LAOIS MOTORING: Peugeot’s 308 1.2 Petrol Puretech is rather good!

The petrol engine is not dead and Peugeot believe that too so this weeks test car is the new Peugeot 308 Puretech petrol.

Available with petrol, diesel and hybrid power the new 308 has a model to appeal to most needs.

Prices kick off at a not inconsiderable €31,765.

So has it got real street cred?

This new 308 certainly cuts a dash. This is the first Peugeot to sport the new Peugeot badge but that’s the smallest change. The new 308 boasts a completely new style with cutting edge design. There are also some lovely new colours not least the Blue metallic green of my test car.

What is it like inside?

The new 308 boasts the next generation of Peugeot’s i-cockpit but I missed the ability to create analogue digital dials which are now replaced by smaller simple graphics for speed etc. In short I am not a huge fan. On the good side the 10 inch central touchscreen boasts better graphics and beneath it a row of haptic touch buttons for shortcuts to the screen as well as some real buttons for some functions.

This I like and found it all generally easy to operate. The cabin is nicely finished with a general feeling of quality throughout. The driving position is just about perfect and the level of standard safety and comfort kit is very good indeed.

The cabin feels reasonably roomy though the ear suits two rather than three adults. The boot is pretty good holding some 412 litres of luggage with the rear seats in place.

What’s under the bonnet?

Peugeot’s 1.2 litre 130 bhp 3 cylinder petrol turbo which in this car is mated to an 8-speed auto gearbox driving the front wheels. Overall performance could best be described as adequate, with some overtaking manoeuvres requiring a bit of forward planning de to the lack of punch.

That all said 90% of the time I found the performance adequate for most occasions. On the fuel economy front it proved frugal burning just 5.8 litres of petrol per 100km. Road tax for the year is €200.00.

What is it like to drive?

The are three drive modes. Sport, Normal and Eco. Sport mode simply steps up the engines response to throttle inputs and I found I used it most times to liven up the feel of the car.

There are paddles on the steering wheel if you feel like getting more involved but the 8-speed gearbox is not particularly responsive. Overall the 308 is a pleasant drive though and covers the KM’s quietly and smoothly. 

My Verdict

The new Peugeot 308 Puretech petrol is an attractive package that offers great style, a lovely cabin, a host of standard kit and its good to drive. At times you do feel it needs a bit more power but other than that it is a lovely car.

Priced from €34,325 the new Petrol Puretech should be on your shortlist if in the market for a new family hatchback.