It is a new 308 totally uninhibited that Peugeot is launching in the European arena in the compact family segment. While its predecessor dreamed of titillating the icon that has been the Volkswagen Golf for decades, this new generation fully assumes its new ambitions. Live as (Peugeot) 308. A sign does not deceive, it is she who inaugurates the new coat of arms ; at Peugeot, we no longer speak of the logo but of the coat of arms. Which is very clearly inspired by the one in vogue in Sochaux in the 1960s. A lion’s head that we find not only on the grille and the tailgate but also on the front fenders, up to the wheel hubs. More than a nod to the premium competitors from across the Rhine – BMW and Mercedes not to mention them – a way of displaying its new ambitions.
VIDEO – Our test of the Peugeot 308 2021
Beyond this new coat of arms, this 308 has drastically taken care of her wardrobe. It starts at the front with a more generous grille, diurnal “fangs” licking the asphalt and a refined look through superb optics (Matrix LED at the top of the range). If we immediately recognize its profile, it gains in dynamism thanks to an elongated bonnet, and expertly worked, as well as a rear windshield; all underlined by 18 ” rims in high finishes. The stern is not to be outdone with generously curved wings and a lot of sculpting work on the rear panel with, in particular, a sheet metal hollowed out under the optics, the result of a push aerodynamics. What to get a flattering Cx of 0.28 in which Peugeot sees above all a gain of… 2 grams of CO2! Short, even if we find it once again a bit “over-designed”, we have to admit that it visually imposes, especially since it does not have much more compact with a length increased by 11 cm, to nearly 4.37 m. We are far from the 4.20 m of a 307 and even more than the 4.03 m of a… 306!
Characteristic road touch of an authentic Peugeot
At the wheel, from the first turns of the wheels, we find – eyes closed! – the road feel characteristic of an authentic Peugeot. The precision of the direction and the front axle being here reinforced by a very “smooth” touch, as one would say at Jaguar, with a remarkable filtration. What happiness! Over the kilometers, not only are these sensations confirmed, but we discover a front end impossible to faultat least on dry ground. It is enough to enter an overspeed turn to see it; you just have to turn the hoop. By looking for the little beast, we can find this front train a little “heavier”, a little less sharp than on the old 308. But oh so effective. Likewise, it is advisable to get used to the bumper car format steering wheel which, let us repeat, does not add much in terms of pleasure. Especially since in sport mode the steering hardens – artificially – a little exaggerated and that therefore this little steering wheel requires more effort… Quirks in comparison dynamic qualities of this new 308 which, remarkable on its predecessor, border here on the exceptional. It’s very simple, even pushed into its last entrenchments, on a small bumpy road, this 308 is literally in-de-bou-lo-nna-ble, so much so that the ESC anti-slip is only triggered in the event of notorious abuse. It should be noted that we were wearing very eye-catching Michelin Primacy 4s in the most generous fit available (225/40 R 18).
A rigor such as sports driving enthusiasts – and fans of the Peugeot of yesteryear – may be a little unsatisfied. Since the rear axle is almost impossible to “pivot”, driving this “super” 308 is not very exciting. Efficiency that also owes a lot to equally exceptional damping, capable of swallowing all types of pavement, and whose filtration masterfully preserves comfort. Which is supported by seats combining comfort, ergonomics and support. In particular on our GT Pack upper finish, which benefits – on the driver’s side – from the famous AGR label, inherited from Opel cousins. By the way, it is a bit petty that only the driver can benefit from it.
