Peugeot 308 Review

Peugeot 308

But it isn’t just about engines. The Peugeot 308 is the first of the new ‘8’ generation and was launched in September (2007). At the time of writing, it is only available in 5-door format but that is set to change in December when the 3-door version is made available. Throughout 2008, an automatic and an electronically-controlled manual gearbox will come on-line, along with a BioFlex (E85-fuelled) version and more body shapes are expected over the next few years. For now, we have the 308 with a very nice, 5-speed manual transmission for all except the 2.0 HDI diesel, which has an extra gear.

When it came to the new design, Peugeot sensibly retained the ingredients that made the outgoing 307 so popular. The distinctive Peugeot face appears to be even more feline with a more pronounced ‘V’ in the bonnet and a large, grinning grille. There are two different styles; the Urban and S models have a ‘Classic’ styling package while the Sport, SE and GT versions have an emphasised, ‘Sport’ design.

The distinguishing features are that the ‘Classic’ cars have two chrome mouldings on the front grille and the Sport has aluminium finishes. Both however feature the heavy, secondary, high-level front bumper. At the rear, the new 308 features a wrap-around windscreen to go with a large wrap-around bumper, which, on the Sport version, includes a rear diffuser and two chromed trims that are made to look like tailpipes. Overall, a great deal of thought and effort has gone into making the 308 appear wider than it is and giving the impression of solidity and capability on the road.

This is, however, more than an impression. Although based on the same platform as the 307, the new car has wider front and rear tracks, which helps lower the centre of gravity and therefore, aids stability through fast bends. The hydraulic, multi-valve shock absorbers have been specifically tweaked to provide the best compromise between road-holding and comfort and it shows. That said, I would have preferred a little more feedback through the seats and steering wheel.

ESP is standard on the ‘Sport’ cars and is an option on the ‘Classic’ versions. The ESP system includes ASR traction control and CDS stability control. All 308s have ABS with EBFD and EBA, as standard, along with automatic hazard-light activation, should you need to brake in a hurry.

Every 308 also comes with a minimum of six airbags, although the Sport, SE and GT have an extra, steering-column airbag and qualify for two optional, side airbags for the rear passengers. Peugeot is understandably proud of the 308’s Euro NCAP test results - five stars for front and side impact, four stars for child protection and three stars for pedestrian safety.

Peugeot 308