2014 Peugeot 308 Buyers Guide

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2014 Peugeot 308 Buyers Guide - New Car Deals

2014 Peugeot 308 Deals

It’s hard to understate the importance of Peugeot’s new-generation flagship hatchback. The iconic French maker is currently in the doldrums and, outside of its home market, has struggled against rivals from Volkswagen, Ford and more recently SEAT and Mazda. But is that about to change?

Happily, on paper the new Peugeot 308 seems to demonstrate several steps in the right direction. It’s lighter, more frugal, far more attractive, and is also credited with being more fun that its slightly lackluster predecessor.

The overtly Germanic design is part of the company’s attempt to subtly move upmarket - to be more conventionally desirable. But will it work?

Engine lineup

The 308’s engine lineup contains a good spread of petrol and Peugeot’s famously smooth diesel units. The cleanest engine is the 1.6 BlueHDI 120hp 6-speed manual stop-start, which emits just 82g/km carbon dioxide and returns a spectacular 91mpg combined.

Although a couple of zingy three-cylinder petrol engines and a powerful 156bhp four-cylinder unit will be available, none of them return anything like the fuel economy of the diesels, and for that reason the likely best seller is the 1.6 e-HDI, which returns 76.3mpg combined. However, the most powerful diesel, the 2.0 Blue HDI 150, isn’t far behind with a combined 72.4mpg.

Trim levels

The Peugeot 308 comes in four trims levels, starting with Access and rising through Active and Allure to top-spec Feline trim. Base Access models come well equipped with DAB radio, Bluetooth, cruise control and a speed limiter as standard while Active models get additional lumbar adjustment, dual-zone AC, an automatic electric parking brake and a 9.7-inch colour touchscreen. Handily, the infotainment system has a USB connection on both Access and Active trims.

The main reasons you’d opt for the next trim up, Allure, is that full LED headlamps and 17-inch alloys are standard, although a reversing camera, fog lamps and parking sensors are also included. It’s unlikely that Peugeot will sell many 308s in Feline spec, but buyers paying the requisite £20,995 will get 18-inch alloy wheels, Alcantara-trimmed seats and a panoramic glass roof. Feline models also get the Driver Assistance Pack, which brings dynamic cruise control, emergency collision alert and emergency collision braking.

Design

Apart from being rather grown-up by the standards of previous French hatchbacks – the silhouette now closely resembles that of a Volkswagen Golf - the Peugeot 308 features some nice touches. The chrome grille is undoubtedly tasteful and the LED headlamps give the car an attractive light signature. Wheel-wise, it’s hard to look past the 18-inch ‘Saphir’ alloys that are standard on top-spec Feline models.

Inside, the major talking point is the combination of the 308’s tiny steering wheel and raised instruments. Peugeot says this is to give the driver more control and keep the driver’s eyes on the road. The idea was first executed in the smaller 208 and it works well.

Practicality

The Peugeot 308’s 470 litres of boot space puts it towards the top of the class, although this comes at the expense of rear leg room, which by all accounts if poor. Headroom is also at a premium in the rear. With the rear seats folded flat, boot space is an even more impressive 1,309 litres, however, shading the Volkswagen Golf’s 1,270 litres.

In terms of ride quality, the 308 is built on PSA’s new EMP2 platform, which means less unsprung mass and a smoother but more planted ride. Remember, however, that larger wheels will compromise refinement.

The opposition

You’ll want to consider the beautifully assembled Volkswagen Golf (starting at £16,775), the equally competent SEAT Leon (£15,550), the popular Ford Focus (13,995), and the Mazda’s solid newcomer, the Mazda3 (£16,695). All offer different qualities, but there’s no doubt that the new Peugeot 308 now belongs among cars at the top of the hatchback segment.

Price

The Peugeot 308 starts at £14,495 - more than its chief rival, the Ford Focus, which starts at £13,995. Active models start at £17,145, Allure at £18,595, and Feline at £20,995. There are plenty of trim/engine/specs combinations no buyers shouldn’t end up paying more than they need to. It’s also worth noting that with Peugeot’s ‘Just Add Fuel’ program it’s possible to lease the new 308 from £299 a month with an initial rental of £3,066 for the base Access 1.2 VTI 82 model.

View Peugeot 308 deals

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