2008 Peugeot 308 Reviews

The Peugeot 308 is a small-medium French car that’s well regarded for style and comfort. It has never reached the sales heights of the likes of models in its class from Hyundai, Mazda and Toyota and so on. But those who like driving something out of the ordinary should put a 308 somewhere on their short list.

The choice car buyers have today would have been unbelievable even just a few years ago. No one could have envisaged the number of makes and models now on offer in our market. Buyers now have the choice of a vast number of locally produced and imported cars, among them the Peugeot 308. The French carmaker launched the

As much as they've tried, and tried they have, French cars haven't made much progress in this market, which must be galling to them given that their German rivals are going gangbusters.The Peugeot 308, for instance, was launched with the claim that it was as well built as its cross-border rivals, and drove as well as they did too. The company was trying to make up for the shortcomings of the 307, which had been slammed for its looks and lack of dynamics. To start with the 308 was aligned with the more attractive 207 and 407 models, given the same dynamic styling that made the other models their appeal.The 308 was marginally larger than the 307, being longer and wider, with a wider track for a bigger footprint to aid the on-road stability. It was also heavier, which didn't help the performance. Inside, it had decent head and legroom, and comfortable seats, but the boot was smaller than the 307's and most of its rivals.Underneath it was similar to its predecessor, with MacPherson Strut front suspension and torsion beams at the rear. There was a good choice of engines, with two petrol and diesel engines. The transmission choices, depending on the model, were five-speed manual and auto, and six-speed manual and auto. Standard equipment included dual climate controlled air-conditioning, cruise control, trip computer, power front windows and MP3 connection. A full-sized spare wheel is also standard.IN THE SHOPThe lack of complaints about the 308 received at Carsguide suggest it is doing the job for its owners, although it is too early to give it a conclusive tick of approval. Prospective buyers need to be aware that the 308, like all European cars, tends to consume brakes faster than cars from other parts of the world. Expect to be replacing pads, and perhaps also discs, every 50,000 km or so. Maintenance is also crucial so look for proof of servicing when inspecting a car prior to purchase.UNDER THE PUMPFuel economy was a strong point of the 308, with the small petrol engine using only 7.7 L/100 km and the smallest turbo-diesel engine using only 5.1 L/100 km.IN A CRASHFive stars was the best stamp available to carmakers from ANCAP and the 308 received it. It was fully equipped with front, head and side airbags, there were ABS brakes, and on all models but the base XS there was also electronic stability control.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $27,990 to $38,990Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol, 88 kW/160 Nm; 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 80 kW/140 Nm; 110 kW/240 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 100 kW/320 NmTransmission: 4-speed auto, 5-speed man, 6-speed auto. 6-speed man; FWDEconomy: 7.7 L/100 km (1.6), 8.2 L/100 km (1.6T), 5.1 L/100 km (1.6TD), 6.8 L/100 km (2.0TD)Body: 5-door hatch, 4-door wagonVariants: XS, XSE, XTE, XTSSafety: 5-star ANCAPVERDICTMore refined, roomy cabin and more stylish looks, but is pricey.

