We review the Peugeot 308 from price to economy and all its features
TAKING on the high-selling Ford Focus, VW Golf, Vauxhall Astra and Seat Leon is a daunting task.
So that means the new Peugeot 308 has to be pretty special.
The old 308 didn’t have the desirability or drive to match its rivals.
This model has both and to prove it was named European Car of the Year back in March.
Price is crucial for family buyers and the 308 has a mega-competitive £14,495 starting price for the 1.2 litre petrol.
The 1.6 diesel starts at £17,895 while the top-of-the-range versions will set you back £24,045.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Elegant … styling cues for rest of range
The new Peugeot gets the design cues from its 208 and 2008 stablemates’ successes and that gives it an elegant and quality feel.
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DRIVE TIME
The 308 may not have the precise ride and handling of the class-leading Focus — but it’s getting very close.
It has a strong range of petrol and diesel engines, ranging from a perky 1.2litre to 1.6 turbocharged versions. I’d go for either the 1.2 petrol that gets close to 55mpg or the 1.6 litre diesel with over 70mpg.
INSIDE STORY
Better than ever … quality interior
Inside, Peugeot has really upped its game. I like the simple layout to the dashboard that Peugeot calls the iCockpit, dominated by a 9.2in infotainment screen.
There’s no NASA mass of dials, just the touchscreen which controls everything from the heater to your phone, music and online connectivity.
And driver and passengers travel in comfort and style with smart seats, together with a 470litre boot that increases to 1,309 with the rear seats down.
It’s also big on practicality with a 12litre cooled glove box and 3.7litre front door trays.