2008 Peugeot 308 Review
19 May, 2008
81 Comments 
2008 Peugeot 308 XTE HDi & XSE Turbo Review & Road Test
“It’s not often that you find a car which is all things to all people, the Peugeot 308 is one of those cars”
- By Alborz Fallah & Anthony Crawford
Models Driven:
- 2008 Peugeot 308 XSE 1.6-litre turbo petrol with 5-speed manual
- 2008 Peugeot 308 XTE 2.0-litre diesel HDi with 6-speed ‘Tiptronic’ gearbox
Recommended Retail Price: $30,590 for mid-range petrol and $37,990 for the range topping diesel. You can get into a 308 XS from $25,990.
Options fitted to XTE diesel:
- 18” Lincancubar alloys: $600 – fitted with superb Pirelli PZERO NERO tyres: one of the ten best options of the year!
- Knee airbag: $250 on top of six standard airbags across the 308 range – It’s a pity Peugeot didn’t include this on this top spec car
- Leather trim: $2,900 – whilst leather is nice (and these are heated), I would not be spending another $3000 for the privilege, as you still have that problem of leather being too hot in summer and too cold in winter. You also might expect leather to be standard kit on a top spec variant.
Great looks, fuel economy for diesel, great handling, interior refinement.
5-speed manual in petrol, why buy the petrol over the diesel?
CarAdvice rating: 
(3.00) -XSE Petrol Turbo
CarAdvice rating: 
(4.50) -XTE HDi Diesel
Peugeot 308 XSE 1.6-litre turbo petrol with 5-speed manual – Alborz
You might have noticed all the Peugeot advertising everywhere. From TV to billboards to shopping centres to the web, the French company has a lot to offer with the 308 and it’s bending over backwards to let you know, and rightly so because it’s a brilliant car.
Firstly, it’s a Peugeot, which means it appeals to a unique bunch of people, those who want to be a little different. From the front, you might be hard pressed telling it apart from its smaller brother, the 207, but why change something that works?
It looks a little odd at first, especially with that black bumper taking centre stage, but take it for a drive through a nice part of town and you’ll notice a lot of heads turning, for good reasons.
It’s a beautiful front design, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, yes it’s different, but different is exactly what it’s suppose to be. The rear though, well, that seems more of an afterthought.
Somehow I feel the entire design budget was spent on the front and the rear was designed the night before by a German. A little bland. It’s not helped by pretend exhaust vents on the higher-spec model either.
Secondly, it’s by no means a small car, initially I was under the impression that the 207 SW that I recently road tested was pretty much the same size as the 308, it sure looks like it from the outside, but it’s not. The main difference is rear leg room. You can comfortably fit 2 large adults in the back with plenty of room left over.
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May 19th, 2008 at 5:43 am
so how long is this thing anyway. persoally i absolutely love it and have seen heaps in the city and its a real head turner but the price really isnt that much when you think about what your gettin its not cheap but tis not german either.
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 9:21 am
Is that babylon red in the pics?
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 9:49 am
Great story guys,although I’m surprised on the performance side of things.
Golfy and I sat in one of these at the Perth motor show for a while checking out the quality,and I must say was better than Germans in my opinion,loved its layout very funky as Golfy said.
Tyres on it a little exy, had them on the M3,were crap on that I must say,but depends on the performance of the car their on I guess.
Great pictures and I must also comment that I think it looks stunning from the exterior as well.
I was impressed all in all!
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 10:30 am
My compliments on yet another fine review and photography gentlemen.
I’d like to elaborate further on the gearboxes;
the 4 speed auto in the petrol should be avoided at all costs (if it’s the one the I think it is… i.e. the infamous PSA AL4 box). It’s reliability, or lack thereof is well documented, a quick google search will yield plenty of info.
The 6 speed Aisin-Warner box that was in the 2.0HDi is definitely the one to go for if you must have an Auto.
Overall, I must say that I think the 308 HDi tested here represents pretty good value next to the German offerings, and with tonnes of Euro-Sheek both inside and out, certainly not as bland as the Germans!
