Manchester Christmas Markets with Peugeot 108

I was lucky enough to be given the new Peugeot 108 to drive for a week recently and boy was it fun nipping around town in the small, but perfectly formed car!

I’ve never owned a Peugeot before, so was really intrigued to see how it drove and whether I’d like it. I’ve also never driven a small car like this, but have always seen the attraction for getting around the city and darting in and out of traffic. 

When the keys were dropped off, I peeked out to see a gleaming red car staring back it me. It was cute. Very cute.

I couldn’t wait to hop in and nip out. I took it for a spin around the block and quickly realised that the Peugeot 108 is the perfect city car as it’s small and nippy. So I took it out at every opportunity, the perfect one being the opening of the Manchester Christmas Markets (and I reluctantly let the hubby drive so I could take in all the features on the dashboard).

As the Peugeot 108 is such a small car, I wasn’t expecting all the high-tech features that it offered. So I was impressed when I realised that there was a touch-screen dashboard that controlled the digital radio and where you could connect your phone via blue tooth. The volume controls were on the wheel and it was extremely easy to use.

I also noticed some electronic gauges to either side of the wheel – one showed the acceleration and the other popped up with the word ‘shift’ when it was time to change gear.

When I popped the car into reverse, the digital screen changes to a camera view from the rear of the car with guidelines for reversing – impressive! I definitely didn’t expect this as a feature and although it took a bit of getting used to, I found it useful along with the beeping warning sound when you get close to something at the rear.

Another feature I became aware of was a sensor on the top of the front windscreen that allowed for automatic breaking if you get too close to the vehicle in front. This can be turned on and off and along with the guidance for switching lanes, is probably best used when driving on the motorway.

So back to my day-trip into the city and the Manchester Christmas Markets…

Here’s me looking all smug as I found a parking space in the city centre (another perk of driving in such a petite car)…

And on the launch day of the markets, people were out enjoying their bratwurst and hot chocolates.

I love Manchester at Christmas – the city really comes alive. And Manchester knows how to put on a market! They take over the city now and people come from far and wide to enjoy the food, drinks, crafts and goodies on offer. I particularly love the two-storey pop-up bar at Albert Square.

And a welcome return to Santa! He becomes a beacon in the city centre throughout November and December…ooh my first pang of Christmas is coming!

These are new I think – never heard of a Dutch Coco, but they tasted pretty good!

And just to enjoy the car even more, we took it for a spin through the city as the heavens opened and it started to rain. Look how great it looks against the the grey and dreary backdrop of a rainy day!

Then we headed back to the warmth and dry of home.

I have to admit, I enjoyed driving the Peugeot 108 a lot more than I thought I would. It really is the ideal city car. It’s not big and plush and I don’t think I’d drive it up and down the country every day, as it does feel small. But it really is perfect for those shorter day trips, commuting and nipping to the shops. And the high-tech dashboard is a great feature for us tech-savvy twenty-somethings.

So I’d certainly consider it if you live in the city!

What car do you drive? Why not take a car-selfie or a “celfie” if you will and tag me in it @HollyNicol or Instagram @_hollygoeslightly

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