Peugeot 308   Women's view

There are parts of Peugeots 308 hatchback that June Neary really likes..

The long lamented Peugeots 306 family hatch was a fine car in its day but since its heyday things have moved on a long way. What was needed was change and that change appeared first in the 307 and most recently, in its replacement, the 308. At first, you would be forgiven for thinking that it was just a number change, a refresh but look deeper and youll find that the 08 is a world away from its forebears. On first impressions, I have to say that I was very impressed.

Aiming squarely at the Ford Focus/Vauxhall Astra market, the 308 has style, sophistication and would look just as at home in Camden as the local supermarket. I think that I will rather like this car.

One of the first things that I spotted about the interior of the 308 was the vast number of storage pockets, luggage hooks and nets, slide out trays and cubbyholes. If you are carrying anything from a diamond dripping engagement ring to a 1.5-litre bottle of coke, youll find somewhere secure to stow it although the trick may be remembering exactly which pocket you put it in. For chocoholics like me, the air-conditioned glove box keeps your Cadburys just as you would want to find it, rather than the sloppy mess that so often results.

Once you have finished losing things in the storage bins, youll notice how spacious the rest of the car is. Not only is it one of the tallest vehicles in its sector (useful as it ensured that I could cultivate a wild hairstyle) but it has a seriously large windscreen adding to the ambiance of space and light. Rear accommodation is impressive and the décor, while a little sombre, feels as though it comes from a car high up the automotive hierarchy. Good fuel economy, a comfortable driving position and plenty of space make this an ideal car for work around town or for longer trips. I could even see my family going on holiday in one, such is the comfort and available space. Those familiar with the Peugeot 207 supermini will find plenty they recognise in the 308 but the key differences on the larger car are the prominent V-shaped bonnet that extends down from the base of the A-pillars on a raised plain and the huge oblong foglights.

The rear of the 308 has more of a bulbous look to it, helping to maximise luggage space that runs to 430 litres and can be extended to 1,398 litres by folding the rear seats.

Being a Peugeot, spirited driving is most definitely on the cards. Even the lowliest 1.4-litre version can scamper its way to 60mph in 14.3 seconds and the 150bhp 1.

6-litre THP version makes the same marker in only 8.8 seconds. Quick then but you need to watch for fierce wheel spin if you want to make a hasty getaway, across partially obscured junctions for example. All-round visibility is excellent thanks to a high driving position and every control falls easily to hand.

In emergency braking situations, not only does the ABS cut in to bring you safely to a halt, but the hazard lights will illuminate to show those following that you are stepping sharpish on the anchors. The idea is to alert them to the emergency ahead in the hope that they will actually notice that something is amiss and use the brakes themselves. You can but hope The 308 features six airbags as standard. In addition to the familiar twin front and side bags, curtain airbags protect both front and rear passengers from flying glass and side impact in the event of an accident.

Active head restraints, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and fuel supply cut-offs combine to make the 308 an impressively safe environment for the family, which would be one of my prime considerations in looking for a new car to join my household. Other thoughtful applications include a boot that automatically locks when you pull away, protecting the contents from opportunistic thieves while stopped in traffic, and door linings that are fitted with reinforced cowlings that shield the lock elements. The Peugeot people seem to have thought of everything.

Prices start at £11,995 and there are six engine options for people interested in a 308 to mull over. The entry-level petrol contingent employs Peugeots VTi technology using variable valve timing and lift to adapt the combustion process according to the demands being placed on the engine by the driver. The system gives optimum performance when you want and improved economy when you dont. The 1.

4-litre unit produces 95bhp while the 1.6-litre alternative has 120bhp and is available with a four-speed automatic gearbox in lieu of the standard five-speed manual. The next step up is the turbocharged 1.6-litre engine THP.

In the 308, this powerplant develops 150bhp and is capable of covering the 0-60mph sprint in 8.8s compared to 10.8 in the normally-aspirated 1.6.

The diesel range consists of Peugeots excellent HDi common-rail diesel engines. Theres a 1.6-litre unit offered in 90 or 110bhp form and a 2.0-litre 136bhp option topping the range that will get from a standstill to 60mph in 10.

1s. As a value proposition, the Peugeot has to be high on anyones agenda. Excellent build quality, high levels of equipment and engineering excellence combine into a competitive whole.

It would be a genuine pleasure to have a Peugeot 308 on my driveway. Cute looks, enviable performance, economy and style appeal to every automotive sense that I possess. As French is the language of love, Im not surprised that the Peugeot fits in so perfectly, and if you put in enough practice, you can even get it to roll off the tongue in the same alluring way as cherie. Lets try it Purrrrr-geot.

Perfect.