A completely revised interior environment
Dynamic qualities that are not likely to undermine our test engine, the perennial small 3-cylinder 1.2 liter PureTech 130 hp petrol. Because this new 308 may not have gained overweight – at most a small fifty pounds on some versions – this cavalry is not too much to pull its 1345 kg. Admittedly, the excellent Eat8 automatic transmission makes the most of the modest torque (230 Nm) of this three-legged, but it should be whipped to get the quintessence. And the sanction is immediate with an average consumption which goes from a little less than 7 liters per 100 km at the pace of pre-retired to well over 10 liters …
On board, beyond excellent ergonomics, we enjoy a completely revised environment. Digital counter block, in 3D please (high finishes), which can be switched back to 2D, assisted by a 10 ” multimedia touch screen now equipped with shortcut touch keys, which can be set to its own way. Which are always supported by “physical” piano keys. Always the same complaint, the air conditioning menu is not directly accessible, which is very annoying. If the dashboard has lost the simplicity and sobriety of that of the 308 “2”, We have to admit that the result is of a high level, whether in design or in the quality of presentation and materials. For the most part foamed, the plastics are excellent, as are the aluminum plating of this GT Pack finish. Even those in fabric in the intermediate finishes stand the comparison. At night, the mood lighting offers a choice of 8 shades. Let’s shout it out loud, not only the quality of finish of this 308 no longer has to be ashamed against that of a VW Golf but it does even better, now competing briskly with that of an Audi. It is said. Roominess benefits from a wheelbase increased by 5.5 cm to provide generous rear legroom while the trunk volume, if it does not increase, offers 412 to 1,323 liters once the 40/20/40 folded backs. Not to mention 34 liters of storage space.
Already well equipped in basic finish, with emergency braking, cruise control-speed limiter, warning of involuntary lane crossing, warning of drowsiness and reading of signs, hands-free starting or even smartphone interface, this superior finish is full of equipment with, in particular, semi-autonomous driving, a long-range blind spot warning (75 m) with transverse detection, automatic code headlights, and Matrix LED headlights. On the comfort side, we have, among other things, a connected GPS, an induction charger, 3D display, 360 ° cameras or even the Focal 690 w 10 HP Hi-Fi of remarkable quality.
Our opinion
With exceptionally rigorous handling, very comfortable, spacious and particularly well presented, this 308 is a new benchmark in the compact family category.
Technical sheet
To buy
Peugeot 308 PureTech 130 Eat 8 test
Tested version: € 34,600 (GT Pack)
Starting at: € 28,200
Average manufacturer consumption / average test (l / 100km): 5.6 to 5.9 / 8.3
CO2 / penalty: 127 to 133/0 to 50 €
Fiscal power: 7 CV
Country of manufacture: France
Proposed range
Gasoline: 110 to 130 hp, 24,800 to 34,600 €
Diesel: 130 hp, from 30,700 to 37,100 €
Plug-in hybrid: 180 to 225 hp, from 36,800 to 44,900 €
Drive
Motor : 3-cylinder, 12-valve, petrol direct injection, turbo, variable intake, 1199 cc, stop & start, FAP
Transmission : traction, 8-speed automatic
Power (hp at rpm): 130 to 5,500
Couple (Nm at rpm): 230 to 1750
Weight (kg) : 1 345
Long.xlarg.xhaut. (m) : 4,37×1,86×1,44
Wheelbase (m) : 2,67
Tank : 52 liters
Max speedi (km/h): 210 km/h
0-100 km/h : 9’’7
0-1 000 m DA : 30’’9
80 to 120 km / h : 6’’9
Standard tires : 205/55 R 16
Test tires : Michelin Primacy 4 (225/40 R 18)
To live
Rear legroom: 73
Front / rear elbow width: 152/142
Chest at 5 / at 2 (l): 412 / 1,323
Recommended options
- Heated acoustic windshield (200 €)
- Electric sunroof (€ 1,100)
- Leather pack (1,700 / 1,900 €)
- Metal or special paint (200 to 850 €)
Main participants
- Renault Mégane 1.3 TCe 140 EDC, 140 hp, from € 29,350
- DS4 1.2 PureTech 130 auto., 130 hp, from € 29,200
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 e-TSi 130 DSG7, 130 hp, from € 31,430
WE love
- Exceptional behavior
- Comfort
- Finishing / presentation
- Habitability
We like less
- Any performance
- Relative lack of dynamism
Also read on auto-moto.com:
New DS4 test
Future Peugeot 308 SW PSE ?