The French company's sales are down by close to 20 per cent at a time when the rest of the car business, until this month, has been doing very nicely.Peugeot puts its troubles down to the transition to the all-new compact 308 and says the arrival of the Touring wagon, which will be joined by its 308CC before the end of the year, will turn things around.It also believes its new Expert and Partner vans, which landed as the same time as the Touring, will give it a much-needed boost on the commercial front.“It's been a tough year for us. However, I think running out the 307 is well behind us and we can make up lost ground with the 308,” says Ken Thomas, national sales manager for Peugeot.“We're going to capitalise on the strong reputation we have built in the small wagon market. It's an important launch for this brand. Its got great styling, technology and unique features, with up to seven seats and a full glass roof.”The 308 Touring is more like an oversized hatchback than a tradition wagon, so in some ways it is similar to the new Holden Commodore Sportwagon. But the Peugeot is uniquely French, from its good looks to an emphasis on the diesel engine which is expected to draw the majority of sales.The objective is to sell more than 1000 wagons before the end of the year, and closer to 1900 in 2009, as Peugeot aims to hit 9000 total sales for '08.The Touring package is priced from $30,590, with a choice of two trim levels, four engines — two diesel, two petrol — and both automatic and manual gearboxes with front-wheel drive. The specification is pretty comprehensive, although ESP stability control is only an option on the basic CS model.The Touring is based on the latest 308 mechanical package, which means fully independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and a safety package including six airbags and anti-skid brakes with brake assist and a system which triggers the hazard lights in extreme braking.The XS opens the action with air-con, cruise control, remote central locking and the full-length glass sunroof, while the XSE tips in ESP, rear parking radar, alloy wheels, and rain-sensing wipers. Leather seats and a multi-media sound system are optional.The four-cylinder engines are 88 and 103 kiloWatt petrol motors, which Peugeot calls VTi and THP for the turbo, and 80 and 100 kiloWatt diesels. There is a six-speed manual for all engines, but the automatic is only a four-speed on the petrol engines, upgrading to a six on the diesels.Peugeot does all its comparisons against the outgoing 307, talking up the increased rigidity of the new body as well as a bigger boot and more cabin space.But the bottom line on a wagon is the seating and space. The Touring has 'theatre' seats, with tiered settings to improve visibility and reduce the chance of a car sick child, although the third-row lineup is only called 'occasional' and there are a huge number of storage choices.“There are seven seats and they are plug-and-play. You can move them around and there are a huge number of combinations,” says Peugeot's Glenn Forester.The 308 Touring is everything you expect of a Peugeot. It looks good, is very comfortable, there is a lot of creative thinking, and it drives well.The 2-litre petrol model gets along well and has a responsive gearbox, although the 1.6 is likely to struggle particularly with a family load. The 2-litre diesel is responsive and works well with either manual or automatic gearbox.The diesel also shows Peugeot's class and experience, as it is extremely quiet at both start-up and highway cruising speeds.The cabin is roomy for the class, the seats are comfy and supportive, and the equipment is everything you would want or need — apart from ESP on the base car.The flexibility is excellent and you can mix-and-match the seats, or remove some completely, depending on your needs. It takes a bit of learning but is very worthwhile and advance over other compact wagons we have driven.The panoramic sunroof is a nice touch and will definitely get people looking, but also has a proper sun-blocker for hot weather.Peugeot deserves to do well with the Touring but needs to make more noise to get back on shopping lists in Australia, instead of relying on repeat business from existing owners. 