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Yes FX, Babylon Red is the colour of our test car but trust the French to have a lipstick like collection of great colours. Perla Nera Black is superb, as is Taranga Blue and Montebello Blue. To be honest, even the solid (non metallic) colours look good.
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 10:51 am
ahhhhhhh,love the new touch on the comments.”Report Comment”
Thankyou!
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 11:26 am
C’mon guys, no drifting action in the Peugeots like the French Taxi movies?
Nice cars… love the massive sunroof… wouldn’t mind one the way fuel prices are going…
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 11:29 am
Technically its not a traditional sunroof as it doesn’t actually open, its just a panoramic roof, great for natural sunlight and ambience.
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 11:40 am
French electronics, french build quality, run while you still can!
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Good report! Golf must now be on its best behaviour. I’d do a top-wozza 2 litre diesel with auto, cream leather, panoramic roof in…um…Lacerta Yellow (Yes, I’ve been to Peugeot’s site :) )…or black…or blue…or red…hmmm
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 11:54 am
Oh, and congrats on the new (Report) add-on, guys. This’ll tidy up your site and make it less freaky for new visitors like Jimbo.
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
I would like to see a comparison between this and the Fiat Ritmo (Bravo). Both look stunning. I’m thinking of one or the other. The Fiat diesel seems to sit between the two Peugeot’s in size and thirst.
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Mitchell,
You are so far out of the ball park with that comment with respect to the 308 and 207 for that matter. The French have lifted their game such along way from models like the BX19 GT which although build quality back then wasn’t outstanding, it was one of the most enjoyable driver’s cars my old man ever owed, and he’s owned a few!
I’ve said previously, that Golf now has a serious competitor in the 308.
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Love that interior, what an upgrade from the 307. Having said that, I bought the Mondeo (same diesel engine btw due to Ford PSA joint venture) coz its a much bigger car for abt the same price. Made in belgium too.
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Andy, I can’t argue with you on the Mondeo. We drove one in France in February and was impressed with the car. But it won’t get through the twisty bits like a 308. No sir. But if space is what you need, then although the Peugeot has a high roof line and is well designed when it comes to space, the Mondeo is the clear winner in that department.
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
oh yeah thats abt right. I bumped my head one too many times in the Mondeo while entering it. And that panoramic glass top was so tempting. But I keep thinking ‘all it takes is an idiot with a 50 cent coin”.
Granted the same would happen to a metal roof anyways, but at least you can paint and oven it instead of having the whole thing removed.
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Mitchell, unless you can write something worthwhile for other readers, there’s no point in coming back to this site mate.
Check out the JD Power reliability surveys and then come back and say something intelligent or you will be banned.
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
http://www.whatcar.com/news-sp.....EL=3196976
There you go Anthony, thats 2007 for you, trust me 2006, 2005
2004, 2003 and the french do much even worse. Nice to drive, look okay, but quirky, often in a non functional sort of way and out of warranty..you are all on your own my friend.
Peugeot, renault, citroen, they are all the same, every new model they tell us how they have improved on these aspects of their cars, unfortunately time proves otherwise.
May I suggest you do your own research next time, after all this is what you do isnt it. Or do you base your opinion on how the thing looks and rides for a COUPLE OF DAYS ONLY! Buy one and live with it for 3 – 5 years MATE.
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
http://www.whatcar.com/news-sp.....EL=3196976
there is 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 makes even worse reading sport.
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Here is 2007, it gets worse go look at 2006,2005,2004,2003,2002 how you like those apples anthony?
http://www.whatcar.com/news-sp.....EL=3196976
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Sorry guys but this is a pet hate of mine and for a motoring publication it should probably not happen. On page 4 you have “..and will blip the throttle on downshifts into corners, when breaking.” I think the correct word is braking…
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Hey thanks for that typo correction. Put it down to a 2am posting for the completion and posting of that review.
Vote:Apologies, we hate errors as much as you do.
May 19th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
“heal and toe” Funny.
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Hot look…..but getting to be a tired look as all Peugeots look same as this. Too much of same look in car industry can be bad I feel!
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
That’s alright, apologies if my comment was harsh, it wasn’t meant to come across that way. Otherwise good work guys, especially like the new MG article.
