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 It may not look new and fresh, but Peugeot’s latest model comes with a top-shelf turbo diesel engine, reports Byron Mathioudakis.
Another new month, another new diesel: is this one any good?
It had better be, since the 308 must compete against tough acts like the VW Golf.
And the good news is this is a surprisingly impressive small car, thanks mainly to one of the smoothest, cleanest and most refined diesel engines around.
Coupled with a six-speed gearbox, this oozes class, offering instant acceleration, powerful overtaking capabilities and outstanding fuel economy, and all without sounding like a bag of bolts.
But it will cost you, with prices for the 2.0-litre HDi kicking off from $33,590. Ouch!
It doesn’t look very new. Has Peugeot forgotten how to make its cars look different from each other?
You’re right. The 308 looks a lot like the car it replaces, the 307 (but isn’t as pretty in our eyes). It’s also a lot like a 207 that’s been Xeroxed by 110%. So it might come as a shock to learn that the 308 is as fresh as Perez Hilton’s gossip.
What’s the cabin like?
Recent Peugeot quality has been dodgier than Scientology’s views on psychiatry.
Guess what? A French Revolution has taken place in the 308, with a solid, quality-feel dashboard that is as easy on the eye as it is to use. Better still, there is comfy seating for five, the availability of high-tech toys like sat-nav and Bluetooth connectivity, and a quiet, cocooning ambience. Audi better watch out!
But is it as fun to drive as Peugeots used to be?
Sadly, no. If you know the 205 or 306 then the 308 will feel all serious and grown-up.
But those old-timer Peugeots were a little like trade – sexy and fun for a bit, but not especially dependable. This car, though, with its five-star crash safety and sure-footed handling, is the sort of car you’d take home to meet mum and dad. And, boy, they’ll soon take a shine to it.
OK, so what are the bad points?
Well, as this Peugeot has been working out at the gym, it means that what was once a supple suspension system has now turned a little hard. That old cliché about French cars having a sofa-soft ride doesn’t apply here, we’re afraid.
And while we’re whinging, the glovebox is only fit for Thumbelina, the wipers are a little slow on the uptake and, like most modern cars, rear vision is hampered by those thick pillars.
Your Peugeot 308 verdict then please…
Here’s the deal.
Peugeot has set out to create a more ‘premium’ small car than the old 307, and – with the 2.0-litre HDi models – it has succeeded brilliantly.
So while the asking price is high, the 308 makes a value-packed alternative to an Audi A3 or BMW 1 Series.
And for this, we say très bien!
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