Despite a tidal wave of SUVs swamping family buyers, Peugeot says the latest 308 wagon -to be called Touring when it arrives in Australia in August will re-define the market. It has proven to be a success even before it goes on sale. So far Australians have pre-ordered almost the entire 308 Touring annual quota of 1150 units.The wagon comes with a seven-seat option, tackling the bigger and more fuel-sapping SUVs with temporary room for two children.There's also a full-length glass roof as standard and flexible concepts such as the three individual centre-row seats, which are removable and can even be repositioned as two seats. The 308 Touring's rear window is bigger and curved and flips up independently to the tailgate.The wagon comes in small-bore diesel and petrol, turbocharged petrol and big-bore diesel, with transmission variants from four-speed and six-speed autos to the new, slick, six-speed manual. All this and a forecast $30,590 opening price for the automatic petrol XS version is intended to build on the tremendous success of the 308's predecessor, the 307. Peugeot Australia spokesman Mathew McAuley says the Touring is expected to account for 40 per cent of 308 sales.A lion's share of the Touring sales will be diesel, though this won't be as high as the 75 per cent take-up witnessed in the 307. He expects 65 per cent of Touring buyers to take up the $1200 seven-seat option as an after-sales accessory.Also on the option list is leather upholstery, including heated front seats, for $2900.Pricing for the Touring starts at $30,590 and rises through the seven models to $38,390 for the two-litre XSE turbo-diesel automatic.The wagon is $1600 more expensive than the hatch versions. But the new 308 Touring gets more features, including the panoramic glass roof that is normally a $1000 option.Clearly, it is based on the 308 hatch and yet it has a long list of unique features.The wheelbase is 100mm longer and the length is out by 224mm, so it has improved legroom in the centre and rear.The centre seat is on rollers for a 90mm fore/aft adjustment that expands the third row's legroom. Peugeot correctly terms the third row as occasional and while an adult can squeeze in here, it's purely for smaller people.The boot gets a roll-out cover blind, luggage net, carry hooks and a removable and rechargeable torch that doubles as the cargo light. A full-size spare wheel is located beneath the chassis. Now that the family is seated, Peugeot went for enhancing the wagon's ownership and started with economy.The European-spec tyres are Michelin's new Energy Saver rubbers _ not yet specificed for Australia _ that claim a 13 per cent fuel saving on the previous 307 wagon. The new Touring is sleeker and its slippery aerodynamics will further trim fuel consumption while cruising.Thankfully, the 308 Touring doesn't share the 207 Touring's awkward rear end. A long wheelbase, compliant suspension and the promise of a perky turbo-petrol engine make on paper at least the 308 Touring an appealing all-purpose machine.That promise transfers neatly into the tangible, though the degree is dependent on the engine chosen. Australia will get four engines missing out on a gaspy 1.4-litre and the hot 128kW version starting with a pleasant 1.6-litre normally aspirated petrol.Few should complain about this little motor that works a tight balance for economy and performance. Less can be said of the 1.6-litre turbo-diesel. This economy-minded engine comes only as a manual transmission version and needs serious rowing. Then there's the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol with 110kW that combines frugal thirst and decent performance.When pushed on the Sardinian test route, it was quite thirsty even in manual form.Australia will get this engine only with an automatic gearbox and only in the top-line XSE trim, priced at $35,190. There's little to complain about in ride comfort and general handling, though the wagon becomes quite nose-heavy through fast, tight corners and will activate the standard ESC.The standard glass roof with an electrically-operated fully-lined cover gives the unusual feeling of travelling in an aquarium. The triple-layer UV-protected glass may just be a bit too sun-friendly for some parts of Australia.But full marks to Peugeot for the quick and easy ability to remove the centre-row seats, though they are heavy and will be awkward for mum to remove.Still, it's an impressive machine and will certainly sway potential SUV buyers who don't really need an all-wheel-drive and big fuel bills. 