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Great read guys, I’m almost ready to buy one without even so much as sitting in it – well done!
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Nice car with a truly inacurrate comment by Mitchell. Consider yourself castigated mate. ;)
The overboost facility was pioneered in modern diesel by Ford in the 2001 Mondeo 2.0 TDI. I had one a what a laugh you can have with it. The PSA motors copied the facility when sharing motors.
Also my usual rant “AND THE DIESEL DOES IT AGAIN”
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Agree NO NAME…..so much for some syaing diesel is not way to go. In short term it is as more economy and heaps of torque. I truly think the diesel argument in short term is not “floored”
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Ha Ha Naught Max – careful the report button might get clicked by you know who.
All you bods need now is cleaner diesel with less sulphur which those lovely clean green diesel Euro engines need.
Diesel “Saving the planet from CO2″
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Car Advice. What reason did you have to delete my post?
Vote:I said nothing to offend any one??????????????????????
May 19th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Sorry It seems to have returned
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
Hey Car Advice. I read in many web sites that the 18 inch wheels make the ride a bit harsh. Did you find that on the XTE? In the real world I think the 17 inch should do the job pretty well.
Vote:Another observation regarding the XTE, you can pretty much option up an XSE with almost everything the XTE has, and save a reasonable amount of cash. The dealer where I drove the XSE said that he didnt know why they made the XTE spec, and that it could be dropped from the range. Apart from that I really liked the car. The diesel is currently my new car of choice.
May 19th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
Nice car, they drive well and look good, but you just know something is going to wrong with them, I’m sure everone here can find out how they rate, and it aint pretty, 206,207,306,307 have all been pretty ordinary. They do make a good diesel though, totally pointless for AU though. You guys all holding hands by the looks of it?
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Silky, it sounds as though you haven’t driven a modern Euro diesel. When I fill the Golf up after 870 to 920 kilometres of town driving whilst still managing to enjoy its turbo puff, it seems anything but totally pointless.
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
nteresting rationale you have for diesels in Australia Silky. I live in a very hilly area in Sydney and the torquey diesel is the ONLY way to go. The petrol equivalent would need to rev to near redline to climb some of the hills I travel up regularly.
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Heya Golf, think diesel is fine mate, good fuel economy plenty of torque (new hip word apparently) as well. But you pay more at the bowser, our diesel isnt the cleanest and you pay a premium at purchase as well, also, its dirty. Won’t argue about diesel and europe but thats a whole different story. Sorry golf, you gonna have to hold your diesel for 3 – 4 years to break even, now if you dont mind, then that doesnt matter, but are you going to hold your car for 3 – years?
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Hello Anthony, not really an interesting rationale, just facts, our diesel isnt the cleanest, diesel is dirty, diesel costs more at the bowser, diesels cost more at purchase, diesel problems are also generally pretty expensive to fix. I drive a jetta turbo(petrol), have found it to be fearless with regard to hills.
Vote:May 19th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
18’s are just not harsh on the 308 as they would be on some makes. yes, 17’s would probably be the choice for mall rats but I like to drive – so 18’s with PZERO NERO’s for $600 would be the way I would travel.
Vote:May 20th, 2008 at 12:13 am
I will be Silky but, as I’ve said to others on here, it was never a question for me of breaking even. Nobody buys these guys using a calculator. I wanted the economy. I wanted the car. I loved its driving characteristics. This is its purchase price. Where do I sign, Mr Salesman?
If there wasn’t people like us, we’d ALL be in Corollas.
Vote:May 20th, 2008 at 9:48 am
So you like it then :) I know,I paid a premium for the DSG, guess IO know what I like as well :)
Vote:May 20th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Silky, your premise that diesels are dirty is not the case any more. The particulate filters remove more than 99% of the toxins, and the newer diesels are actually less polluting than the petrol engines.
Some German importers like BMW & Audi have been criminally slow in using particulate filters in their Australian spec diesels, but the French cars have been doing it for a long time now.
Vote:May 20th, 2008 at 11:31 am
premise? When’s the last time you looked at the ground near a diesel bowser mate. Its dirty.
