Vehicle: 2008 Peugeot 107 1.0 with 5-speed 2-Tronic transmission
Price as tested: HK$139900

Performance: The export spec of the 107 we examined is the 1.0 liter version. While no one would expect a supermini to have a Ferrari kind of performance, this little mill performs at a delightful manner. Given 107’s powertrain is co-developed with Toyota, so its refinement and level of smoothness are expected even with such a small displacement. Even with 68 horses and 70 lb/ft of torque, thanks to the smart 5-speed automatic with manumatic mode, its gear ratios have matched with it exceptionally well. On low speed, the gear ratio is perfect for city cruising and, on the highway, its high enough for low fuel economy. You won’t be expecting Lexus kind of quietness with a 1 liter engine. Its noisy at highway speed and even buzzy at low speed cruising. But given its status of life as a city car, the level of refinement is top-notch.

Handling: Peugeot is a company famed for their excellent handling prowess, 107 is no exception. This chassis is stiff and lack of rattles. Suspension is very capable through corners. Its supple enough for comfortable ride quality and firm enough to push through twisties, even with the narrow 14″ wheels. Body rolls are minimal with a set of safe understeer when pushed. The electric steering feels excellent, along with wonderful precision and responsiveness. The level of highway stability exceeds expectation given its supermini status. The Cornering Stability Control works uninstrusively under Peugeot engineers, which won’t kick in until absolutely necessary with a bit of French hot hatch lift-throttle oversteer characteristics. In short, a very impressive dynamic package indeed.

Brakes: Even with front discs and rear drums, 107’s braking prowess is astonishing. The stopping distance is short and linear, while pedal feel short and fade free. The ABS and EBD works accordingly as they modulate how driver reachs in panic situation.

Interior: Consider 107’s entry-level status, the use of materials and build quality are hard-to-fault. Cheap plastic bits are expected in minor and even major areas. But most places are covered in high-quality plastic moldings. Instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. The velour seats are comfortable and offer great support over the long trip.

Despite of 107’s tiny size, its hatch offers surprisingly amount of space for a city car. The hatch cut-off is low for easy loading. 50/50 split fold-down rear seats are an add bonus to this versatile package.

Conclusion: This Peugeot 107, and its chassis silibings, Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo, are the perfect solution to traffic congestion and enviromental protection. This car is not only cheap to run and operate but also a blast-to-drive. On the other hand, its level of quality never left anything desired thanks to excellent attention-to-details. In a nutshell, a truly lovable small package.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 Peugeot 107
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 4/5