Are Peugeot good first cars?

We find out if some of the more affordable Peugeot models meet all the criteria from a first-time car owner.

Peugeot manufacturers a variety of vehicles in different segments with the most recent model added to their range being the Landtrek bakkie. In this article, however, we will solely focus on the more affordable offerings from the French automaker as the price is usually a big factor in the purchasing decision of a first-time car owner.

The three vehicles that fall within the price criteria is the 108, 208 and 2008 ranges of which we will look at the entry-level or rather ‘Active’ derivatives. Note that the pricing and specification listed were correct at the time of writing this article, however, can change at any time and without notice. 

What to look for in a first car

In order to purchase a vehicle that will meet all your requirements, the customer needs to be honest with themselves by identifying what those must-have features are. For example, for a young couple or individual, space might be less important than it will be for families. Similarly, someone that spends more time on the road in urban areas might not need the additional ground clearance provided by a bakkie, SUV or crossover.

Once the minimum requirements have been identified, vehicles that meet those essential standards will be revealed. But at this point, a vehicle buyer has to take into account their budget and what they can afford not only on a monthly repayment of the vehicle but the insurance, fuel and general maintenance of the car.

Peugeot 108

The 108 is the entry-point to Peugeot’s product range and as you would expect, is a compact hatch model. Under the bonnet features a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol motor coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission. The French automaker claims an average fuel consumption return of 4.3 L / 100 km from the powertrain.

The model which is capable of producing 53 kW and 93 Nm of torque, offers seating for four occupants and a 196-litre boot. The latter can be expanded to 780-litres, should the rear bench be folded flat. Standard specification on the 108 includes ABS brakes with electronic brake assist, stability control as well as hill-start assist. Occupants further benefit from no less than six airbags, making the small model, quite a safe option.

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Peugeot 208

While customers of the 208 model can expect a more powerful 1.2-litre turbocharged engine in the higher specified derivatives, the base model comes fitted with a naturally aspirated, 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol motor capable of producing 55 kW and 118 Nm of torque. This powertrain is matched with a 5-speed manual transmission and claims an average fuel consumption return of 5.8 L / 100 km.

While the Peugeot 208 retains a hatchback design, it does offer seating for five occupants as well as 311-litres of luggage space at the back. In terms of safety features, occupants can once again expect six airbags while the driver further benefits from traction control on top of the ABS brakes with electronic brake assist, stability control and hill-start assist as found in the 108.

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Peugeot 2008

Should you require more space and higher ground clearance than the models listed above, the Peugeot 2008 crossover might just be what you are looking for. Like the 208, the 2008 offer seating for five occupants, however, sees an increase in the luggage compartment as it provides 434-litres with the rear bench up. The Peugeot 2008 also share traits like its standard safety equipment with the 208 models.

Although the Peugeot 2008 in Active guise offers the same 1.2-litre, turbocharged, 3-cylinder petrol engine as fitted in the rest of the 2008 model range, it does produce slightly less power and torque, rated at 74 kW and 205 Nm. It isn’t only the only variant in the 2008 range to be sold with a 5-speed manual gearbox, it also has the lowest claimed fuel consumption return of 6.4 L / 100 km.

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Verdict

When considering the three offerings listed above, it appears that Peugeot does make cars that will suit the needs of most first-time car owners and as such can be considered good first cars.

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