Vote:May 20th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Listen I’m just saying, that in this corner of the world the case for diesel is not the same as in europe, if our circumstances were the same as europe’s, I would most likely buy one. But, its more expensive here, its not as clean here, the car costs more with a diesel engine (dont forget the finance costs either over your term), diesels cost more to repair and diesel is dirty.
Before I get jumped on, diesel engines can go and go for years, but most likely you are going to hold the car 2 – 4 years only, right. In your own WORDS FOGGY, some sellers have been slow in introducing the filters in OZ, so they are still not particular eco friendly in OZ at the moment.
Its not that I dislike diesel, I just dont see a commercial case for it in Australia at the moment, BUT, each to their own, I mean, GOD, people do buy corolla’s :)and French cars :)
Vote:May 20th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Foggy, diesel is dirty, thats why they are called oilers..
Vote:May 20th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
I’ve found there is little point trying to convert people to diesel.. You just have to wait for it to happen. I just smile to myself and feel a touch smug.
Current car Mazda3 Turbo diesel (360NM)
before that, Golf V TDI DSG,
before that, BMW 120d.
Next car… this one.
I spoke to Corban’s in Wollongong about one just yesterday, and a car in the spec above is a 3+ month wait.. I was also told there is no dealer swaps happning on them. Not sure I believe that, but that’s what I was told..
Josh.
Vote:May 20th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
I’m sorry Silky, but I’m not sure I understand your reasoning.
Even though Diesels and their fuel cost more, they are more efficient by up to 30%. They have much lower CO2 emissions. They have a greater range, more torque (drive better as a result).
Also they may be more expensive to maintain, but I was under the impression that they required less maintenance than a petrol engine. Eg. A diesel Fiat Punto only need servicing every 12 months.
They sound perfect for Australia to me.
Vote:I think the only thing that is holding them back is the Australian obsession with the big V6 and V8 motors, and peoples lack of ability to see the big picture.
Like buying a Corolla for $25K over a Diesel Golf for $28k. You may pay more at first but in the end it will be better for the environment and your pocket.
May 20th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Jimbo, if something goes wrong with a diesel motor look out, ouch! Im sorry, I clearly indicated that if you were holding your car 2 – 4 years you would be lucky to break even, beyond this period what would you care, you have sold it. I also indicated that if you like diesel, go for it :)As for guy who likes to feel smug, good for you, glad to bring a little ray of sunshine to your life :)
Vote:May 20th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
You’re living in the past Silky.
You need to take another look at today’s diesels before commenting on them. You can’t make blanket statements like you have been on the grounds that the diesel bowsers are not as clean!
If we stick to the facts:
1. diesel is more economical
2. particulate filters remove almost all the toxins from the emmissions. French cars in Australia have been using particulate filters for at least 10 years.
3. Service intervals are 20,000 kms on this car and other French diesels, and the costs are in line with that of a petrol motor, so they are actually cheaper to service.
4. The extra torque is a welcome trait for driveability
5. Yes, diesel fuel is more expensive to buy whilst the petrol companies continue to gouge the price as they are now. Everyone here acknowledges this, but many of us feel that the benefits outweigh the negatives. Granted, this may not be the case for you personally, but your broad and unsubstantiated statements are not as relevant as you believe them to be.
Vote:May 20th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Foggy I’m getting the impression that you own a french car :)
1. Diesel is not more economical in AU, you will pay for it when you buy the car, interest on finance as well member.
2 You will pay more at the pump. Thats not a current situation in AU, that has been the case for a while.
3.You are suggesting a false economy Foggy. Simply lets say, extra 2k to buy the diesel, extra 1k over 4/5 years on finance, then what, extra .2 or .3 per liter at the pump. Please explain how it is cheaper?
3. Many diesel vehicles sold in AU do not have the PF, as you YOURSELF mentioned earlier. Other than sure, its greener.
4. Have no problem with your feel good diesel argument, good work people, but that has no commercial aspect which was my original comment Foggy.
4. Yup service are less often, so there is a saving, but if something goes wrong with your diesel, there is a chance you are gonna hurt, and if its out of warranty..and french..