Peugeot 308 “2” used cars
All the news from the Munich Motor Show
It is a new 308 totally uninhibited that Peugeot is launching in the European arena in the compact family segment. While its predecessor dreamed of titillating the icon that has been the Volkswagen Golf for decades, this new generation fully assumes its new ambitions. Live as (Peugeot) 308. A sign does not deceive, it is she who inaugurates the new coat of arms ; at Peugeot, we no longer speak of the logo but of the coat of arms. Which is very clearly inspired by the one in vogue in Sochaux in the 1960s. A lion’s head that we find not only on the grille and the tailgate but also on the front fenders, up to the wheel hubs. More than a nod to the premium competitors from across the Rhine – BMW and Mercedes not to mention them – a way of displaying its new ambitions.
VIDEO – Our test of the Peugeot 308 2021
Beyond this new coat of arms, this 308 has drastically taken care of her wardrobe. It starts at the front with a more generous grille, diurnal “fangs” licking the asphalt and a refined look through superb optics (Matrix LED at the top of the range). If we immediately recognize its profile, it gains in dynamism thanks to an elongated bonnet, and expertly worked, as well as a rear windshield; all underlined by 18 ” rims in high finishes. The stern is not to be outdone with generously curved wings and a lot of sculpting work on the rear panel with, in particular, a sheet metal hollowed out under the optics, the result of a push aerodynamics. What to get a flattering Cx of 0.28 in which Peugeot sees above all a gain of… 2 grams of CO2! Short, even if we find it once again a bit “over-designed”, we have to admit that it visually imposes, especially since it does not have much more compact with a length increased by 11 cm, to nearly 4.37 m. We are far from the 4.20 m of a 307 and even more than the 4.03 m of a… 306!
Characteristic road touch of an authentic Peugeot
At the wheel, from the first turns of the wheels, we find – eyes closed! – the road feel characteristic of an authentic Peugeot. The precision of the direction and the front axle being here reinforced by a very “smooth” touch, as one would say at Jaguar, with a remarkable filtration. What happiness! Over the kilometers, not only are these sensations confirmed, but we discover a front end impossible to faultat least on dry ground. It is enough to enter an overspeed turn to see it; you just have to turn the hoop. By looking for the little beast, we can find this front train a little “heavier”, a little less sharp than on the old 308. But oh so effective. Likewise, it is advisable to get used to the bumper car format steering wheel which, let us repeat, does not add much in terms of pleasure. Especially since in sport mode the steering hardens – artificially – a little exaggerated and that therefore this little steering wheel requires more effort… Quirks in comparison dynamic qualities of this new 308 which, remarkable on its predecessor, border here on the exceptional. It’s very simple, even pushed into its last entrenchments, on a small bumpy road, this 308 is literally in-de-bou-lo-nna-ble, so much so that the ESC anti-slip is only triggered in the event of notorious abuse. It should be noted that we were wearing very eye-catching Michelin Primacy 4s in the most generous fit available (225/40 R 18).
A rigor such as sports driving enthusiasts – and fans of the Peugeot of yesteryear – may be a little unsatisfied. Since the rear axle is almost impossible to “pivot”, driving this “super” 308 is not very exciting. Efficiency that also owes a lot to equally exceptional damping, capable of swallowing all types of pavement, and whose filtration masterfully preserves comfort. Which is supported by seats combining comfort, ergonomics and support. In particular on our GT Pack upper finish, which benefits – on the driver’s side – from the famous AGR label, inherited from Opel cousins. By the way, it is a bit petty that only the driver can benefit from it.
