Peugeot 308: Test Drive Review

Date: 07 July 2011   |   Author: Rachel Burgess

Category: Lower medium P11D price: £19,510 Key rival: Renault Megane

It's now been facelifted - with tweaked styling and improved emissions - bringing the appearance into line with Peugeot's 508 and SR1 concept. According to Peugeot, the LED headlamps and running lights give the car "an elegant and modern look".

The most efficient iteration will be the 1.6-litre e-HDi FAP 112 engine, which from July will emit 98g/km CO2 mated to Peugeot's EGC gearbox, an 'automated manual', making the 308 far more appealing to fleets. However, it will only be available in one trim level, Oxygo, which will include cruise control, Bluetooth and auto wipers and headlamps. For more trim options, drivers will have to pick the 118g/km version of the same engine. It is available in four trim levels: Access, SR, Active and Allure. Top spec Allure provides rear parking sensors, 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, Bluetooth, and leather steering wheel.

The car's interior is Smart and well-provided but lacks steering wheel controls, which seems odd in an otherwise luxuriously aided car. However, attention to detail, such as a cubby hole built into the right-hand side of the driver Seat and a sunglasses holder where a grasp handle would otherwise be, add to the appeal of this car.

The Peugeot 308 doesn't beat lower medium staple the Ford Focus or the Renault Megane in a cost-per-mile comparison. But it's not a million miles away. According to cost provider KwikCarCost, the 308 is 49.0p per mile against 46.2p for the Focus and 46.4p for the Megane. The incoming 98g/km 308 Oxygo will close this gap further, predicted to be 47.0p. While still not class-leading, the 308 is becoming more and more feasible for fleet managers' consideration.

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