
in the Czech Republic.
Measuring 3.47m long and 1.6m wide, the new
108 hatchback comes in both three- and five-door forms, with the addition of a
new convertible version, which has a fabric roll-back roof that's likely to
command a premium of around £1000 over a standard hatch. Peugeot says the
electrically powered convertible roof is 80cm wide and 76cm long and can be
opened in stages.
The styling of the new car is more
sophisticated and polished than the outgoing model, as befits Peugeot’s attempt
to be seen as a more upmarket and premium competitor in the mainstream car
market.
The tightly fitted headlamps and grille give
the car a similar look to the new 308, while the rear lights have the same
"lion’s claw mark" rear-light cluster graphics. The tailgate has a
single-piece glass exterior skin.
Although the interior will not be fully
revealed until the car’s unveiling at the Geneva motor show, Peugeot says that
the cabin "feels like it comes from a much large premium car". The
speedo housing is, once again, mounted on an adjustable steering column and
includes an analogue speedo and LCD screen.
More upmarket options will include a 7-inch
infotainment touchscreen, keyless entry and push-button start and automatic air
conditioning. The touchscreen operates the MirrorLink system for Android,
Windows and Blackberry phones and uses an app to work with Apple phones.
This system allows the smartphone to be
operated via the touchscreen, though when the car is on the move, only
navigation and other infotainment apps can be activated. Peugeot is also
offering ‘Peugeot Music’, its own internet radio station.
The new Peugeot 108
will come in Access, Active and Allure trim levels and will also feature plenty
of personalisation options.
At launch, the new Peugeot 108
will come with a range of small-capacity three-cylinder engines. A 1.0-litre
VTi with 68bhp is the entry-level option, emitting up to 97g/km of CO2 in its
standard form, with an e-VTi version bringing that down to 88g/km.
The more powerful 1.2-litre VTi has 82bhp and
emits 99g/km of CO2. Peugeot will offer the 108 with a five-speed manual or
five-speed automated manual transmission.
All the engines are petrol, three-cylinder
units. Diesel engines, especially in EU6 form, are now too expensive to be used
in entry-level city cars and are unlikely to be cost-effective with petrol
engines now making huge strides forward in terms of economy.
As expected from an entry-level city car, the
108's running gear is simple with a ‘pseudo-McPherson strut’ front suspension
and deformable rear axle made from a shaped tube.
Peugeot says the latter is lighter and better
performing than a traditional axle made from pressed steel.
Six airbags are standard, as is electric
power steering. The car comes on either 14in or 15in wheels, depending on
specification. ABS, Electronic Brake Force distribution and switchable ESP is
standard as is a speed limiter. Automatic lighting and a rear-view camera are
on the options list.
I hope this information is useful……