A completely revised interior environment
Dynamic qualities that are not likely to undermine our test engine, the perennial small 3-cylinder 1.2 liter PureTech 130 hp petrol. Because this new 308 may not have gained overweight – at most a small fifty pounds on some versions – this cavalry is not too much to pull its 1345 kg. Admittedly, the excellent Eat8 automatic transmission makes the most of the modest torque (230 Nm) of this three-legged, but it should be whipped to get the quintessence. And the sanction is immediate with an average consumption which goes from a little less than 7 liters per 100 km at the pace of pre-retired to well over 10 liters …
On board, beyond excellent ergonomics, we enjoy a completely revised environment. Digital counter block, in 3D please (high finishes), which can be switched back to 2D, assisted by a 10 ” multimedia touch screen now equipped with shortcut touch keys, which can be set to its own way. Which are always supported by “physical” piano keys. Always the same complaint, the air conditioning menu is not directly accessible, which is very annoying. If the dashboard has lost the simplicity and sobriety of that of the 308 “2”, We have to admit that the result is of a high level, whether in design or in the quality of presentation and materials. For the most part foamed, the plastics are excellent, as are the aluminum plating of this GT Pack finish. Even those in fabric in the intermediate finishes stand the comparison. At night, the mood lighting offers a choice of 8 shades. Let’s shout it out loud, not only the quality of finish of this 308 no longer has to be ashamed against that of a VW Golf but it does even better, now competing briskly with that of an Audi. It is said. Roominess benefits from a wheelbase increased by 5.5 cm to provide generous rear legroom while the trunk volume, if it does not increase, offers 412 to 1,323 liters once the 40/20/40 folded backs. Not to mention 34 liters of storage space.
Already well equipped in basic finish, with emergency braking, cruise control-speed limiter, warning of involuntary lane crossing, warning of drowsiness and reading of signs, hands-free starting or even smartphone interface, this superior finish is full of equipment with, in particular, semi-autonomous driving, a long-range blind spot warning (75 m) with transverse detection, automatic code headlights, and Matrix LED headlights. On the comfort side, we have, among other things, a connected GPS, an induction charger, 3D display, 360 ° cameras or even the Focal 690 w 10 HP Hi-Fi of remarkable quality.
Our opinion
With exceptionally rigorous handling, very comfortable, spacious and particularly well presented, this 308 is a new benchmark in the compact family category.
Technical sheet
To buy
Peugeot 308 PureTech 130 Eat 8 test
Tested version: € 34,600 (GT Pack)
Starting at: € 28,200
Average manufacturer consumption / average test (l / 100km): 5.6 to 5.9 / 8.3
CO2 / penalty: 127 to 133/0 to 50 €
Fiscal power: 7 CV
Country of manufacture: France
Proposed range
Gasoline: 110 to 130 hp, 24,800 to 34,600 €
Diesel: 130 hp, from 30,700 to 37,100 €
Plug-in hybrid: 180 to 225 hp, from 36,800 to 44,900 €
Drive
Motor : 3-cylinder, 12-valve, petrol direct injection, turbo, variable intake, 1199 cc, stop & start, FAP
Transmission : traction, 8-speed automatic
Power (hp at rpm): 130 to 5,500
Couple (Nm at rpm): 230 to 1750
Weight (kg) : 1 345
Long.xlarg.xhaut. (m) : 4,37×1,86×1,44
Wheelbase (m) : 2,67
Tank : 52 liters
Max speedi (km/h): 210 km/h
0-100 km/h : 9’’7
0-1 000 m DA : 30’’9
80 to 120 km / h : 6’’9
Standard tires : 205/55 R 16
Test tires : Michelin Primacy 4 (225/40 R 18)
To live
Rear legroom: 73
Front / rear elbow width: 152/142
Chest at 5 / at 2 (l): 412 / 1,323
Recommended options
- Heated acoustic windshield (200 €)
- Electric sunroof (€ 1,100)
- Leather pack (1,700 / 1,900 €)
- Metal or special paint (200 to 850 €)
Main participants
- Renault Mégane 1.3 TCe 140 EDC, 140 hp, from € 29,350
- DS4 1.2 PureTech 130 auto., 130 hp, from € 29,200
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 e-TSi 130 DSG7, 130 hp, from € 31,430
WE love
- Exceptional behavior
- Comfort
- Finishing / presentation
- Habitability
We like less
- Any performance
- Relative lack of dynamism
Also read on auto-moto.com:
New DS4 test
Future Peugeot 308 SW PSE ?
Peugeot 308 “2” used cars
All the news from the Munich Motor Show
