3 months ago 05th Apr 12:51
The New Peugeot 308 Se - Peugeot have put the cat amongst the pigeons by replacing the 307 hatchbacks with a new model especially for 2008 rather aptly named the 308. Keeping the tall architect concept that first adorned the 307 back in 2001, which gave the 307 copious amount of space and big feel factor, the new model range 308 boasts better equipment and specifications than its predecessor.
It is also safer too, having been awarded an impressive five stars in the Euro NCAP rating for front and side impact, four stars for child protection and three stars for pedestrian protection.
Customers can chose from five trims levels, Urban, S, Sport, SE or top of the range GT mated to six engines. Depending on the model, the 308 can be purchased in a three or five door variant, five or six speed manual transmission with an automatic option only on the 1.6 litre engines. Prices range from around the £15,000 rising to just over £20,000 that might initially appear to be rather steep until you look at the comprehensive list of equipment the 308 is blessed with.
My test car for the week was the 308 SE trim, five door, five speed manual on the exceptionally fuel efficient 1.6 litre HDi110 that saved me many pennies at the pumps with fuel consumption on a combined cycle at 60.0 mpg. Further savings are made thanks to the CO2 emissions being 125g/km thus a VED band tax of £115 per annum and falling into insurance group 7E. Coming with a price tag of £17,745 that included the optional extra metallic paint costing £350, might possibly send you scuttling off to another manufacturer, but lets not be too hasty here. Lets delve into this new models attributes and see is the 308 SE warrants its price.
Of course with the large glass windows and panoramic glass roof, the interior was also a very bright place to be in.
I have to admit; the exterior styling is simply stunning with Peugeots trademarks jumping out at you. The front endorsees the pedigree status of a Peugeot with the long bonnet tapering into the Peugeot emblem while the body crease accentuates the beautifully sculptured light clusters. Being on the SE trim there were some sporty elements such as the sports front grille, sports rear bumper, 16 inch alloy wheels and full body coloured exterior for the door protection strips, door handles and electric folding door mirrors.
Inside the 308 SE was simply loads of space giving a much bigger car feel and will certainly accommodate five adults without being too intimate. Of course with the large glass windows and panoramic glass roof, the interior was also a very bright place to be in. The SE comes with an Ambiance Pack consisting of a fragrance diffuser with various fragrant options and soft amb lighting immediately giving a calming feel to the driver. The SE also comes with a Comfort Pack that made my journey less painful thanks to the drivers seat having a lumber support, being height adjustable and a rear armrest.
On board equipment comprises of front and rear electric windows, a leather steering wheel with cruise control plus speed limiter, dual-zone climate control and a RD4 radio CD player with MP3 compatibility. Helping me especially whist driving at night was the electrochrome rear view mirror, front fog lights and a Visibility Pack - automatic headlights and wipers. The rectangular shape, dimensions and clever layout of the boot allows for easy practical use of the available space. 430 litres under the rear parcel shelf, or 442 litres above the seat backs, including: a large partitioned polystyrene storage compartment located above the space saver spare wheel, side pockets and a “ski flap” that allows the transportation of long objects which can extend into the passenger compartment. Be warned, the children love clambering in and out of this. The SE trim also has adjustable retaining straps and a boot net so items do not get chucked around when driving though sharp bends.
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