The new Peugeot 308 has become even prettier, more feminine, than before — if that is possible.Just as well, because the majority of buyers of the previous model 307 were women.My wife and two daughters love the new curvaceous body, the almond-eyed headlights, perfume-dispensing airconditioning with a selection of six fragrances, petite pedals, quiet and soft-touch cabin, 12 exterior colour choices and small latte holders, rather than macho jumbo-sized drink holders.And my girls love the pretty little wing mirrors which fold away when the car is locked. It's not a gimmick; it's vital in the small streets of Paris where the wing mirrors on parked cars often get knocked off as cars rush past.The eighth-generation 308 five-door hatch comes in a choice of two 1.6-litre petrol engines, one a turbo, and two turbo-diesel engines, 1.6 and 2-litre. The two-litre petrol engine has been scrapped for the turbo 1.6.Previously there were three trim levels in the petrol and two in the diesel. Now there are three trim levels in each: XS, XSE and XTE.Prices are up $500 for the XS petrol at $25,990 and $1400 for the XSE, even though it drops from two-litre to 1.6.Diesel XS models remain the same at $29,990, while the XSE HDi is up $1000.Choice of transmissions is five-speed manual (XS, XS HDi, XSE Turbo), four-speed auto (XS, XSE, XSE Turbo, XTE), six-speed manual (XSE HDi) and six-speed auto (XSE HDi, XTE HDi).The Porsche-derived four-speed auto costs an extra $2000 and $2200 for the six-speed.I recently drove the XSE Turbo with five-speed manual ($30,590) and the XSE HDi ($35,790).The top-spec models come with a healthy list of features.However, the Turbo I drove also had the full-length glass sunroof ($1000) and dashboard-mounted, pop-up sat nav system ($3600) that includes a 30Gb hard disk to store 180 hours of music, Bluetooth and an SOS button that will dial 000.Another neat audio feature is iPod or computer game connectivity via RCA plugs in the glovebox.However, there are no steering wheel-mounted controls for cruise or audio. They are all on stalks behind the wheel which is very awkward.Accommodation inside is generous, but legroom in the back will be at a premium if there is a tall person in the front.As in most French cars, the seats are sumptuous, like big lounge chairs. But you wouldn't expect your lounge suite to hold you in place if you were going around a corner at 60km/h, and neither do these.I found the speedo difficult to read in daylight as the numbers are a bit spindly, especially when wearing prescription sunglasses to see into the distance.On the road, the car is exciting to drive, although eerily quiet. The diesel is as quiet as the hush-hush BMW 530d.Engineers paid a lot of attention to reducing rattles, squeaks, engine noise, wind buffeting and tyre noise.Even the door speakers are mounted to the door, rather than the trim, to avoid vibration.This is now one of the quietest cars in its class. Even the diesel engines have little audible clatter or roar from within the cabin.Unfortunately, it takes some of the excitement out of the turbo which could do with a little bit of exhaust rort.Both the turbo petrol and diesel engines have strong low and mid-range torque which makes daily driving chores responsive.The diesel loses breath up top where the 1.6-litre turbo from the Mini Cooper S and the Peugeot 207 continues to shine. Steering is a bit on the heavy side and there is a twitch from torque steer in both models.The brakes are strong with a firm and responsive brake pedal and women will approve of the light clutch and foolproof manual box with well-spaced gears. On the national launch in February, the second-to-third change was notchy, but not on this test car.The automatic was overly responsive to aggressive input, holding on to gears much longer than needed after you have given it a heavy foot.The turbo returned fuel economy of 9.2L/10km while the diesel claimed 6.6.On the safety side, there are six airbags, a five-star European crash rating and stability control.A Touring (wagon version) is coming in August and a CC (cabrio-convertible) in February. 

You get tired of hearing terms such as funky and quirky when describing small French cars. But there's something unique about them. And after all, quirky or funky are not terms you'd use to describe German or Korean cars.Features such as glass roofs, unique front styling and satellite navigation units that pop out of the dashboard keep bringing you back to quirky and funky. They are among the features on Peugeot's new 308 range.Peugeot doesn't talk about quirky and funky. Its key term for this car is refinement. That starts with the 308 being slightly bigger and offering more value than its predecessor, the 307.So much so that the 308 is really medium-sized rather than a small car these days. The car is now some 74mm longer and 53mm wider than the 307. It is also marginally lower, with increased tracking front and rear.I