Yesterday was marked by the Peugeot 308 . A press conference was held in Prague's Letňany airport area, which was dedicated to this new model, and AutoZine.cz was of course there. The event started at ten in the morning with a friendly welcome and refreshments. In front of the entrance to the hangar stood all thirteen 308s , which were already looking forward to driving us.
Roughly half an hour later, the actual presentation of the model began. It started with the very focus of the car, the characteristics of the future clientele and its connection with the previous model. We were also introduced to design, new ideas and technologies. These were followed by changes and innovations not only in the engine compartment, but in the overall technology of the car, which corresponds to the upcoming ecological standards EURO 6 and 7 . At the end of the presentation, there was a numerical expression of the prosperity of the brand on the European and Czech markets and a presentation of the goals that Peugeot wants to achieve with the 308 model .
After the approximately one-hour presentation, there was an area for lunch and the expected car testing. Of course, we preferred cars and in the first round we got our hands on the 308 ALLURE 1.6 THP (125k) , after which we drove the 308 ACTIVE 1.6 HDi and 308 ALLURE 1.6 THP (156k) . The cars left a very positive impression on us, which we went to absorb for a short lunch. After it, we finally drove the weakest diesel 308 ACTIVE 1.6 HDi (92k) . Towards the end of the event, we took a few photos, said goodbye and thanked for a wonderful experience. We left the airport after half past three in the afternoon.
The new Peugeot 308 inherited only the name from its predecessor, as we can see in the photos, and that only benefited it. Its overall dimensions have been reduced, only the wheelbase has been extended to provide more space in the interior. At first glance , the more aggressive cutting of the front part of the car with dominant headlights using LED technology for daytime lighting catches the eye, but I like the detail of the shaped hood . It's understated, but you can't miss it. The bumper in the middle part lacks large suction holes and thus appears more compact. You can see the details of the side view for yourself, an element that is not completely visible in the photos, but is very nice, is the chrome plating on the upper side of the door handle . In the rear of the car, we can find a small spoiler and beautifully shaped lights, which highlight three stripes resembling lion's claws when lit.
The interior is inspired by clean lines and quality. Also interesting is the unconventional tachometer, which has an indicator on the opposite side . Nowadays, center consoles are filled with buttons and controls , but not here. Here you will find 5 buttons, a CD slot and a volume control. You can set everything else on the large 7″ touch screen. Control is easy and clear, Peugeot really succeeded . Very good are the basic seats, which are comfortable and have good lateral guidance. On the other hand, the sports anatomical seats in the ALLURE equipment are fantastic , they not only hold you in a corner, but also massage you. It is clear that the interior of the ALLUR is full of leather and quality materials, but you will not be deprived even in the ACTIVE equipment. Quality and careful processing accompany you throughout the interior.
Peugeot 308 ALLURE 1.6 THP 125k
The first tested gasoline turbocharged four-cylinder with a capacity of 1598 cc provides 125 hp and 200 Nm of torque. It has quiet refined running and good thrust from 2500 rpm. With it, Peugeot can accelerate from 0 to 100 in 8.9 seconds and then continue up to 203 km/h. Fuel consumption is 7.9, 4.6, 5.8 l/100km (city, extra-city, combination). A car with this engine is no sprinter , but the driving dynamics are sufficient for everyday, undemanding use.
Peugeot 308 ACTIVE 1.6 HDi 155k
The more powerful diesel version with a content of 1560 cc has lower power than the previous petrol engine, namely 155 horses, but its torque of 270 Nm guarantees a very good pull from 1750 revolutions per minute . It moves the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds and takes it up to a maximum speed of 196 km/h. Driving with this engine is very pleasant and smooth, provided you ignore the intrusive shift advisor . If I were to shift according to it, the engine would choke and the shifts would be unnecessarily frequent. Maybe that way you will achieve paper consumption of 3.8 l/100km , which is very friendly to your wallet.
Peugeot 308 ALLURE 1.6 THP 155k
The most powerful and best equipped version of the Peugeot 308 that was available. The 1598 cc engine with 155 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque provides a very dynamic ride, which unfortunately we couldn't really enjoy due to city traffic and speed limits. It can reach 100 km/h in 8 seconds and the maximum speed ends at 21 km/h. We have no comments about the well-graded six-speed manual transmission , which was also in the models described above. Not being able to press the gas to the floor was a big shame, because the fuel consumption of 7.9, 4.6 and 5.8 l/100km (city, extra-city and combined) is very decent for such a nimble engine.
Peugeot 308 ACTIVE 1.6 HDi 92k
In the end, we kept the weakest diesel engine 1590 cc with 92 horsepower and 230 Nm of torque. The intention was clear – if we experience disappointment after sitting down from the previous strongest version. It was rather a surprise , because the engine was alive and pulling well. Thanks to its quickness and consumption of 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5 l/100km (city, extra-city, combination) it is a very good choice . From 0 to 100 km/h it takes 11.3 seconds and continues up to 178 km/h. It is 19,000 more expensive than the 1.6 THP 125 hp , but in my opinion the money is worth it. The only complaint would be the five-speed manual , the second and fifth gears had a little longer travel and the shifting was stiffer. A man probably won't even notice it, but it could be uncomfortable for some weaker ladies.
The entire press conference went well for Peugeot, we were very well taken care of, from the first welcome to the farewell. It was also pleasant to drive the 308, which we like for its aggressive design and very pleasant interior. A person quickly settles in the car and learns its functions and ease of use. The delivery of a total of thirteen test cars deserves praise, thanks to this number everyone got a chance and the combination of engines and equipment was also very suitable. Many thanks to the car company for their hospitality and invitation. We enjoyed it very much and we look forward to the next meeting.
