CROSSOVERS and SUVs may be all the rage but it’s hatchbacks that are still the top choice overall with UK car buyers – regularly dominating our top 10 list of best sellers.
Peugeot has a long tradition in this area and, although it may not have been around for as long as some rivals, the French car maker’s 308 is an established presence in the class.
Currently in its second generation, and having been refreshed in late 2017, it is a stylish choice for young families, boasting an upmarket interior, plenty of tech and a range of punchy and efficient engines.
There are several trim levels to choose from with competitive prices ranging from £20,505 for the entry-level Active model up to £30,125 for the performance-focused GTi hot-hatch.
Power comes from a selection of Peugeot’s PureTech petrol and BlueHDi diesel engines mated to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, although some can be specified with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
This was the case with the 131hp 1.5-litre diesel unit in our car and it is a combination that offers a good balance between performance and economy – shifting the 308 from 0-62mph in less than 10 seconds while offering an average 52.3 to 62.1mpg under the new, more realistic, WLTP fuel test regulations.
Allied to this sprightly performance are a largely comfortable ride and some nimble handling that make the 308 an enjoyable car to drive for the most part, further enhanced by flicking the eco/sport drive mode selector in our GT Line car into the sport setting.
This sharpens up throttle responses and sees the smooth transmission holding on to gears for longer under acceleration, accompanied by a satisfying growl from the engine.
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It also changes the colour of the driver’s display from white to bright red and shows various power readouts in a dynamic horizontal bar-graph layout – a video game-style gimmick that never fails to bring out the boy racer in me.
Peugeot’s i-Cockpit layout, featuring a raised instrument panel above a smaller racing-style steering wheel, adds to this arcade-style feel, heightening the sense of agility and ensuring the driver feels fully engaged.
The 308’s dashboard is dominated by the 9.5in touchscreen interface that comes as standard on all models and provides access to most of the vehicles functions. This means there are very few traditional controls and it creates a clean, modern and minimalist feel.
Soft-touch surfaces supplemented with contrasting trims and finishes add interest as well as befitting Peugeot’s ongoing mission to take their cars into more premium territory.
While rear legroom might be a little cramped for adults on long journeys, the 470-litre boot is very generous for a hatchback and perhaps a sign that the company was prepared to gamble on the fact that families would value the extra load space over room in the back, where the kids would most likely be sitting anyway.
All 308s are well equipped, with alloy wheels, sat nav, dual-zone climate control, digital radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, automatic lights and wipers and emergency brake assist fitted as standard across the range.
The GT LIne trim sits closer to the top of the range and gets sports front seats, a panoramic glass sunroof, rear privacy glass, reversing camera, full LED headlights, scrolling front indicators and some sporty body kit.
Factfile:
- Model: Peugeot 308 GT Line 1.5L BlueHDI 130 EAT8 S&S
- Engine: 1.5-litre diesel
- Power: 131hp
- Top speed: 127mph
- 0-62mph: 9.4 seconds
- Average mpg: 52.3-62.1mpg
- Insurance group: 22
- CO2 emissions: 98g/km
- Warranty: Three years/unlimited mileage
- Price: £26,575