drove the new turbo-petrol 5-speed manual and the turbodiesel 6-speed automatic versions of the mid-spec XSE 308 over a few days in Sydney. The new 308 has seven variants of the 5-door hatch shape.It starts with a 1.6-litre petrol 88kW XS model at $25,990. More features are added to create the auto-only XSE at $30,390. Next there's the 110kW turbo XSE at $30,590 manual. Add $2000 for the auto. Top of the range petrol car is the XTE auto at $34,790.Peugeot has carved a niche in the market with its diesels. There are three variants for the 308. The lowest priced is the 1.6-litre XS HDi at $29,990 — but you pay for diesel economy. That's $4000 dearer than the base petrol car. Buying the better two-litre diesel XSE HDi will cost $33,590, manual. Again it's $2000 more for an auto. The most expensive 308 is the auto-only XTE HDi at $37,990.Overall, both versions handled similarly and felt solid and reliable.The petrol turbo certainly has more acceleration punch and pizzazz than the diesel, even allowing for a rather notchy manual gearbox. It's diesel economy versus turbo petrol whoosh.As you shift gears in the manual there's a noticeable whoosh sound from the turbo. It sounds like a tempered WRX. It must be that refinement. On the diesel, the engine sound is still noisy inside though improvements have been made over the sound levels of the 307. Small diesel cars are gaining in popularity in Australia but they have not won full acceptance. Diesel is still seen as a novelty, and the noise of the engine and having to fill up with trucks and work vans at the servo still puts buyers off. However, the economic benefits are being clearly shown.Peugeot announced in late February that a 308 XS diesel driven around Australia in 25 days by regular economy run experts John and Helen Taylor had recorded an overall consumption figure of just 3.13 litres per 100km. Not only is that better than the claimed figures for either of the two hybrid cars currently sold in Australia (Toyota Prius and Honda Civic) it also meant only eight trips to the pump on a 14,500km trip.Peugeot says the car's best run was 1988km on a single tank.Certainly one benefit of diesel comes when you find queues at your local petrol station. Almost all of the other cars waiting aren't heading for the diesel pump. Peugeot says it expects that 64 per cent of 308 sales in Australia will be diesels.But the 308 faces some stiff competition in its class. Diesel and petrol turbo versions of the VW Golf GT, the ground-breaking Citroen C4 and tough competition from Japan in the Mazda 3 makes it mandatory for potential buyers to shop around.If it comes to looks, the Peugeot will divide opinion. The front end has a large black bumper bar across the front of a substantial grille.Having said that, the two test cars came in exquisite paint colours. The blue (Tauranga Blue) and particularly the red (Babylon red) gave the cars a premium look that enhanced the stronger points of the styling.The 17-inch alloy wheels, an option on both cars, also help the styling.A glass roof seems an odd choice for a car but it's actually a wonderful alternative to a convertible.You get the light without the noise, the wind, heat, sun and city smells that annoy anyone driving with the top down in the city and suburbs.Talking of smell, the range-topping XTE has a fragrance-emission system to make the interior smell fresher for the occupants. The 308 is also packed with safety features. It has a five-star safety rating on the back of six airbags as standard (and a seventh optional on the top-end cars), unique impact absorption structures to protect the front end, plus stability control.All models also have “follow me home lighting,” which equates to the lights staying on for a short while after you lock the car. Its aim to provide you with extra lighting when you park your car at night, but it does have you double-taking to make sure you have actually turned them off. Other features worthy of mention are rear parking sensors on a car half the size of many who need such a feature as standard and don't get it, plus side mirrors that automatically retract when the car is parked.Inside, the layout of the controls, particularly in models where the satellite navigation system is installed, are somewhat confusing.However, this is something you will come to grips with through practice, and not on a short-term test.Overall, the 308 offers a multitude of engine and transmission choices.It is a welcome improvement on the previous model and will find favour among people seeking to stand out from the crowd on the