PSA is broadeningits South African operations and adding new product.

After announcing that Citroen will re-enter South Africa, after a three-year hiatus, PSA is broadening the Peugeot product portfolio too.

French brands are renowned for their compact city cars and Peugeot is keen to play in this segment. Its new offering is the 108, which combines chic French styling with low mass and the promise of great fuel efficiency.

Peugeot’s 108 will be competing with the established segment leader, Kia’s Picanto, VW’s Up and Toyota’s Aygo. Interestingly, the 108 and Aygo share a common platform.

The range launches with a single 108 derivative, which features relatively comprehensive specification.

Although the 108 rolls steel wheels, it does have LED daytime running lights and comprehensive exterior body panel colour coding

Inside there is a connectivity theme. New 108 owners will have access to a touchscreen infotainment system, which is compatible with Apple and Android devices.

Comfort and convenience items tally a multi-function steering wheel, powered front windows, air-conditioning and central locking.

Peugeot new city car isn’t short of safety either, with six airbags and the usual driver assistance systems: ABS and ESP.

As mentioned, the 108 is very light, registering a kerb mass of only 840 kg. The 1-litre three-cylinder engine is not turbocharged and produces only 53 kW and 93 Nm. Those numbers are humble, and without turbocharging, there will be a significant loss of urge at altitude, but the five-speed manual gearbox features comparatively short ratios. With only 840 kg of car to get moving, the 108 should be responsiveness enough for city commuting.

Priced at R179900, the Peugeot 108 Active is positioned competitively in regard to its rivals.

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