5. “rideing on waves of torque…” umm, its very poetic but does not counter my commercial case.
You guys wanna drive diesel cause its cleaner, you feel better and waves of torque, thats great, wont disagree, but there is no commercial aspect to that argument, its all intrinsic.
Im thinking renault or citroen for you foggy :)
Vote:May 20th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Foggy, thats not the past Im living in, you wanna a diesel car in AU it will cost you more, it will cost you more at the pump, thats right here and now mate..now its your money do what you want with it, but again, there is no commercial/financial incentive to buy a diesel in oz(normal road use).
Vote:May 20th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Silky. I get what yours saying. Your right we are all entitled to think what we want and spend our money how we want.
Vote:Food for thought though: Just some simple maths. Two cars with 60L fuel tanks.
Petrol car gets 10L-100km and the diesel gets 6.9L-100km. Petrol $1.5 a litre, Diesel $1.7 a litre. That’s a 12% saving on filling the petrol cars tank. However in the diesel you will be able to go 32% further on that tank.
Your right the car is more expensive, but the more k’s you do the closer you are to making up that initial $2k extra you will pay for the diesel.
I think this is why people are confused as to your logic. I know I am. But your free to do and think what you want offcourse. Just food for thought.
May 20th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
P.S Silky, You may be amused to know that I drive a French car. A Peugeot in fact.
Vote:May 20th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Although, that said it could take a few years to make up the extra cost, so I see your point there. But in my opinion, I think your getting a much better car as a result.
Vote:May 20th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
hey Jimbo, if I lived in europe I would probably be driving a diesel. If I was enviro concerned and also enjoyed the diesel drive, guess what, I would probably be driving a diesel. All Im saying is that from a financial perspective there is little point in buying a diesel in australia, unlike europe. Hold it 3 years, maybe, maybe, break even, then you are buying your next car.
What are you driving Jimbo, be good to have a bit of a session on french cars from their owners, the good, the bad and ugly, come on guys, what has your car been like so far? :)
Vote:May 20th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
Sounds like a fantastic lil pug.
Vote:Not sure why they can’t squeeze more power & torque from their 2L oiler tho.
May 20th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
And your point Silky. Your on your own well maybe TP’s there with you.
Cameron – I wouldn’t think it will be long before PAS up the power a bit. They did do a 2.2 litre in the 407 with 127kw which was nearly as fast as the 2.7V6 diesel
Vote:May 20th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Hello No Name, actually Im not on my own, quite a few people think the same as myself, quite a few dont, whilst I am enthusiastic regarding cars, like anything else there has to be a business case, there isnt here, but there is no doubt that the diesel users on this site love their diesel and stuff the cost :)
If you didn’t get my point after those posts mate, I can”t make it any simpler..
Vote:May 20th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Okay Doky Silky – Agree to differ but like Golfie says its not about a business case for me its about Paaashun.
Vote:May 21st, 2008 at 9:05 am
Silky, I drive a 207 Touring. It has been brilliant, I have had no problems. I have had it for almost 6 months and I enjoy driving it. At work I drive new Commodores, Falcons, Territories, Land Cruisers and I can honestly say, I would rather drive my car on any trip for any distance. It is a joy to drive and own, well so far. Although when it was delivered one of the plastic moulds inside was installed crooked. But the fixed it.
Vote:May 21st, 2008 at 10:30 am
I can’t understand why someone keeps trying to argue the case against diesel with inaccurate assumptions like 3-4 years to break even, dirty bowsers, expensive service, blah blah blah.
The argument seems to be that diesel cars are more expensive, but that’s not true. You can buy a V6 diesel Touareg for 74999, and the petrol version is – oh dear – $74999. Or a Captiva diesel, same price as the petro, and many more examples are out there.
Then the argument comes that diesel is much more expensive than ULP, but that’s only true for standard ULP. To get petrol cars to be as economical as possible, you have to use PULP, which costs pretty much the same as diesel.
Then there’s dirty – well, have you ever had petrol splash back on your hand, or worse still your clothing? It doesn’t happen often, but when it does you’ll never say petrol is clean – if you don’t feel like chucking from the stink you’re a rare person.
