Updated Peugeot 308 is a viable alternative to established family hatchbacks

What’s new?

We’re big fans of the 308 hatchback and estate and although it has proved a sought-after member of the Peugeot range here in the UK, it hasn’t quite hit the heights it has reached in its home country, where it sits proudly at the top of its segment in terms of popularity.

On this side of the channel, it is certainly in the top 10, but, as the company admits, ‘closer to 10 than one’. Perhaps the comprehensive refresh and price reductions announced this summer will get things moving in the right direction.

The car has new, sharper styling and Peugeot’s latest efficient engines and touchscreen connectivity. On the outside, there is an imposing new vertical grille and LED daytime running lights. Inside, Peugeot’s i-Cockpit includes a 9.7-inch touchscreen, equipped with 3D satnav and new graphics. The new car builds on the EuroNCAP five-star rating its predecessor achieved with enhanced safety tech to bring it in line with its widely-admired 3008 SUV.

Looks and image

The new car looks great. Sharp, stylish and imposing, it will appeal to parents who are happy with family life but haven’t totally forgotten what it’s like to have fun behind the wheel. New elliptical headlamps come with integral LED daytime running lights while the rear lights have a distinctive three-claw shape. Short front and rear overhangs make the car very maneuverable and contribute to excellent road-holding ability.

Allure, GT Line and GT models feature a large glass roof as standard. Comfort levels are fine inside and everything is of a nice quality – there is plenty of room for mum, dad and the kids, although some rivals do offer more space.

Space and practicality

Inside the car, not too much has changed over the previous incarnation, with the cabin plush and comfortable. As we’ve mentioned, the i-Cockpit looks great and adds a sporty feel to a family car but might not be wholly visible through the steering wheel for drivers of certain heights and builds.

The materials used are of high quality, giving the car a welcome, premium feel. But practicality is key for family buyers of course and the estate features the largest load space in its class (660 litres with the parcel shelf in place; a whopping 1,775 litres with the rear seats folded and the parcel shelf removed).

Behind the wheel

We had the chance to take the 308 GT on a spin along Germany’s fast-paced autobahns, and around the twisty mountain roads on the Germany/Austria border, not far from Salzburg.

It coped with everything we threw at it and provided a genuinely enjoyable and absorbing drive. The i-Cockpit infotainment system works well, while the gearbox is taut and quick and you feel in complete control as you enjoy the drive, try to admire the view from time to time, and dodge the many cyclists and hikers enjoying the scenery.

Value for money

The Peugeot 308 has seen price reductions of, on average, £650 compared to equivalent models in the outgoing range. In some cases, savings of more than £1,000 can be made. This is a nod perhaps to the fact that the first incarnation of the car hasn’t sold as well as hoped in the UK and Peugeot is looking to make up ground on key rivals.

Spec levels are generous, and connectivity is king with the new 308. Safety is to the fore, too, with a range of advanced driver assistance systems such as distance alert and intelligent emergency braking assistance.

Who would buy one?

Families, families and more families… at least that’s what Peugeot is hoping. Professional people who want something a bit different style-wise but can easily communicate on the move will also be drawn in, no doubt, and the GT and GTi models will appeal to younger drivers too (and people who are young at heart).

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Model: Peugeot 308 GT
Price as tested: £25,010
Engine tested: 1.6-litre THP 205 S&S manual
Power: 205bhp
Torque: 285Nm
Max speed: 146mph
0-60mph: 7.3 seconds
MPG: 50mpg
Emissions: 130g/km

By Dave Brown