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Our Motoring Editor Rodney Hinds reviews one of Peugeot's latest models
IT TOOK me a couple of days to get to grips with Peugeot’s little bundle of energy.
The French manufacturer’s website says of the car:
‘The Peugeot 108 GT Line combines personality with a sporty twist. Available in both 3 and 5-door variants, this dynamic and sporty hot hatchback will make heads turn on every journey you take.’
Yes, it made a few heads turn but the other adjectives are a bit over the top. The 108 GT Line had to be worked hard to find a decent level of performance.
In GT Line trim, the Peugeot 108 features 15-inch alloy wheels, gloss black contrasting exterior trim pieces, tinted rear windows and a chrome exhaust tip as standard. Inside you’ll find air conditioning, leather seats and sat nav, while driving safety is taken care of by automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning systems.
While you can generate some fun with the 108 GT Line it loses marks for practicality. The rear seats are fine for children and while four adults can travel in the 108, back-seat passengers probably wouldn’t want to go on a long journey.
Unsurprisingly, this car doesn’t have a big boot, but access is fairly good thanks to a low loading lip.
GET IN: The 108 GT Line interior
AMBIENCE
The interior of the Peugeot 108 GT Line has been personalised with a laser red ambience which includes a laser red dash insert and gloss black surround on the centre console. It also features black leather trim and carpet mats with red stitching.
In terms of economy this diminutive vehicle gets a thumbs up. The Peugeot 108 GT Line is available with a 1.2-litre PureTech 82 engine which is economic yet powerful and delivers a drive and performance normally associated with bigger engines.
The Peugeot 108 GT Line has been designed to look and feel like a sports car. Its sporting lines provide an urban and stylish look. Its front spoiler with red trim, red Peugeot lettering on the radiator grille, GT Line badge on the front doors and tailgate, gloss black door mirrors, rear exhaust finisher and black rear spoiler command real road presence.
The advertising spiel is great, it's just a pity that this French fancy didn’t quite live up to the hype.
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