2008 Peugeot 308 Review
February 9, 2008 by Anthony Crawford
2008 Peugeot 308 first steer
“Peugeot’s new 308 means that buyers of small, affordable Euro hatchbacks, now have a choice other than Volkswagen’s Golf”
By – Anthony Crawford
Peugeot’s newest car, the 308 has just been launched to Australia’s motoring media and Car Advice was there to cover it.
It’s the model successor to the highly successful, but frumpy, Peugeot 307, which has clocked up over three million sales worldwide.
There’s nothing frumpy about the 308. Looking almost identical to the recently launched Peugeot 207, at least from the A-pillar forward, the 308 does away with the ‘too tall’ profile of the 307, with a lower roof line.
The German press are a critical lot when it comes to new car reviews. That’s especially true of Germany’s biggest selling Sunday newspaper, Bild am Sonntag. So it’s comforting to note, that a jury of racing drivers, automotive journalists and media personalities, voted the 308 “the best compact family car” and awarded it the 2007 Golden Lenkrad (Golden Steering Wheel).
After 229kms in two of the seven 308 variants available in Australia, I know why.
Just like Peugeot’s smaller 207, the 308 is a highly satisfying driver’s car whether you’re steering the diesel or petrol powered version.
From a twelve car display which looked more like a giant pack of Bobby Brown lipsticks, we grabbed what we thought was the loudest colour in the twelve flavour range, a standout metallic green called Lacerta. Beautiful.
It’s obvious; Peugeot has put some real time and effort into selecting a range of fashionable colours that bring out the best in the 308’s dynamic V-line shape.
It’s a tough choice trying to pick between Peugeot’s petrol and diesel cars, as they are both superb engines.
Our Lacerta coloured 308 was the top shelf diesel propelled car, known as the 308 XTE HDi. It’s a 2.0 litre, direct injection unit that puts out 100kW and 320Nm of torque at very useable 2000rpm.
Let me say here and now, this is one of the quietest diesel engines in the business. It doesn’t seem to matter what speed you are doing, engine noise inside the cabin is remarkably subdued.
By today’s standards, 100kW may seem a trifle under done, but the 308 is plenty quick enough, with excellent in gear acceleration on the open road.
Tags: Peugeot 308
Excellent review. You really do the car justice.
Cheers
Steve
“1.6 litre diesel with 80kW produces just 130g/km, which is just extraordinary.”
i30 Hyundai 1.6crdi is quoted elsewhere at 125g/km – maybe it is becoming ordinary?
Well done Hyundai!
is sat-nav an option in oz now? if so great!
its a $3500-$3600 option depending on which model you buy. But the Sat Nav is only part of what you get for that outlay.
The system comprises of; GPS Sat Nav with optimimised address input and route calculation, a three tuner radio/CD player which can store up to 180 hours of music on the hard disc, integrated GSM mobile phone with hands free, Emergency SOS button which auto dials roadside assist, auxillary RCA inputs (but these will be replaced with a USB connector in due course, retractable 7 inch colour screen 16/9 which rises out of the dash when ignition is switched on. Not a bad system but still a tad overpriced.
Nice review Anthony.
It’s nice to see the French marquees being taken seriously by the Australian motoring media, rather than just dissmissing them as quirky.
That Gallic style always makes a statement, and always stands out from the countless ho hum offerings from the rest…. sort of like a Hummer does, but in a classy way!
DO they have any 2.0 Diesel ? ?
It’s yet another fantastic looking car, but I still have my doubts. Like the Corolla, a dated 4-speed auto (in the petrol versions) and beam axle rear suspension are big turn-offs. It’s pretty funny Peugeot are endowing more gears to diesel engines (Don’t torquier motors need less cogs?). French quality and reliability improvements are also still in question, although numerous tests are said to have been done to determine whether or not the 308 will hold up in the following years.
Ton you dummy read page one – the car they tested was the top of the range 2.0HDi diesel.
The French make the best diesels in the world, more refined than VW/Audi’s efforts, more economical. This car is being raved about here. We have an old 406 2.0 HDI 110Hp is a nice steady performer, not fast from the start but goes pretty quick in gear from say 80 – 110kmh.
The only problem with Pugs is the build quality, hopefully this is better.
THe interior looks well plush.
i love this car it looks great the rear is what the megane should of been and the interior is first class finally people are realising they can have a full spec car for about 35 grand while the idiots who call this a queer car are driving round in there outdated fuel guzzling omegas this really is peugeots best effort to date when i buy my next car it will most likely be between this a 1 series or a top spec mazda 6
Peugeot made excellent quality cars in the past. The 505 was probably the last of the best pugs. The 405 was a great drive, but fell to bits. I know, I own an Mi16. Out corner and out handle a WRX that’s nearly 10 years newer. But you will be too busy holding on to the dashboard rathar than the steering wheel.
