Peugeot 308 range appeals to most needs

By Hugh Maguire

Available with petrol, diesel and hybrid power, the Peugeot 308 range includes models to appeal to most needs.

This latest version of the 308 was the first Peugeot to sport the new company badge but that’s the smallest change over earlier models, as the new 308 has a completely new style and cutting edge design.

There are also some lovely new colours not least the Blue metallic green of this test car.

Inside, it has the Peugeot i-cockpit but you can no longer create analogue digital dials; instead you have smaller, simple graphics for speed and other information.

The 10-inch central touchscreen has better graphics, and, beneath it is a row of touch buttons for shortcuts to the screen as well as some real buttons for certain functions. It is generally easy to operate.

The cabin is nicely finished and there is a feeling of quality throughout. The driving position is just about perfect and the levels of standard safety and comfort kit are good.

The cabin feels reasonably roomy, though the ear suits two rather than three adults. The boot is pretty good at 412 litres of capacity with the rear seats in place.

Under the bonnet is Peugeot’s 1.2 litre 130bhp three cylinder petrol turbo, and in this car an eight-speed auto gearbox driving the front wheels.

Performance is sufficient for most occasions. On the fuel economy front, the 308 consumed 5.8 litres of petrol per 100km. Road tax for the year is €200.

The are three drive modes: Sport, Normal and Eco. Sport mode steps up the engine response to throttle inputs and I found I used it most of the time to liven up the feel of the car. There are paddles on the steering wheel if you feel like getting more involved, but the gearbox will do the work for you. Overall though the 308 is a pleasant drive though and covers the kilometres quietly and smoothly.

The new Peugeot 308 PureTech petrol is an attractive package that offers great style, a lovely cabin, a host of standard kit and it is good to drive. At times you might feel it needs a bit more power, but other than that, it is a lovely car.

The new Petrol PureTech should be on your shortlist if you are in the market for a new family hatchback.