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Launched: Peugeot 308 XSE Turbo

Wheels Magazine
April, 2008

Regardless of being invaded by Disneyland, Maccas and swarms of UK settlers, the French retain their peculiarly frustrating, endearing, amusing sense of self. Consider the new Peugeot 308 for example; over-ridingly cosmopolitan by design and of necessity, but unmistakably French around the fringes.

The specifications give no clue to the 308's nationality. It's another large-ish front-drive five-door hatchback, albeit with a smoothly sculpted look (and wide-mouthed, over-hanging nose) of its own. A bit fussy here and there perhaps, but generally not unattractive.

Measured against the departing 307, the 2608mm wheelbase is unchanged, but the 4276/1815/1498mm new model is 74mm longer, 53mm wider and 12mm lower than the old. And, oops, weightier as well; ranging from 1362 to 1522kg where equivalent 307s tipped 1207 to 1470kg.

Pug-ilists will recognise the carry-over HDi 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre turbo-diesels (80kW/240Nm and 100kW/320Nm respectively), but the previous 1.6- and 2.0-litre petrol jobs are replaced by two 1.6-litre newbies, both shared with the Mini. The entry-level naturally aspirated 1.6 petrol engine cites 88kW and 160Nm.

At $25,990 the five-speed manual 308 XS asks $500 more than its 307 forbear. The 308 XS options include $2K four-speed auto, $450 stability control (standard on mid- and high-level 308s).

Unfortunately, can't say how the 88kW 308 XS drives, because it wasn't at the press preview. Instead there were XSE and XTE variants featuring either the five-speed manual petrol 1.6 turbo with 110kW/240Nm (103kW/240Nm for the four-speed auto), and the range-topping HDi 2.0-litre with six-speed automatic.

Both combinations are pleasures to pedal, thanks to strongly responsive performance and fuss-free driveability. Putting your foot down quickly dispels any suspicion that even the petrol 1.6 turbo may be a bit overwhelmed by the 308's hefty mass. Voila, she goes!

The 308's ride quality is on the sporty side of firmness, giving the chassis a confidently disciplined feel. The handling is certainly on the pace, as the 308 changes direction with conviction and scythes through corners in fine style. The nose turns in promptly while the chassis settles with little body roll and has a sense of being securely planted on the road.

Overall, then, the 308 is lookin' good; actually pretty good overall.

More research
Peugeot 308 XSE Turbo -- Carsales Network's road test: here
Peugeot 308 range -- Carsales Network's launch review: here

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