Peugeot 308 launched in South Africa 2015
What is it?
An old name but an entirely new product, the Peugeot 308 launched in South Africa 2015 introduces a new level of style and sophisticated engine technology. Already the Peugeot 308 has 24 awards under its belt including European Car of the Year – drumming up a lot of enthusiasm ahead of its local debut. Peugeot are bringing back performance but not from a typical viewpoint; class-leading Euro 6 compliant engines, benchmark carbon emissions and a simulated range of 1810km on a single tank, the Peugeot 308 is very much a hatchback of the future. If Peugeot carried on increasing the naming nomenclature, this would be something like the 311.
What’s it like?
Smaller engines have helped Peugeot’s designers slim down the proportions. Front overhang is 63mm shorter resulting in a neatly packaged nose. Overall length has dropped 30mm and there are neat sections of chrome, a low roofline and modern light clusters replete with all the latest LED trinkets. A good balance between proven shapes and contours but with a touch more emotion.
Currently there are two variants of Peugeot 308 models in South Africa, both powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbo engine and a manual gearbox. The Active makes 81kW/205Nm and the GT Line packs 96kW/240Nm. Later in the year an automatic transmission will be made available and a more powerful GT version will close out the range. On the road the Peugeot 308 drives briskly thanks to a lightweight platform that weighs a whopping 140kg less than the outgoing model. On the uphill climb from Durban to Pietermaritzburg we never strayed from the tallest gear and consumption sat at 8.0l/100km.
It’s easy to say that this Peugeot 308 bears no resemblance to any of the earlier models. Suspension damping is confidently managed, it steers quickly around centre, body lean, by virtue of less mass, is better controlled and the cabin returns low noise and vibration levels. This is a posh drive and yet one with underlying sporty pretensions. Even the Active with slightly smaller rubber felt urgent and stable at speed.
But arguably it’s the dashboard we like most. There are no flat surfaces used to house generic screens of different sizes, depending on your budget. Lower spec equipment in the Peugeot 308 Active is not immediately obvious. Chrome elements, comprehensive touchscreen and driver-angled centre stack create a clean and simplistic interface with only the volume knob raised above the surface.
Should I buy one?
The decision should be, when. The arrival of the automatic gearbox could be worth delaying the decision but those looking to get a lot of car for their outlay will find that the Active meets their needs most succinctly. It does away with the electronic handbrake, dual climate control and snazzy seats but the engine, against expectation, revved up quicker through five well-spaced ratios. Peugeot’s ‘We Come To You’ campaign will even deliver the car for a test drive, quote a trade-in value and work out a finance plan. Customer care ranks highly on Peugeot’s agenda and this extends into the 3yr/100 000km warranty, 5yr/60 000 Maintenance Plan and 3yr/100 000km roadside assistance.
PRICING
Peugeot 208 1.2 PureTech Active R275 900
Peugeot 308 1.2 PureTech GT Line R329 900
