First driving test Peugeot 308: this is how the basic version drives

The Peugeot 308, which is now disappearing from the scene, had an exceptionally successful career in the Netherlands. In 2015, in particular, the car took full advantage of the then applicable addition regime and the dark blue SWs with BlueHDi savings diesel flew around us left and right. Things have slowed down considerably in recent years, which is of course no shame. The new 308 is based on a thoroughly modified version of the existing EMP2 platform, but looks much more aggressive and confident than its predecessor. Its sharp lines and striking LED tusks make it instantly recognizable as a Peugeot, but it is certainly not simply a large 208 or small 508. The fact that the car seems to bite into the asphalt more is also because it is lower and longer than before. . The hatchback’s wheelbase (‘Berline’, in Peugeot language) increased by 5.5 centimeters. That of the SW remained the same, but is still about 5 centimeters longer than that of the regular 308. Yet we notice little difference in legroom in the back, which in both variants is just enough for an adult of 1.84 meters. There is plenty of headroom in both cases and that also applies to luggage space. Although the hatchback lost something, it still operates at the top of this segment with 412 liters. The SW offers a generous 608 to 1,634 liters.

Peugeot 308

eager

Both body styles of the new 308 are available from the start as a 180 or 225 hp plug-in hybrid (see box). That takes some luggage space, but the SW in particular does it in comparison with its PHEV competitors still very neat in that area. In addition to the plug-ins, the familiar 1.2 PureTech petrol engine returns with 110 or 130 hp. There is also a diesel, which also produces 130 hp. We actually get the chance to drive in the simplest version, an Active Pack Business with the PureTech 110. Even in the hills on the French south coast, this is easy to live with. Of course, you should not expect too much, but with a 0-100 time of 10.5 seconds and a torque of 205 Nm available at 1,750 rpm, the entry-level 308 is not under-engined. He shows the eagerness that we also know from other variants of this 1.2, where the three-cylinder makes a nice rumble. The weakest version is always linked to a six-speed manual transmission. That switches, as we are used to from Peugeot, a bit ‘rubbery’, but also smooth and easy. The poker is nicely within reach and the seating position is generally good. The 308 is not only lower, but it really feels that way because of the nice deep seat. This appears to work well in combination with the i-cockpit concept, because the small steering wheel is rarely in the way of the view of the always digital instruments. The new 308 is certainly not a sports enthusiast, but the chassis is a nice compromise. In this relatively simple form, the car feels nice and light-footed and processes irregularities in a firm, but comfortable way.

Peugeot 308

Climate buttons

Except for navigation, heated seats and the gray paint, the car on these pages is exactly as you will receive it for the starting price of just under 28 mille. The ‘Active Pack Business’ does without a high-gloss black finish in the bumpers and gets simpler lighting units than the GT version, but is still equipped with LED headlights and taillights. Also nice: the ‘Vert Olivine’ green in which the car sparkled at launch is the standard color. The interior of the entry-level 308 also looks neat, while there are still a lot of differences between this version and a fully loaded GT. The design is recognizable Peugeot and yet fresh, the use of materials is neat. The finish too, although there is quite an uneven gap between the door panel and dashboard. The design is an interesting mix of old and new elements. For example, the new Peugeot emblem is on a well-known steering wheel, but that steering wheel is equipped with new buttons. That seems to have been well thought out, because the clusters are arranged considerably more logically than we are used to from Peugeot. A 10-inch touchscreen is standard, as is a set of digital instruments. That too can be operated slightly differently than before. Everything now actually goes through the buttons on the ends of the control levers on the steering column, and that works nicely. The touchscreen provides access to a new and significantly improved infotainment environment, which clearly works more logically and looks much more modern than what Peugeot has used so far. The reaction speed is not top, but it is better and usually sufficient, although we still had some small crashes. More expensive versions get the Edge screen, which means that a second touchscreen is added with variable ’tiles’. The features in that row are surprisingly specific. For example, it is possible to set a fixed temperature for the climate control as a shortcut, so that you can go to the temperature of your preference in one tap. Instead of this ingenious screen, the simpler 308 has a button cluster for the climate control, a real relief. It is also one of the many points that show that the new 308 is a well-thought-out product, which certainly makes a big step compared to its predecessor in terms of ease of use.