Peugeot 308 Reviews

Not everyone, it would seem, wants a compact SUV on their drive.Sales of these 'quasi-fourbies' are through the roof but if you look at sales of the new Peugeot 308 Allure Touring (wagon) there may be life left in the traditional small family wagon.They've waxed and waned on the whim of consumers and right now, they're waning.But the new Pug wagon, with a classy, almost Audi look, could be a game changer or at least make people think twice when they shop for a set of 'sensible' new wheels.This is a totally new generation 308 that's been out in Europe for a year winning European Car of the Year along the way.The whole range has appeal with smaller capacity, more efficient engines being adopted across the board - except for the 308 diesel Touring we drove.It's the range topper at $37,490 and gets a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine with 110kW/370Nm output driving the front wheels through a conventional six-speed auto with paddle shift. The engine in some form or other has been around for a while and can be found in other models (and brands).Competitors are numerous and impressive coming out of Japan, Europe and Korea.But the Pug is latest cab off the rank and as a result, enjoys a serious leg-up on a number of fronts. The Bluetooth phone and audio/multimedia system for example is as good as anything else on the market in terms of voice reproduction and ease of syncing. And it's among the safest new cars available right now.Peugeot was able to slice off 140kg (down to 1420kg) from the latest 308 Touring compared with the previous model through better materials and design.Their green tinge is more than skin deep with exemplary fuel economy from all models, petrol and diesel. This one does 5.0L/100km standing on its head.We actually cracked deep into the 4s at one stage - something you don't see too often.But you still have to unlock the filler cap with the ignition key to fuel it up. That's a pain.And another negative is the difficult removal and replacement of the rear cargo blind. We gave up and left it rolling around in the load space, which is large with the rear seats up as well as down. When down, the load space is large enough to sleep two adults, a reflection of the size of the vehicle.The rears are what Peugeot calls Magic Flat seats which means one touch up or down for the whole kit and kaboodle.It scores plenty of useful kit from a luxury and a safety point of view. There's cruise with speed limiter, electric power steering, hill assist, electric park brake, front and rear parking sensors and reversing camera, 9.7-inch multimedia screen, satnav, multiple wheel controls though some are on annoying satellite wands, dual zone climate control, aircon glove box, pollen filter, heads up display, digital speedo, multi trip computer, alloy roof rails, rain sensing wipers and auto headlights to name a few.Leather is optional but unnecessary as far as we are concerned because the cloth seats are great.We like the style of the new 308 inside and out with the former exhibiting a rather minimalist look dominated by the speedo/tacho pod and similar shaped control panel. And get this, there's a CD player tucked away under the second panel.This is where the new 308 really shines, the diesel Touring in particular. It has excellent performance with a slightly sporty edge - complemented by an impressive ride/handling package that takes Peugeot back to the good old days when they went around corners like a sporty car and yet offered the comfort of a luxury model.The feel comes from a fairly rudimentary strut front and beam axle rear set-up. Must be in the springs/dampers.The 308 Touring has a quality feel missing on the previous model - the one with that awful 'gaping maw' front styling. All touch points are soft and the switches click positively when you use them.It has a clever mix of new technology and tried and true engineering as well as passing stringent Euro 6 emissions regulations.

One is a Continental favourite, the other a perennial top-seller down under.

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the Peugeot 308 with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Peter Barnwell road tests and reviews the new Peugeot 308 in France.

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the new Peugeot 308 at its Australian preview in France.

The compact 308 aims for many Australian bases, leading with a thrifty three-cylinder. A price cut of more than $5000 and a new fuel-efficient three-cylinder turbo engine are the proof that Peugeot is finally listening to small-car buyers in Australia. Its all-new 308 is benchmarked against the Volkswagen Golf and

The all new Peugeot 308 has taken a step in the right direction by being more practical, more economical and arguably more desirable than the model in replaces.

