It’s not often the motor industry conceives and gives birth to triplets, but three years ago that’s precisely what happened. In the late summer of 2005 three superminis hit the market, each from a different maker, all three sharing the same basic DNA.

The Peugeot 107, Citroën C1 and Toyota Aygo were jointly developed and are still manufactured in one factory at Kolin in the Czech Republic. Notwithstanding their slightly varying body styles and the different badges, they are essentially the same car.

The biggest difference is probably the lack of diesel power for the Peugeot 107, where the C1 and Aygo offer 1.4 litre turbodiesel variants. Another major difference is that the 107 has nothing like the generous spread of variants offered by Toyota. But – or perhaps because of – this simplicity, the Peugeot has always been the most popular of the three with the public, and today there are almost twice as many second-hand 107s in the classifieds as there are C1s and Aygos.

With just one engine – a 1 litre, three-cylinder petrol unit developing 68bhp – the 107 doesn’t overwhelm the buyer with choice. Fortunately, though, that solitary power unit suits the little Peugeot to perfection, returning more than 60mpg in mixed motoring and providing reasonably brisk performance around town. This engine’s lightness and its lively, buzzy feel also provide the 107 with a dynamic edge over the diesel C1 and the diesel Aygo, which was introduced at the start of 2006.

Externally, the Peugeot’s styling works a treat. At a little over 11ft in length it is markedly shorter than the 106, Peugeot’s previous supermini, yet it manages to squeeze in both three and five-door body styles. The 107 is a fine example of good packaging, achieved by having short body overhangs: look at the position of the wheels and you’ll see they are pushed right to the car’s corners, maximising cabin space rather than wasting it on swooping bonnets and deep bumpers.

Most drivers should find comfort at the 107’s wheel, as the driver’s seat provides a good range of fore-and-aft movement, and the steering column can be adjusted for height.
Despite the budget credentials, the 107’s cabin feels well constructed, and although it hardly uses luxurious trim materials, they are at least durable.

Accommodation for rear-seat occupants is limited, however, and you may have to juggle front-seat positions to find a reasonable balance between front and rear cabin space. The good news is that the rear seats are equipped with Isofix attachments for child seats, and the front passenger airbag can be turned off, allowing an infant seat to be used in the front.

As far as safety is concerned, the little Peugeot gets twin front and side airbags, antilock braking, electronic Brakeforce distribution and cornering stability control – all supplied as standard. While neither the Peugeot 107 nor the Toyota Aygo have been subjected to crash tests by Euro NCAP, the Citroën C1 has been, and achieved a very creditable four stars (out of five) for both adult and child occupant safety.

With all seats filled you have only 139 litres of boot space to play with, but if only two of you are travelling you can fold the back seat flat and liberate a particularly healthy 750 litres of storage volume.

Trim levels are easy to understand, the standard Urban model coming with a single-disc CD player (with MP3 player socket), electric front windows and remote central locking. The Urban Lite is even more basic, and jettisons the remote central locking and electric windows, while the Sport XS specification adds alloy wheels and a leather-bound steering wheel. Among the reasonably priced factory options were air-conditioning, a pod-mounted rev counter and curtain airbags. While these options make the cars more desirable second-hand, it’s only the air-conditioning that adds any value – expect to pay around £250 more for it.

In the crowded supermini marketplace, the Peugeot 107’s stiffest competition has always come from its closest relatives. The fact that it has managed to overcome these rivals tells you much about how good a car it is in the broader marketplace.

Insurance Group 1 insurance means highly affordable cover for the 107

Factory options Air-conditioning is the only option to add value (about £250) to a used car

Upholstery Standard cloth upholstery is very durable, and attractive with it.
 
Sport model Limited-edition Sport XS adds 14in alloy wheels and a leather-rimmed steering wheel. Expect to pay about £300 more for a used XS than for a second-hand Urban model.

Steering column Adjustable for height only, it provides an excellent driving position for most.
 
Stereo Single-disc CD audio is standard; the unit will also accept input from an MP3 player.

Boot 139 litre boot can be increased to a yawning 750 litres when rear seats are folded flat.
 
Bumpers Composite bumpers are very strong and will reform after minor impacts. But check black plastic inserts for scuffs and scrapes that suggest further damage.
 
Gearbox Optional 2-Tronic gearbox adds a mere £100 to the second-hand value.
 
Security A rolling-code engine immobiliser and remote central locking come as standard equipment, but antitheft alarm is a dealer-fit option.
 

• A 2006 06 three-door Peugeot 107 Urban 3 door with 10,000 miles on the clock. Pay £5,825 at a dealer, £5,250 private
   

Alternative

Or for similar money
2005 55 Suzuki Swift 1.3 GL 3dr
2006 55 Smart Fortwo Passion auto
2007 56 Chevrolet Kalos 1.4 SX 5dr
2007 07 Nissan Micra 1.2 Initia 3dr
2007 07 Volkswagen Fox 1.2 3dr

Figures based on CAP March 2008 edition

 © Bumper Media Limited May 2008