Peugeot 308.
The European hatchback segment has long been ruled by the Volkswagen Golf, which is known for its combination of space, refinement and zippy performance. Indeed, the current Mk 7 Golf is so well-engineered that we voted it the 2013 Straits Times Car of the Year.
The Golf, however, should start looking over its shoulder because the all-new Peugeot 308 has arrived.
Eschewing the quirky look of the previous model, the current car has a more stylish and resolved design. The headlamps (LEDs on Allure variants like this one) are more elegant and the body possesses flowing lines.
The 308’s stance is also a lot more dynamic than before. Thanks to the shortened overhangs, all four wheels are now closer to the corners of the vehicle.
Dimensionally, the car’s height has been reduced by 26mm in order to lower its centre of gravity, while its overall length has been shortened by 23mm to 4253mm. The wheelbase, however, has been lengthened by 12mm to increase passenger space.
More significantly, its chassis is based on the carmaker’s EMP2 platform, which is 70kg lighter than the platform underpinning the preceding model.
Reflecting these advancements, too, is its high-tech, minimalist interior. Indeed, the dashboard is no longer cluttered with buttons and switches.
Instead, the climate control, hi-fi and various car settings can only be accessed through the infotainment system’s 9.7-inch touchscreen.
This is certainly more attractive compared to the 308’s predecessor, which has a dated-looking cumbersome-to-operate audio system.
This bold move, however, may be difficult to accept for more old-fashioned drivers, who prefer manual controls to touchscreen wizardry. There is logic to this argument: If the infotainment in the Peugeot 308 goes wonky, there will be no way to switch on the air-conditioning or adjust the temperature.
Also, if one becomes too reliant on the 308’s Park Assist function (which helps with parallel and reverse parking manoeuvres), one could be rendered helpless if there’s a problem with the infotainment unit.
That said, the system as a whole is very intuitive and we did not encounter any issues with it during our three-day test-drive.
We did have a question, though, with the placement of the instrument cluster, as it is always partially obscured by the top of the steering wheel.
It didn’t matter if we adjusted the driver’s seat height, or raised or lowered the steering wheel’s angle – the lower part of the gauges remains blocked. The “hidden” cruise control stalk is also annoying, but thankfully, operating said function is a cinch.
Ferrying passengers is also easier, thanks to the roomier backseat, which offers more legroom. Foot space, however, is rather tight, and the middle occupant will have to contend with the rearward-protruding centre console.
On the upside, the doorbins are generous, thus ensuring plenty of storage for loose items.
Also abundant is the 308’s new powerplant – a turbocharged 1.2-litre 3-cylinder unit. This motor delivers 129bhp and a stout 230Nm, which Peugeot claims is enough for a century sprint time of 10.7 seconds. The motor is efficient, too, as it can return 19.2km per litre.
What’s really impressive about this engine, though, is its refinement. It starts up quietly and goes about its business in a smooth manner. Stretch the revs to 5000rpm, however, and it emits a rorty and pleasing soundtrack. With a responsive low-end and punchy midrange, the Peugeot 308 is ideal for local traffic conditions.
Paired to the powerplant is an Aisin 6-speed automatic gearbox, which is seamless and relatively quick. For enhanced acceleration, there’s an “S” or Sport mode, which tells the transmission to hold onto each forward ratio a bit longer.
If you’re so inclined, there’s a manual override function as well (there are no paddle-shifters, though), which has the up- and downshift points in the “correct” positions.
We fully expected this hatchback to have a composed ride – and it delivers. The Peugeot 308 is comfortable over undulating surfaces but remains stable around bends.
There’s some lean when pushed hard, but the anti-roll bars and grip from the tyres allow you to hold your cornering line. Its handling is complemented by its accurate helm, which also offers decent feedback.
Peugeot’s 308 is a compelling alternative to the Volkswagen Golf. The latter should definitely be looking over its shoulder, because this French lion’s roar is impossible to ignore.
SPECIFICATIONS
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-3, 12-valves, turbocharged
CAPACITY 1199cc
BORE X STROKE 75mm x 90.5mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.5:1
MAX POWER 129bhp at 5500rpm
MAX TORQUE 230Nm at 1750rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 112.2bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 6-speed automatic with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 10.7 seconds
TOP SPEED 200km/h
CONSUMPTION 19.2km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 119g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
REAR Torsion beam, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Goodyear EfficientGrip
SIZE 225/45 R17
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION AIDS ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4253mm
WIDTH 1804mm
HEIGHT 1472mm
WHEELBASE 2620mm
KERB WEIGHT 1150kg
TURNING CIRCLE 10.4m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $136,900 (after $15k CEVS rebate)
WARRANTY 5 years/100,00km
WE SAY
+ Sublime looks, smooth drivetrain, composed ride/handling
– Narrow backseat, poor meter placement, reliance on electronics could have drawbacks
Click here for our review of the Mk 7 Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf takes on the Ford Focus and Seat Leon in this Group Test