Diesel not appropriate for Australia? So cruising across the Nullabor at 1750rpm in a diesel using 4.0l/100 is worse than buzzing across at 3,200rpm in a 4cyl petrol using 7.0l/100. Yeah, OK.
Service costs? Well, modern diesels with particulate filters require extremely low ash engine oil which is very expensive. Guess what – modern petrol engines require extremely high quality oils as well. Repair costs – high for diesel? Yes, high for petrol? – Yes, just as high. It’s all labour cost dismantling complex engines. And gouging for parts.
So please stop crapping on about diesel not being suitable for Australia, etc. Thanks.
Vote:May 21st, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Glad you like it Jimbo, how many km’s have you put on it mate? Ok, Jimbo, whats the best thing you like about it, and then what annoys you the most about it?
Reckless, seriously, wheels mag did the math on diesel in there mag about 6 – 9 months ago. Same result as me, it don’t make financial sense unless you are doing mega kms. Also think drive has done something similar. Its not just me. I think diesel is great, if I lived in europe I would have one but please dont throw a dollar case for it at me, because on average it aint gonna fly,while you are there try bmw, golf, mazda merc for the diesel mark up. And yer, like Im going accross the Nullabor once a week, and no, premium petrol does not cost the same as diesel at my bowser. If you purchased a diesel cause you love what it has to offer, THATS FINE, its your money :) but please don’t throw a financial case at it, on average it isn’t there! Like I would buy a captiva anyway, go check out the complaint section here mate.
Vote:May 21st, 2008 at 12:59 pm
as an aside, I saw my first 308 today, what did you guys think about the front and its lights?
Vote:May 21st, 2008 at 1:19 pm
I love the look of the 308 inside and out. I agree with the writer that the designers ran out of crayon around the back of it.
Vote:May 21st, 2008 at 1:35 pm
What Alborz no mention that the 1.6-litre petrol turbo you drove is one of BMW award winning engines for 2008 ,come on babe put a little insert in there for me….pweaseeeeeeee
Vote:May 21st, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Silky, When it comes to the 207, I like the superb handling and the fuel economy the most. The engine is rather responsive for its size too. A 1.6L Petrol pushes 1.3t around with the performance of a 2L. When it comes to dislikes, it has a tiny glove box and it does not have ESP even then it still gets 5 stars. And she is about to turn over 10,000km any day now.
Vote:Why the curiosity, are you fishing for faults or recommendations?
May 21st, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Like the 207, I think the 308 looks better as a 3-door. It’s a pity that Peugeot Oz are not giving us this option as the 306 3-door sold well (the 307 didn’t but then it was a horrid looking car).
Vote:May 21st, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Hey Phillip
Vote:Actually they might bring out the 308 GT ( 3 Dr) soon, I asked the dealer and he said it would come over later this year. Also there was a 3 dr 307. I think it was called the XSi or something.
To Silky, I quite like the look of the lights. From what most say its a like or hate thing. I really like it.
May 22nd, 2008 at 4:20 pm
it sure is different look, interesting front including the bonnet, hould have asked the guy to pull over!
Jimbo, your happy mate, good buying :)
Vote:May 22nd, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Thanks Steven. I meant in my post that the 307 3-door didn’t sell well, which is understandable given its ungainly looks. It is one of the only European mid-size hatches I can remember that looked better as a 5-door.
I’m glad that Peugeot are importing the 308 GT, although I was hoping for a lesser model 3-door with a diesel engine. You can buy them in Europe but alas (like most European brands) we only get a small selection of models in oz.
Vote:June 13th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Can someone review the 308 XTE model and how it stands up against the 308 XTE HDI model reviewed here.
Vote:Given the price diference between the two ( about $3,000)and diesel being more expensive which would be a more wise model to drive??
I’d personally go for the petrol one but have heard negative feedback about the gearbox used in it..
Is this true??