The 206, 306 406 improved on build quality but not greatly. the 07 series again got better with the new look. hopefully the 08 series are even better still.
Come on guys, not one decent shot of the back.
love it so much
ok people this or a golf 2.0 TDi?
Juraj, what you need to understand is this:
Diesels have tons of torque, but all the torque (and all the power) happens over a limited rev range, typically between 2000-4000 rpm. This is why four speed autos don’t work too well with diesels, because the engine is straining before the upshift, then it’s lugging, because the difference in ratios is too wide.
Diesels with a six speed auto are magic, because the engine is in the meat of the torque/power band all the time.
No Name, the french don’t make the best diesels in the world, check Wards top 10 engines for the total absence of any French engine.
100kw from a 2.0 diesel is pathetic in a 2008 model.
VW’s 2.0 litre is now 125kw for comparison.
Jake, my vote is for the Golf, my money would be spent on the Golf, which will hold resale value much better as well.
O, You have good taste in cars, i too have this 308 and the Mazda 6 diesel on my short list but i’m waiting to see the Mazda 6 wagon diesel with the auto box before i buy my next car and that could still be about a year away but i think it’ll be worth the wait!!!
The 308 runs quieter than the Golf – its a tough contest and we’ll do a comparison test between the two in March with video.
Reckless its not all about how much power you can wring out of an enggine. Few year back VW’s were producing the 115hp and the 130hp. the 115 was considered by many the best most tractable engine of the two.
I still maintain the french make the best diesel engines.
You can buy French engines all you like, No Name, but the French engines (petrol or diesel) are NOT listed in the world’s ten best in the last 3 years, and probably not before that.
Hell, even GM and Ford have engines in the list, but no Fwoggies :)
Love the styling of the new Peugeots. But didn’t you test a green car? How come most of the pics are of a burgundy 308?
yeh, we tested a green and a burgundy car but I had to use the press shots supplied as the light was no good for pics on the launch. They are sending me some pics of the Lacerta (green) car this week I hope.
We’ll get our own picks when we review the car properly
Put the 308 up against the Ford focus, is a much better car, best in class – true drivers car, and excellent ride, handling, performance and reiability.
Reckless1, the Wards list details some of the best engines in the world, without a doubt. But it’s very US centric. I see the 6.0 ohv V8 Hybrid engine fitted to the GMC Yukon SUV made the grade, along with Cadillac’s 3.6 DOHC V6 and the Mustang GT Bullitt engine.
If the 308 gets to the US, they’ll sell half a dozen.
There are many more than 10 really great engines out there and my suggestion is, as usual, to give overseas lists and surveys short shrift and work out for yourself what’s good and great in this country.
I am also have the same problem as Jake02. Golf GT dsl or 308XTE……. Its a real dilemma.
Reckless1 – With the new golf being released 09 and the amount of Golfs being sold cheap onto the market lately will their resale be as great as you claim?? 308XTE will still be the current model in years to come………..current golf will be superseded (thou take nothing away, the golf is still a great car). Decissions, decissions…………………
Looks like a choice between restraint and flair, benzanation. Both excellent. Maybe you should wait for the new Golf that’s slated for a Euro release later this year before making your mind up. Trade-in time time always delivers news that sounds like a cold shower, regardless of what you’re trading.
I’ll have both short-listed myself in 2 years time.
Like the review, not sure on the sytling..
A question to Tony – is there going to be a 308 Touring (ie Wagon version) and will this be coming with the 2.0L TDI?? Any pricing available on this?
A comment: is just me, or does the hatch look like it has way too long a nose and front overhang, and not enough of the car between the wheels???
Also in the back of my mind is the BMW120d, although its substantially more expensive. Does anybody have a friend who works for BMW and wants to give the world’s greatest discount???
I think the Golf and 308 both present great value for money.
Mathew,
308 HDI 2 LITRE TOURING SHOULD ARRIVE LATE 2008.
I think the design plays on extremes, Matthew. From some angles, I think you’re right. I still like it and am interested in seeing what it’s like in the flesh. An American designers’ site, http://www.carbodydesign.com has some great pics of the 308 and almost anything else that’s hit the news in the last year. It’s not a review site, its focus is on design and dishy wallpaper-size pics.
yes there is a 308 wagon called the sw it was revealed as a concept a frankfurt it looks so much better than current model 307 wagon as if a bit of thought went into it
I think this model will sell less than the Golf but will still put a dent in Golf’s sales. In my opinion, there are too many Golfs on the road these days – they are as likely to turn heads as a Camry.
Phillip, I think I agree with you………
ha ha, you’re right, Phillip. My silver Golf turns no heads. I didn’t buy it for head-turning, I bought it because it’s a damned good car.
In a parallel world, my Morpheous-hued Sportwagon would turn heads!
Or, maybe one of these in that metallic green would turn heads. Hmm. Very, very few cars do turn heads, when you think about it.
