What’s hot?
- Peugeot’s new wave petrol engine works well in the 308, in this top 130 turbo form. Feels lively and there’s a good spread of power and torque. Engine copes easily in a medium hatch of this size despite modest 1198 cc capacity.
- Engine nicely refined and hushed when cruising. In fact, you’re barely aware it’s a 3 cylinder at all until you rev it hard.
- Actually feels faster than quoted 0-62 mph time of 10.3 secs. Big slug of low down torque (230 Nm) helps here, as does direct injection and latest turbo tech.
- Combined economy of diesel-like 58.9 mpg. Compared to previous generation 308 with 1.6-litre VTi petrol engine, economy is 21% improved, Peugeot says. C02 emissions also down to 110 g/km from 159 g/km.
- Want to go auto? Peugeot’s crisp new 6-speed paddleshift auto in the 308 is a dream compared to inefficient, jerky French autos of the past….
- Nicely balanced handling, good grip and ride with the 308 in this Allure trim (Access, Sportium and Active grades below; GT Line and GT above).
- Comfortable, practical cabin with the 308 and Peugeot’s i-cockpit design, with low steering wheel and instruments set above, while quirky, continues to be something different in the class…
What’s not?
- That distinctive three cylinder ‘thrum’ when engine revs start to climb. Some won’t mind it while others might find it a turn off…however you slice it, a conventional four cylinder engine will always be smoother.
- Press the Sport button and there’s no more power or speed. Instead, the instruments turn red and more (gruff) engine noise is fed through the car’s audio speakers!
- This mid-range Allure spec is good for kit and drives well. But for the best dynamics, you need to upspec to the GT or GT Line grades.
- Only five manual speeds if you opt for the lower grade 1.2 Pure Tech 110.
