Peugeot 308 BlueHDi

Peugeot now has some good-looking motors in its automotive stable, including the 308.

The appearance of the 308 is more akin to the latest Mercedes Benz A-Class than anything else. The front of the car is dominated by a “floating” front grille and by a dazzling lighting signature. Slim full-LED headlamps glitter like jewels and the attention-grabbing illumination continues at the rear, with the three Peugeot lion claws displayed in red LED lamps.

Inside, the 308 includes a touch-screen panel on the dashboard for added extravagance. It also has a practical purpose; bringing together many of the infotainment controls in one place for ease of use and to create a current and uncluttered cabin.

Everything is arranged for a drive that is instinctive and relaxing so that you can focus entirely on the road ahead. The head-up instrument layout means that data can be read easily and safely, looking over rather than through the wheel.

The 308 also has a compact steering wheel and newly-developed electric power steering, resulting in a quick-to-respond and controlled driving experience. My BlueHDi diesel-powered model certainly impressed me with its ability to bond to the road and embrace bends – even when pushed hard. But the biggest “wow factor” is the cars’ fuel economy – the Pug has a claimed 70.6mpg on the combined cycle!

This car is filled to the brim with safety packages and the five-door hatchback also offers plenty of room for shopping, as well as for you and your front-seat passenger.

Rear-seat travellers don’t have quite so much legroom, but headroom is satisfactory and the rest of the car is cosseting enough to provide a serene ride.

The latest Peugeot 308 is genuinely worth considering if you’re after a medium-sized family car. The fact that the model is manufactured and sold in China indicates just how much global faith there is in this car’s ability.

By Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Journalist
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