Used Peugeot 107 2005 - 2014 review

The appeal of city cars such as the Peugeot 107 is often budget-based, so safety kit can be sacrificed as a result. Since many of these cars will be bought by or for young drivers, this can be a worry.

The Peugeot 107 is a bit different. As well as the driver and passenger airbags that come as standard on most models, it also gets side airbags, and curtain airbags were available as a £200 option, although few used examples are likely to have them. It also comes with a basic version of stability control. These kinds of safety levels outdo most other city cars.

The 107 drives reasonably well, too, with capable handling and a great little engine. The ride is a touch firm and refinement isn't great, but neither problem is serious enough to spoil the experience. Rear space is tight, though, and the boot is tiny.

Even buying these cars new is affordable, so a used version won't upset your bank manager at all.

The 107 was a bit more expensive than the Toyota Aygo when it was new, but consider the extra equipment, and the difference is understandable. However, the Peugeot has weaker retained residuals than the Toyota, so used examples will have lost more of their value, which will even up the prices a bit.

Running costs are minuscule. The small engine will return a fantastic average of 61.4mpg, and this means you'll be able to travel more than 470 miles on a single tank of fuel.

Insurance premiums won't cripple you financially, either.

Routine servicing is also extremely cheap. A service will cost you roughly the same as it would on the equivalent Aygo or C1, and less than on some other rivals.

The 107 is only available with one engine, a three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol that's full of character with a thrummy engine note. It's at its best in the city, with keen, perky performance that's perfect for exploiting gaps in traffic. It's less capable on the motorway, where the thrum turns to a noisy drone, but the 107 seldom fails to keep up with traffic.

There's just one trim level, too. The Urban comes with an MP3-ready CD stereo, remote central locking, electric front windows and a basic form of stability control. This sort of provision has the Toyota Aygo and Citroen C1 beaten hands down. Air-con was a £500 option when new, but plenty of used examples will have it.

With one engine and one trim, the only real choice is whether to go for three or five doors. The five-door is much easier to get passengers into, but the three-door will be a bit cheaper.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here