8 February 2011
If you ever needed proof compact cars are getting larger, take a look at Peugeot's 307 replacement, the 308 - currently available in XS, XSP, HDi and Sport variants.
It's a sizeable hatch, and one that Peugeot New Zealand suggests will appeal not only to the compact vehicle purchaser, but may also steal some business from the medium car segment.
Sounds optimistic, but there's more about the 308's roominess to endear it as a proper family car, which is exactly why over 100,000 units have sold since the European launch in September. It's also why New Zealand's 308 requirements have been delayed by several months.
Ok, so there's nothing really revolutionary with the exterior styling, but the interior is a refreshing direction for the brand. Peugeot have clearly taken past criticism of the 307's interior plastics on board, and new soft-touch materials are a welcome addition
There's a focus on driver comfort, with improved seating position and a steeply angled centre facia that makes for easy navigation of audio and climate controls.
It looks like a compact hatch but the 308 feels larger and more comfortable than competitors like the Mazda 3, Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf.
The front seats have been designed with rear occupants in mind so there's enough leg and headroom to comfortably fit three in the back.
Unlike the aforementioned competitors however, the chassis lacks the sporting agility a driving enthusiast is keen on. Not that that will matter too much to the family purchasers Peugeot wish to entice, they'll be more impressed by the 308's supple suspension and ride refinement.
Passive safety will also impress. Five-star NCAP safety is par for the course for any new Euro; with six airbags standard on all models and additional rear side and driver's knee airbags available on all but the base model, the 308 easily makes the grade.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) disappointingly remains a cost option ($700) in the XS model however. Given the small expense to fit and the growing number of sub $20k vehicles that now incorporate ESP, distributors that omit this life-saving feature from the mandatory specification package don't do themselves, or the brand, any favours.
Being Peugeot, of course there's a diesel offering and as usual it's excellent. The 2.0 diesel (HDi) variant - driving through a pleasant six-speed automatic - offers ample urge with a wave of torque effortlessly on demand from the common rail unit.
Utilising the latest variable geometry turbo and particulate filter technology, both performance and fuel economy are maximised. Outputting 100kW @ 4000 rpm and up to a massive 340Nm during overboost mode when accelerating. You're never wanting for grunt and uphill gradients are levelled by the engine's pulling power. Consuming an average of 5.5 litres/100km and emitting just 180 grams of C02/km, the performance is relatively guilt free.
There's cutting edge in the petrol version too, with a new generation 1.6 litre engine designed in conjunction with BMW.
XS spec receives a more humble state of tune, powered by an 88kW version with variable valve timing and 160Nm of torque @ 4250rpm. You can opt for a five-speed manual or aging four-speed automatic technology. The four-speed auto carries over the 307's indecisive shift patterns; we'd strongly recommend the manual.
There's a $5000 jump in price to XSP specification but it's justified by the addition of a turbocharger, allowing the 1.6 litre to develop 103kW @ 6000 rpm and 240Nm @ 1400rpm.
Currently the sprightliest of 308's, the XSP's torquey power unit feels similar to a diesel with plenty of low down urgency. The range's Sport flagship will join the ranks in coming months with 130kW.
$29,990 ($32,990 auto) is an attractive entry price for a desirable French vehicle, one that hopes to attract buyers away from similarly priced Japanese or Korean vehicles. But lacking alloy wheels, ESP and the flexibility to upgrade with some features, we're not sure the XS is the step up purchasers are looking for.
Yes, at $37,990 the XSP is in another pricing league, but it exhibits a better value for money package for a family. Rear side airbags are well worth the $620 additional cost.
Diesel power takes pricing to $42,990 and the Sport, when it arrives, will be priced $46,990.
Although it does indeed span compact and medium classes, when compared with 'proper' mid sized vehicles like the new Mondeo, Mazda 6 or Honda Accord, the 308's upper class pricing structure risks hurting the popularity with family buyers.