By: Jason Woosey
Pietermaritzburg - In many ways, the new 308 is something of a blank slate for the French brand, which is just emerging from darker times after having recently posted its first annual profit in three years.
Not only has it tossed out its predecessor's strange and overcomplicated design rulebook in favour of a far more simplistic style but it also takes a few technological strides. Built on the PSA group's new EMP2 modular platform, it weighs 140kg less, and comes with a brand new three-cylinder turbopetrol engine. All of which added up to a European Car of the Year trophy in 2014.
Though I wouldn't describe the new exterior design as dramatic or exciting in any real way, it is quite neat and easy on the eye. There's a sophisticated flair here that's even more apparent in the cabin, which is a classy collage of satin chrome and soft slush-moulded surfaces. The range-topping GT Line takes things to the next level of snazziness, with contrasting red stitching and seats upholstered in a stylish leather/Alcantara combination.
SIMPLE, CLASSY CABIN
Peugeot has simplified the cabin's design to the extent that you barely have any buttons or rotary dials anymore - even the ventilation controls are now on a 24.6cm touch-screen. Thankfully you don't have to dig though a thousand sub-menus to change the temperature as the climate system's home page, as with the one for the audio, trip and other important functions, is just one touch away at any time. It stops short of being an entire Futurama episode and you can still change the volume the good old fashioned way. Though the 308 is really cushy upfront, rear legroom is more bearable than ample.
The 1.2 PureTech GT Line is yours for R329 900 and if that's a little over budget, you can have the Active model for R275 900. The cheaper option is still nicely equipped, coming with 16-inch alloys, a six-speaker touch-screen infotainment system with Bluetooth audio streaming, as well as cruise control, hill start assist and aircon.
Splash out on the GT Line and you get dual zone climate control, automatic headlights and wipers, an electronic handbrake and electrically adjustable, massaging front seats. Like the Active, the GT Line comes with ESP stability control and ABS, but adds side and curtain airbags to the safety mix. GT Line means more visual glamour too, featuring a unique grille with central badge, full LED headlights, slightly tweaked bumpers, gloss black mirrors and 17-inch rims.
FRUGAL TURBO POWER
Both models are powered by Peugeot's new 1.2-litre, direct injection three-cylinder turbopetrol, in different states of tune: the Active rated at 81kW and 205Nm and the GT Line good for 96kW/230Nm. Peugeot claims consumption figures of 4.6 and 4.8 l/100km for the respective versions, although this won't be achieved in real-world conditions.
Performance proved more than satisfying on the launch route's many rural roads, although you will need to stir the six-speed manual gearbox when quick overtaking is called for. While the Active might give up a bit of that steam at higher speeds, it did feel a bit quicker off the mark, as peak torque is reached at slightly lower rpm. This one comes with a five-speed manual, but still ticked over at low rpm on the highway. In this application, both proved to be quiet, cocooned mile-gobblers.
Yet much of our drive consisted of twisty, rutted and pot-holed excuses for tarmac in the KZN Midlands, and here the 308 made the grade with a cushy ride and an ability to hold on through some really tight bends at not-so-subtle velocities. Just like the 208, it has a really small steering wheel, which adds to the fun factor, but the downside is that the driver-focused party vibe hasn't quite spread to the long-throw gearbox or mushy clutch.
Those wanting a self-shifter will have to wait until next year for the dual-clutch auto to arrive, while racy types will be able to get their hands on the 151kW GT version later this year.
THEY’LL COME TO YOU
Peugeot is putting some real effort into turning its fortunes around locally and instead of trying to downplay its rather meagre sales figures of late, the team is simply trying harder with initiatives like 'We come to you', in which they'll actually bring a car to you to test drive, or even a brochure if that's all you want - just click on www.wecometoyou.co.za . The 308 comes with a five year/60 000km 'Premium Plan' maintenance plan.
PRICES
1.2 PureTech Active - R275 900
1.2 PureTech GT Line - R329 900