Heard some horror stories in the past re the quality of Australian diesel and damage caused.
Is this still an issue domestically as I am considering a diesel for my next work mule?
Drove both the DSL and 1.6 petrol turbo yesterday. The dsl was smooth as silk and the 1.6 petrol even better!
Well done Peugeot.
Get out there and drive one. I ordered the 308XTE 1.6 Turbo. Great Success!!! Very Nice!!!
I totally agree! I’m going for the XSE with the optional glass roof! nice little car!
Being a Syd Gen Y gay boy, I love my hatches, but only the rare and sporty variety. I have ordered the black with beige leather XTE HDi with all options, bar the 18in wheels. 48k driveaway. What a steal? And I scored corporate benefits, 3 yr servicing, mats and tint. I was considering the Land Rover Freelander2, but this car is more tech savvy and a more realistic city car. I turn over my cars every 12 months, but maybe this one will see me out for 24 months? I currently have a 147 ti, 2006, red with black leather, 29,000kms, any takers for 30k? 12 month rego/warranty remaining. Can’t wait to take delivery of this car and yes, it only takes 2 weeks! I am considering a xenon conversion as these aren’t offered at all… Otherwise, a complete package that should see a few boys on the backseat…
for 48k why would you not look at a golf gti a bit bigger car more power and a german machine, i think i will pay the extra and buy a vw r32 5 door, not sure if i will go wiyh the dsg. happy driving all
Guess I’m the odd one out. I think it looks dreadful. The bonnet looks like it’s melting into the grille. There’s a thumping great black lump of vinyl as a ‘bumper bar’. The windscreen is at such a shallow angle, it makes the car look like someone sat on & squashed it. The grille makes it look like a snow-plough with a jutting ‘jaw line’. Then there’s the under done engines. You’d think that after spending tens of millions of $ on rallying (& winning many), that Mr Pug would build some REAL performance models like the VW Golf & Polo GTIs & R32. Renault do with their Clio & Megane.
Hello All
Hoping to get some good ideas here and although i love the look of the 308 it sadly is out of my price range. So if you were me with basically $27K including onroad costs to spend on car what would you suggest. I had been thinking of the Pug 307 XSE. I have read comments & review on this car in previous post but I say I like the look of it but it and its boot space but wonder if an adult will fit okay in the back? I have also located on with leather interior and low KM of 10.000 for 27 on road? so what do you think?
The other car I had been considering was a Subaru Impreza wagon 2005 base model for about $18K or a liberty sedan 2007 base model with 50 km for around 23K or maybe spending a bit more for the next range up in liberty. Have driven a friends impreza like the all wheel handling but not sure how this compares to the 307 handling?
So what would you all suggest would like something for next 5 years with serving costs another factor? Other option I guess is focus or mazda 6
thanks
I also really like this car. When I took the 4 sp auto petrol for a test drive i found that it was lacking in power a fair bit. I really hope they adress this soon, as it either needs more power or a 6 sp auto. Apparently the manual is quite ok though. I drove a Golf GTI today to compare, and I still think I prefer the 308. Obviously the golf goes faster, but the 308 is great to look at and very well equipped.
Hi annetta
one piece of advice avoid any subaru product, i am just about to get rid of a 05 impreza rs, its noisy has had 2 gear boxes and full set of brakes anew drivers seat, i know a lot of un happy subaru customers, look up comments under r32, hope this helps a bit, i would go with a european car, cheers
Hi all, I just saw Peugeot 308 1.6 Petrol Engine 140 bhp
It looks and feels great. However reading reviews on the web made me hesitate whether to purchase it or not. The top of the range is cool, it has been used as demo car when launched recently here, cost is nearly 23,000 USD. Total mileage 2000 km
What do you think? I need your advice ASAP.
Can anyone tell me if it will be possible to remove the silly glass roof on the 308 Touring. I have a friend who was in an accident in a vehicle with a large glass panel and glass splinters and powdered glass was everywhere. In their eyes nose and lungs and they still do not know what the after effects might be. I have a 307 Touring and I had intended to trade in on the 2 litre diesel 308 Touring. A friend in the panel business reckons it would be easy to use the glass to make a mould to manufacture glass fibre panels to fit in place of the glass. Is it bonded like a windscreen? Reckon there will be afew insurance claims with Oz hailstones as well. Probably don’t get decent hail in France.
Hi guys
SO im thinking bout the XTE petrol version..
BUT only hesitation is due to lots of complaints on the net for previous peugeot models!.. dealer says they have done 2million kms in testing to ensure no probs with this model but really.. what else is the dealer going to say….
so does any1 have any advice? worth the risk? or should i wait a couple months n check the net for probs..????
also.. anybody who has a sat nav system knows they stuff up quite quickly… is it worth paying 3500 for the sat nav system? thanks… :)