Peugeot 308 1.6 VTi
The 308 is the latest hatchback offering from Peugeot. Another attempt by the French manufacturer, previously renowned for its hatchbacks, to get closer to the Golf and Focus. First impressions suggest the gap has closed considerably, especially in the 1.6-litre VTi petrol guise tested here.
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In 1993 Peugeot gave us the capable 306. It was a massive success for Peugeot, and rightly so. Wheels close to the corners, allied to excellent weight distribution, meant the 306 handled like a dream. It came with a wide range of excellent diesel and petrol engines, and was really only let down by its cheap plastic interior.
In 2001, the 307 came along, the interior and overall build improved considerably, but somewhere the driving dynamics had been lost and drivers were left unimpressed by considerable electrical glitches. The 308 is Peugeots attempt to combine the improved interior and build of the 307 with the ride and dynamics of the 306 to finally prove that the French lion is no longer asleep. Not since the 205 has Peugeot had a best seller in the hatchback market. However, Peugeot arent ones for knowing when theyre beaten, and the introduction of the 308 appears to have addressed many of the issues that held its predecessor back.
Sales success will depend on customer uptake of key variants like the 1.6-litre petrol VTi we look at here. If Im honest I wasnt expecting great things from this 308 and was sure familiar traits would shine through as soon as I sat behind the wheel. For example, I expected average build quality, numb steering and a ride that would upset my occasionally temperamental back.
As it turned out, I should have given this car more of a chance. The zesty 1.6 has enough go about it not to leave you wishing youd bought the next model up. Its lusty if not truly athletic.
Around town, often in low gears it rides very smoothly; its easy to drive and manages to soften the stresses of modern motoring.
"The 308 makes a compelling case for itself here."
On open roads, the drive is utterly tactile; you can feel enough, yet not so much that it becomes tiresome, the steering is responsive and there is plenty of feel through the wheel. So much so in fact that the 308 manages to gain your trust almost immediately. The front of the car always seems to go where you point it, feeling well and truly stuck to the tarmac. In truth, Peugeot hatches have always managed to do this and this characteristic is carried on in the 308.
Overall, the ride is impressive. The 308 doesnt feel too much like a hatch as it soaks up bumps and camber changes in the road with ease. It may come as a shock to some, but this car is really pretty good. It seems to do all things well, rather than exceeding at any one facet at the expense of another.
The driving position seemed excellent for my tall frame. You could argue the A pillar gets in the way a little, and somewhat disconcertingly I did find the apex disappearing from view while navigating a roundabout. Otherwise though, its as impressive to live in as it is to drive. The seats are comfy, offering just enough stability, and theyre fully adjustable too.
There is a real air of space in the car; the driver never feeling cramped or confined when behind the wheel. Theres also plenty of places for your bits and pieces in side pockets and alike, although some of the glove box space has been stolen by the airbag. The interior plastics are solid, and there is no excess of joins that creak as you go round a bend. Another surprise is the rear leg room, which, while not excessive, is more than enough when your likely passengers are the kids.
The boot is also large enough for most, although I would fear for a mother with buggies and shopping to transport. There is though, seven airbags to keep everyone safe. The 308 is in no way awash with gizmos and gadgets to keep the ardent techie nut amused. It does though offer a compelling argument with a concise range of trim levels available.
The 1.6 S includes Air Conditioning, a CD player, electric mirrors and electric front windows. The car can be tailored further though with all manner of options available, the pick of which should prove to be the panoramic roof which can be specified throughout the range. If you desire a higher level specification on the 1.
6-litre petrol VTi variant were looking at here, then the SE version brings an extra level of added refinement, crucially offering the panoramic roof option. Youll pay £13,495 for the S and £15,895 for the SE broadly comparable to rivals like Fords Focus, Vauxhalls Astra and Renaults Megane. As you would hope from a 1.6, the engine is economical.
The 120bhp unit returns a combined MPG figure of 42.2 and should reach over 50mpg when driven frugally. CO2 emissions in a manual car are rated at 159g/km. Adding to the cost effectiveness, insurance premiums shouldnt scare potential suitors too much, as the 1.
6 VTi is rated at just group 6. Interestingly these statistics are practically identical to that of the equivalent Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra, creating an interesting three way battle in the family hatch market, a market mainly utilised by company car owners. The choice therefore, comes down to personal preference or brand loyalty - something Peugeot have a fair proportion of after the good looks and dynamics of some of their previous hatchbacks. The 308 makes a compelling case for itself here.
The 1.6 VTi offers just enough of what potential owners will look for. Its well built, practical and comfortable. As a result, in essence, the 308 epitomises what you would hope to see in a family hatchback.
Safe in the knowledge that they know how to build a likeable model of this type, Peugeot have used their skill to excise virtually all the problems that plagued the old 307, now creating a vehicle that unassumingly manages to tick all the right boxes. The 1.6-litre VTi engine harnesses just enough power to keep it in touch with any rival and is equally at home in town or on a motorway. Overall, the 308 offers a package which is hard to fault and that will undoubtedly leave many buyers rightly feeling smug with their purchase.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Peugeot 308 1.6 VTi range
PRICES: £13,495-£15,895 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 6
CO2 EMISSIONS: 159g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 10.8s/ Max Speed 122mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 30.4mpg / (extra urban) 54.3mpg / (combined) 42.2mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: seven airbags / ABS and EBD
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [5dr] Length/Width/Height mm 4276/1815/1498