road. The bottom lineBigger, smoother and dare we say it, funkier than its predecessor. Snapshot Peugeot 308 XSE Price: $30,590 (petrol), $33,590 (diesel)Engine: 1.6L/4-cylinder turbo 110kW/240Nm; 2L/4-cylinder turbodiesel 100kW/320NmEconomy: 7.1L/100km (petrol), 6.8L/100km (diesel)Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed auto petrol, 6-speed auto diesel, 6-speed manual The rivalsVW Golf GTPrice: $34,990 (petrol), $34,790 (diesel)Engine: 1.4L/4-cylinder twincharger 125kW/240Nm; 2L/4-cylinder turbodiesel 125kW/350NmEconomy: 7.7L/100km (petrol), 6.3L/100km (DSG) 6.6L/100km (manual)Transmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed DSG Mazda3 MAXX SportPrice: $26,500Engine: 2L/4-cylinder 104kW/181Nm economy: 8.6L/100km (manual), 8.9L/100km (auto)Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed auto Citroen C4Price: from $25,990 (petrol), $29,990 (diesel)Engine: 2L/4-cylinder petrol 103kW/200Nm; 2L/4-cylinder turbodiesel 100kW/320Nm Economy: 8.1L/100km petrol, 5.1L/100km dieselTransmission: 6-speed auto 

The 308 replaces the 307 and although it shares the essence of its platform and wheelbase, it has grown 75mm longer, 53mm wider and sits on a wider track.The 308 is offered only as a five-door hatch, although a Touring wagon could well follow.But then there is a choice of not just petrol and diesel engines, but two of each.Entry level is a 1.6-litre petrol of 88kW power available in the base XS model at $25,990 and better dressed XSE (automatic only) at $30,390.A turbocharged version of that (also seen in the Mini Cooper S) gives 110kW in manual or 103kW (auto) and is in XSE trim only, at $30,590 (manual) and $32,590 (auto).Turbodiesel engines start with a 1.6-litre of 80kW power and 240Nm torque, only in the XS version and in manual, at $29,990 - which means it's a hefty $4000 more than the standard petrol engine. Bigger and stronger is the two-litre turbodiesel of 100kW power and 320Nm torque at 2000rpm. It's in the XS at $33,590 manual and $2000 more for the automatic. But in the top-of-the-range XTE HDi it is automatic only, at $37,990.I drove the XSE turbo-petrol with five-speed manual and then the XTE diesel automatic. Each is a fine car with good comfort in the front seats. Cornering poise and grip make them deceptively quick point-to-point cars and the ABS brakes are strong performers.The 308s are reasonably refined - even the diesel engine has good mechanical noise suppression inside the cabin. However, a not uncommon issue with imported European cars on their European tyres is road noise/tyre rumble marring the quiet drive, particularly with the lower-profile tyres on the XTE.Happily, these are European cars with full-size spare wheels.All 308s get stability control as standard, except the XS versions where it can be had for just $450. It might be the best 450 life-saving dollars you ever spend.The Peugeot 308 has a distinct design but its wide B-pillars rob some over-the-shoulder visibility for the driver at an angled road junction.The XTE comes with a panoramic glass roof to let in light on a cloudy day. In hot sunshine, press the button for the roof blind to close. The glass roof is a $1000 option on the XSE.The rear seat is firm, which means supportive, but an adult-size person won't enjoy sitting in the middle where there is little leg room. The boot has lots of tie-down loops and “curry hooks” to hang shopping bags. And the parcel shelf has a clever lid that can open from either side. The rear arm rest includes cup holders.The sloping, big windscreen has cross-over wipers. You'll be buying replacement blades by the metre, such is their length.The glovebox has limited space. Trip computer and other information is comprehensive and well displayed.The turbo-petrol engine has good, linear feed once 1400rpm is up. It is an engine that sprints the car along when called upon but it's remarkably easy to achieve excellent fuel economy. Helped by a rural drive, I got 6.3 litres/100km. It sits at 2700rpm at 110km/h in fifth gear.The diesel automatic cruises at this speed at 2200rpm and, with a lot more suburban work, averaged 6.5 litres/100km.Official figures are 7.1 litres/100km for the turbo-petrol and 6.8 litres/100km for the diesel, so it's hard to justify the $3000 difference in engine price.I'm a strong fan of modern diesel engines and even given the XTE has a good sequential-shift six-speed automatic and more luxury equipment, the manual XSE with the willing but extremely fuel-economic turbocharged petrol engine and sweet-shifting manual transmission will do me - at $7400 less.