July 1st, 2008 at 11:42 am
Quiet1, jump onto the seats of the XTE and XTE HDi and give them a test drive, and you’ll notice the difference between the two – the XTE tends to stay at high revs for a while before the gear shifts, whereas the for the XTE HDi the gear shift is more smooth. You get more torque on the HDi too. Once you have driven the HDi you’ll love it. Try to bargain with the dealer to get a good price ;)
Vote:July 1st, 2008 at 11:44 am
And by the way, the XSE Turbo uses the same engine as the XTE so I think you could refer to this review for the performance of the XTE petrol.
Vote:July 3rd, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Thanks Jimmy…
Vote:July 8th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
josh.s email regarding waiting for a 308 xse turbo petrol is right I have been waiting for my new 308 5 months and still have not got it but i can’t wait.
Vote:July 20th, 2008 at 5:19 am
The 308 2L HDi has nearly the same torque as a Commodore (320Nm vs 330Nm) and uses about half as much fuel (5.5L/100km vs 10.8L/100km). The 308 can tow 1700kg braked but unfortunately the max tow ball down weight is only 68kg. Peugeot needs to increase their ball weights.
Vote:August 27th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Hi all,
Vote:We have just ordered the XTE diesel in Babylon red & I cannot wait for its arrival, mid November!
I own a V6 406 & many other Pugs & have had little or no problems with all of them.English built Peugeots had electronic problems but then again what English car hasn’t ?
They are built for Oz conditions, better than the local stuff I believe.
Greg
March 1st, 2009 at 3:01 am
Hello! Seems long time this review has gone asleep!!! Well it is time to wake up, waiting for the 308cc :-DDD
Vote:Anyway, I’m just writing from europe, and found this review very honest and very little to argue ;-)
I bought the 110kW 1.6l twin scroll turbo petrol last october, just to say this engine is made after PSA and BMW collaboration, whell the engine is the same available on BMW’s Mini Cooper S!!!
I still amazed how cheaper european cars are down under! Mine costed about 40,000 AUD… you guys shouldn argue on pricy european cars, just love your dealer’s special prices!!! Also love your tyres coming as sporty as 225/40, in europe come with 225/45. They are use to change tyres brand.. PZero at first release, than Continental SportContact3, now it seeems to be solde wearing GoodYear tyres!!!
Yes the gearbox is sometimes stubborn, need some hard kicks to quick change between the 2nd and 3rd… consumption has to be agreed is about 8-9 l/100, hardly less. Someone said about the black bumper in front.. well, have you noticed that bumper has disappeared in almost all new cars? I have to say i’m happy with and works well to protect from hard touches :-P
Bye guys…
April 24th, 2009 at 11:37 am
I bought one of these HDi turbos and love everything about it except for the lack of a USB input to the stereo (no excuse for this in 2009) and the very bumpy ride (feel every small bump on the road).
Vote:May 11th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
Hi All,
Vote:I am researching the Peugeot 308 range of diesel cars intending to buy one before the end of the financial year. So you could say that I am very interested to know if the current 308 range has inherited the same problems / issues as the 307 & 206 models had. Any help would be greatly appreciated. “Real engines don’t have spark plugs”
May 11th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Hi Mark,
Vote:I read your Blog and have a couple of questions you talk about the “very bumpy ride” can you explain, is it because of the tyres or suspension? Is the 308 you bought the 2.0 LT HDI with automatic transmission? Have you had any problems what do you think of the car overall? I look forward to your response.
May 20th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Hi garth,
Vote:the bumpy ride is in comparison to my old car (Magna TJ) which would soak up the small bumps so you don’t even notice them. In the 2.0L HDi Peugeot the suspension feels a lot harder/stiffer and you do notice every small bump in the road, things that are loose in the boot rattle when you go over small bumps and the car bounces a bit. The car has 16″ alloys (stock standard). I haven’t had any problems with the car and absolutely love the torque of the diesel engine (makes up for the loss of the V6 magna). I tried several cars before narrowing it down to a 308 or a TDi VW. The 308 won on styling, good highway performance and to my ear the diesel engine sounded a lot quieter inside the 308 than the VW did. Yes I would buy another 308, but would probably opt for the XTE if I could afford it to get the stereo with a hard drive.