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When your usually hard-to-please editor says "it's about as big a step forward as a model has made over its predecessor in a long time" it's probably best to take notice of the latest arrival at BusinessCar HQ. The new Peugeot 308 was the subject of his statement and - along with its freshly claimed 2014 European Car of the Year crown - suggests we could be in for a treat.
The Rich Oak brown metallic bodywork may not be to everyone's taste but I think it suits the 308's classic hatchback proportions and makes it look even more classy.
The interior has a similarly sophisticated but pared back dashboard design and bold sculpted surfaces. It feels high quality, even bordering on premium, helped by the cold-touch, metal-dipped gear knob and the clear 9.7-inch colour touchscreen which, in this trim, comes with satnav, DAB radio, Bluetooth and a useful USB input.
Maybe it could do with a few more real buttons rather than just virtual ones, but let's reserve judgement for now. The small steering wheel feels great to use and is a boon for easy manoeuvring around town.
The 82g/km CO2 and 91.1mpg emissions and economy combo from the decently-powered 120hp 1.6-litre BlueHDi Active with stop-start is truly incredible, and equates to no VED and a 14% BIK tax rate for 2014/15. Real-world economy will no doubt be a different kettle of fish, but if we can even reach two-thirds of those official mpg numbers that would be a great result.
Our 308 comes clad in the Active trim and, at number two of the four trims possible, is fleet-realistic rather than top-end. However, with 16-inch alloys wheels, the aforementioned touchscreen with sat-nav and rear parking sensors, it feels well-appointed rather than poverty-spec.
The only additions to our long-termer are metallic paint (£525) and, rather curiously, a CD player. It's an £80 option rather than standard, suggesting the format will soon go the way of the tape cassette deck: towards the car accessory graveyard as USB-hard wired and Bluetooth-streamed music from iPods and smartphones take over.
So overall we're genuinely excited, and looking forward to discovering whether our six months with this Peugeot will prove the 308 really is that big step we've predicted in real life.
| Mileage | 1137 |
| Claimed combined consumption | 91.1mpg |
| Our average consumption | not yet fuelled |
| P11D price | £19,440 |
| Model price range | £14,895-£24,445 |
| CO2 (tax) | 82g/km/14% |
| BIK 20/40% per month | £46/£91 |
| Service interval | Variable |
| Insurance group | group 22E |
| Warranty | 3yrs/unlimited miles |
| Boot space (min/max) | 470/1309 litres |
| Engine size/power | 1560cc/120hp |
| Top speed/0-62mph | 122mph/11.6secs |
| Why we're running it: To see if 2014's Car of the Year really is a big improvement on its predecessor | |
Verdict |
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Business Car Magazine © 2020 | Business Car is part of NS Media Group.
