Peugeot 308 HDi 110 SE EGC 5dr: Test Drive

Date: 12 August 2008   |   Author:

Category: Lower medium P11D price: £18,105 Key rival: Ford Focus

Peugeot has introduced a second-generation version of the semi-automatic gearbox sister brand Citroen uses on its C4, promising a much-improved quality of shift.

The £400 option on the 308 110PS 1.6 diesel drops emissions compared to its manual equivalent by 5g/km to 120g/km, crucially scraping inside the 13% BIK banding, and the cost per mile is reduced from 42.1ppm to 40.8p.

The new gearbox is still a little slow-witted, especially on the lurching shift in lower gears where you have to lift off the accelerator to pre-empt the change, but is significantly better once you're up and running. Otherwise, the 308 is well-specced and practical, if lacking in any real excitement.

Verdict: Questionable low-speed shift quality but good eco improvements

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