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

It's been a couple of months now and our time with Peugeot's classy 308 Allure is drawing to a close. We really like the car for a number of reasons not the least being the fact that it's different - you don't see one on every street corner.For some reason it's not on many people's radar but the Peugeot brand has been substantially rejuvenated in the past year or two offering style and efficiency in a range of affordable cars with that certain French chic.The six-speed conventional automatic places the sweet looking Pug in a torrid segment with up to eight direct competitors from Japan, Korea and Europe. The main one would be VW's Golf diesel.VALUEThe current, well featured Pug lineup deserves a second look particularly with fixed price servicing now included. Prices for the 308 range start at $22,990. The Allure tested here is the top of the range going from $37,990.It includes leather, premium audio, cruise with speed limiter, dual zone climate control, comprehensive instrumentation, multi wheel controls, auto wipers, park assist front and rear, Bluetooth, pollen filter with charcoal filter as well, rain and dusk sensors for wipers and lights, remote wheel buttons and a decent trip computer.We really appreciate the auto wipers and headlights and would like to see them adopted on all cars. How hard would it be? The lack of satnav as standard equipment is a bit of an issue for the $37,990 ask.DESIGNPeugeot upgraded the 308 mid-2011 with a sleeker look that toned down the large grille and gave the car a more prestige appearance inside and out. It is in fact available in three body styles, hatch, CC (coupe/convertible) and wagon.The 308 hatch looks good heightened this time around by some funky daytime running lights. Love the interior styling, Peugeot has really nailed it here. It has a French flair and is much better than Peugeot's efforts in the recent past.The firmish seats are comfy over a long drive and the stylish cabin is a pleasant place to be. It has room for five and the load space can be doubled in size with the rear seats folded. Fits easily in the garage too.TECHNOLOGYMechanically it's actually fairly mainstream - electric power steering, Macpherson strut and torsion beam suspension, 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine with 120kW/340Nm output and capable of clocking as little as 6.3-litres/100km. The tank is 60 litres. No drinking problem here thank you very much it's all about sipping the precious essence to elicit maximum yield in terms of output and economy.We really like the fact that this car has both a charcoal filter and a pollen filter for cabin air purification. It means no more toxic fumes while you drive along. The six speed conventional automatic transmission marries up well to the engine and is always at the ready with the right cog for any given circumstance. The manual dips into the fours impressive.Bear in mind that Peugeot's engine building operation supplies many highly regarded European manufacturers with diesel and petrol engines - the same as what is fitted to Peugeot's lineup (sometimes tweaked). The 2.0 turbodiesel isn't as advanced as the 1.6 turbodiesel also available in 308 but is good to drive with smooth operation and plenty of punch readily available simply by pushing the go pedal.SAFETYFive star safety includes all the usual equipment to achieve that and comes with what Peugeot calls an Assured Service Plan no more than $330 a year for servicing. The roll-on grunt available at most intermediate speeds makes overtaking safer and quicker.DRIVINGIt's been a pleasant dalliance with pretty much no down side and some surprises to help keep our interest. We prefer an auto turbo diesel because there's a smoother power delivery due to constant turbo speed and boost. Better around town too. The 308 would make a capable long distance touring car and equally proficient commuter.It gets going straight off the mark and delivers lineal acceleration right up to whatever you choose. Better yet the 308 is a good thing to drive, a touch of class for not a lot of money.Indeed, the really impressive thing is how it goes, rides and handles. Performance is never lacking with plenty of kick off the mark, in the mid range and to some extent up near redline at 4000rpm. Minimal noise or vibration enters the cabin and once a desired speed is attained, it's all quiet on the western front.Not billed as a sports hatch, Peugeot has been able to imbue the 308 with clever dynamics that see it corner flat as a tack (no body roll) and yet still smooth out rough roads with its supple suspension.We continue to be impressed by its flat stance through corners at speed which normally means a hard ride from a stiff suspension. Not so here as the small car soaks up the bumps without flinching and continues on the chosen trajectory through a turn.Funny thing is, the suspension isn't anything special in technical terms a strut front and torsion beam rear. Can't get simpler than that. We drive plenty of cars and very few have this flat cornering characteristic. It's good.Other dynamics are impressive - the brakes, steering and chassis are similarly competent in an unobtrusive way. You can feel it all working but don't realise it until you actually pay attention. It's like Peugeot's of old supple and controlled.VERDICTYes, interesting car, goes great, plenty of kit, economical, excellent long distance cruiser. Looks pretty good too. A worthy competitor in the luxury small European segment against the likes of Golf.Peugeot 308 Allure 2.0 HDiPrice: from $37,990Warranty: 3 years roadside assistEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 120kW/340NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, FWDThirst: 6.3L/100Km, CO2 164g/km

Without stretching too far, you could conceivably opt for Peugeot's 308 2.0-litre diesel Allure instead of a BMW 3-series and come out driving a vehicle with quite a few similarities at about 25 grand less.FAMILIARThere's a familiar drive feel between BMW's 2.0-litre turbo diesel 3-Series and the Pugs and the ride and handling package is sporty/comfortable in both. They offer about the same interior room and are similarly economical. The Pug is just as luxurious as a diesel 3-Series offering a swag of high-end goodies and it now looks classy outside thanks to a toned-down face and other styling tweaks.Still a front wheel drive though but that shouldn't trouble the average punter as the 308 is a good thing to drive, a good thing to own especially now that Peugeot has fixed price servicing and fun to drive.VALUEPeugeot revamped the 308 about 18 months ago adding new equipment.  The test vehicle, top of the five-door hatchback range, goes for $37,990 but you get more car than you think because the styling tricks your eye. It's quite well endowed technically with a wide range of multi media kit, Bluetooth phone and audio, auto wipers and headlights, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, dual zone climate control air and a modern technical look to the dash. Not quite to VW levels at this stage though.TECHNOLOGYWe like the way it goes with plenty of kick from the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine driving the fronts through a six speed conventional auto. With 120kW/340Nm on tap it matters nought. Fuel economy rates a combined 6.1-litres/100km.DESIGNIt's quite a large "small" car with adequate room for five inside and a decent boot. Peugeot have added a smaller grille with more of a V-shape as well as myriad other changes. The sporty seats have partial leather but cloth where it counts and a useful range of lumbar support adjustment. The folding rear seats add to its practicality.SAFETYAs expected, the new 308 gets a five star safety crash rating.DRIVINGYou'll never find it lacking. It's just a matter of pushing your right foot and away it goes -- whoosh. Up to 35kg has been shaved off 308's weight but this particular model still tips the scales at a hefty 1427kg.VERDICTThe 308 is growing on us. We are about to embark on a Christmas holidays road trip of a few thousand kays. That will be the real test. Will keep you posted.Peugeot 308 2.0 HDi AllurePrice: from $37,990Warranty: Three years/100,000kmSafety: 5-star ANCAPEngine: 2.0-litre diesel 4-cyl, 120kW/340NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, FWDDimensions: 4.3m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.5m (H)Weight: 1427kgThirst: 6.1L/100km (as recorded), 164g/km CO2