Test driving a new car for the first time abroad has always been a compromise. Many, most in fact, roads on the European continent are in much better shape than ours in the UK, so that a car that’s comfortable in Spain or the South of France, might ride like a horse-drawn cart in Britain.
There’s another issue, too, and it’s a more current one. Driver assistance systems, and in particular those that guide you in your lane and interfere with the steering, might work well on neatly laid out roads with fresh white line markings in Germany, but not on a country lane in Wales where there might be potholes at the side of the road and no white lines.
We drove the new Peugeot 308 last September in the South of France on very smooth roads. Only now have right-hand-drive 308s arrived in the UK (which begs the question, what was the point in driving it so long ago in France?) so it’s worth finding out how this new Peugeot behaves on tarmac that’s seen little upkeep and proper investment for decades.
Peugeot makes a PHEV version of the 308 and next year a pure electric model will arrive too. The 308 shares the same platform as the new Vauxhall Astra and there’ll be an electric one of those, too. We’re testing a more old school powertrain that comprises a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Cars with manual gearboxes will not be available in the UK and there’s a diesel 308 too. Peugeot reckons about half of 308 customers will choose the petrol engine, the rest spread between the PHEV and diesel.
The three-cylinder unit has plenty of power, makes an interesting noise and works well with the extremely smooth automatic gearbox. Peugeot quotes a combined fuel consumption of 43.5-52.1 and you’ll probably achieve mid 40s to the gallon in practice.
Trim levels available are Active Premium, then Allure Premium, GT and finally the GT Premium, the model we’re testing. On the road this’ll set you back £31,520.
With exactly the same powertrain but in Active Premium trim – with fewer gizmos and a less sporty styling – it costs £25,270.
The 308’s wheelbase has been stretched by 55mm compared to the previous 307 and, as a result, there’s plenty of legroom both front and back. There’s a 412-litre boot which is competitive against rivals and a further 34 litres of storage space in various cubbyholes.
The seats are comfortable and the ride is as cosseting on our roads as it is on those in its home country.
The new 308, like most of Peugeot’s current cars, is fitted with the now trademark small steering wheel with the flat top and bottom (hands up who remembers the four-sided steering wheel fitted to the Austin Allegro in the 1970s). I didn’t like this feature when Peugeot first introduced it but I’ve got used to it over the years.
Their designers can’t be criticised in other areas because the 308 looks great inside and out.
Peugeot is particularly proud of its 3D cockpit but it doesn’t quite deliver on its promise. Having information stacked on different levels doesn’t make it easier to read but fortunately it doesn’t make it harder, either.
It’s a gimmick that’s easy to live with, and a feature that is only available in the GT and GT Premium trim levels.
Like body-coloured spoilers, it’s something you could live without if you’re looking to economise.
Whatever the specification, the new Peugeot 308 is a well-styled and appealing family hatchback. And, you’ll be pleased to hear, it drives as well in Cardiff as it does in Cannes.
The facts
Peugeot 308 GT Premium
Price: £31,520
Engine: 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol, 128bhp
0-62mph: 9.7sec
Fuel consumption: 43.5-52.1mpg Co2: 122-147g/km