In automotive terms, refinement is often the word buyers use to measure quality in a car.It come downs to a few basic principles. Is the car quiet? Does it maintain its composure when the going gets tough? Is the steering, ride and handling seamless and do they relay all the necessary information to the driver? Do the controls have a quality feel?With almost microscopic attention to detail, the designers and engineers behind the new Peugeot 308 have gone over the car with one goal in mind: refinement.Peugeot Automobiles Australia managing director Rob Dommerson says the company wants to reassure past and present Peugeot owners the 308 is as well built as its German rivals and a great driving car.The 308, which goes on sale this month, replaces the dynamically and visually maligned 307 hatch. Gone is the 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder, replaced by normally aspirated and turbocharged 1.6-litre fours, and the hi-tech 2.0-litre HDi turbo diesel carries over.Three trim levels will be available: XS, XSE and the range-topping XTE.The 308 will be powered by a choice of two petrol and two turbo-diesels, jointly developed with BMW.The petrol engines are available in three states of tune: 88kW, 110kW and 103kW.To ensure the 308 can stand toe to toe with its key rivals — the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Citroen C4, Renault Megane and a host from Japan and South Korea — Peugeot engineers did two million kilometres in durability testing.Visually, the 308 borrows cues from the successful 207 range and the 407.Peugeot describes it as a dynamic design. The large wrap-around lower bumper is available in two styles: classic in the XS and XSE and sports for the XTE, which also gets a diffuser inset into the rear bumper.In size, the new car shadows the 307 but is fractionally bigger. It is 74mm longer and 53mm wider, but 12mm lower. It sits on the same 2608mm wheelbase but front and rear tracks are wider — 30mm in front and 16mm at the rear — to ensure a better on-road stance.The fuel tank gains an extra 10 litres capacity, up to 60 litres. Luggage capacity has increased to 430 litres, up 9 litres.The rear seats are 60/40 split fold with a ski flap on the XSE and XTE.Peugeot Automobiles Australia has managed to hold prices. The normally aspirated 1.6-litre four-cylinder XS is $25,990, $500 more than the old model. A four-speed auto adds an extra $2000.The 1.6-litre XS HDi costs $29,990.The four-speed auto-only XSE 1.6 is $30,390, five-speed manual XSE turbo $30,590 and six-speed manual XSE HDi $33,590.The four-speed XSE Turbo auto is an extra $2000 and the six-speed auto on the XSE HDi an extra $2200.When we piloted the 308 over ultra-smooth roads in France late last year, it impressed.But can this newest French immigrant cut the mustard on Australia's indifferent roads?The answer is yes.There has been a palpable and measurable increase in quality, fit and finish, and the on-road dynamics recall the well-loved 306 hatch.Nor does the 308 feel as flimsy as the 307. The body is ultra-strong, extensive use having been made of high-strength steels.Inside, the French have taken a leaf out of a German ergonomics journal.The instruments are clear and concise and there's a quality feel to the switchgear. The seats can only be described as pure French: soft, inviting, extremely comfortable and supportive.Peugeot has also provided plenty of storage spaces for items and the ingenious two-way 8-litre rear parcel shelf storage area is a bonus.At 100km/h on country roads and 110km/h on the freeway, there is barely any wind noise, and road noise is almost non-existent.At these speeds the 1.6-litre turbo petrol and 2.0-litre HDi loaf along. 

The French have turned seduction into an art form in movies, theatre and songs. French carmaker Peugeot also seduced motoring enthusiasts with its sharp-steering, limousine-riding cars that proved as durable in the bush as they were luxurious about town.However, this art of seduction was diminished with the arrival of some of the modern-day Peugeots.They were capable yes, but not quite in the same mould as the old cars such as the 504 and 306.Now Peugeot executives believe the company may have redeemed itself with the 308, which arrives in February.The 308 adopts a softer evolution of the in-your-face 307's MPV-type styling, echoing styling traits of the 207 with its big, shark-grille front. The newcomer replaces the 307, which is one of the most successful Peugeots of all time, selling more than 3.2 million models globally since 2001.The 307 also represents more than 50 per cent of Peugeot sales locally so a lot is riding on its replacement.The 308 uses the same suspension as the 307 but has new petrol engines, vastly improved quality, electronics and tweaked dynamics.Peugeot Automobile Australia's marketing chief, Chris Brown, believes the 308 will rekindle the memories of the 306, which was renowned for its road-holding, steering and ride comfort. Like the 307, the 308 line-up is tipped to consist of the XS, XSE and a higher-equipped XSE-Plus.A 130kW model called Feline in Europe is also tipped for Australia, where it could wear a Sport badge.Brown expects pricing to be close to the current range, with an entry point of $25,490, rising to about $35,000 for the top-spec Touring wagon.The five-door hatch will be available with the choice of four engines, two petrol and two HDi diesels. The Touring is expected late next year.The 308 may look similar to the 307 but it is in fact 74mm longer, 85mm wider and 12mm lower. It is also about 60kg heavier, thanks to a stronger body and improved crash safety.Under the bonnet the same 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre HDi engines carry over but two new petrol 1.6-litre fours join the line-up. The petrol engines are the result of the joint PSA-BMW joint-venture engine program and are shared with the Mini Cooper and Cooper S. The 1.6-litre petrol fours come normally aspirated and turbocharged. The 1.6-litre turbo will replace the 2.0-litre four and although smaller in capacity has 7kW more power and 40Nm more torque.The base car is expected to come with a five-speed manual and optional four-speed automatic, the 1.6 HDi a five-speed manual, 1.6 turbo a five-speed manual and the 2.0-litre HDi the choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. A six-speed clutchless semi-automatic manual is also on the cards in some models.Brown says the loss of the 2.0-litre should not hurt sales.“I don't see it as a hurdle for buyers because of the improvement in power and torque compared to the 2.0, as well as better fuel economy,” he says.European models get up to nine airbags but Australian cars will have a minimum of six, with standard anti-lock brakes. Electronic Stability Control may be on upper-end models.The car's centre of gravity is 5mm lower than the 307, contributing to the car's handling. Both front and rear brakes are also larger for better stopping power. Peugeot is confident of a five-star EuroNCAP crash test result. The French have also rediscovered plush seating, once a trademark of Peugeot of old.Boot space has also increased to 430 litres with the rear seats in place and up to 1398 litres with the 60/40 split-fold seatbacks folded flat.After exiting the first high-speed corner, it is clear the 308 is no 307.There's a crispness to the chassis that brings back memories of the 306.The electric power steering turns in crisply and it has a linear, progressive feel while the low-speed suspension sharpness of the 307 has been replaced with more compliance and a lush-riding big-car feel.The torsion beam rear end still gets caught over lateral bumps but the compliant ride and suppleness of past Peugeots is back. We will have to wait a final appraisal on Australian roads but the prognosis is good.Ergonomically, the 308 is a big improvement. The trip computer has moved from the top of the dashboard, which was awkward to see in Australia's harsh light, to between the speedo and rev counter in the manner of some German hatches.All engines, bar the entry 1.6-litre, perform strongly. The 1.6-litre turbo will replace the current 2.0-litre four but few owners will lament its passing.The turbo has strong low-down torque, revs willingly and quietly and the five-speed gearbox is a joy.The six-speed 2.0-litre HDi is also a strong performer. Even without the laminated side glass on the HDi models, optional in Europe, all the 308s we drove were eerily quiet and composed at high speeds. Snapshot Peugeot 308Price: from about $25,490Body: 5-door hatchEngine: 1.6L/4-cylinder 88kW/160Nm, 1.6L/4-cyl turbo 110kW/240Nm, 1.6L/4-cyl turbo-diesel HDi 80kW/240-260Nm, 2.0L/4-cyl HDi 100kW/320-240NmTransmission: 5-speedmanual (1.6, 1.6 turbo, 1.6 HDi), 6-speed manual (2.0 HDi), 6-speed clutchless semi-automatic manual expected to be optional