Peugeot 308 Pre Model Access 1.4 VTi 5dr Car Review - March 2012

REVIEW
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List Price: £15,750
Tax Band: E
Insurance Group: 10
MPG: 47.1
CO2: 139
0-62 Mph: 12.7 secs
BHP: 98 BHP
Range: 622 miles
CarSite Verdict:  2.5/5
Although better than the old 307, the 308 is comprehensively annihilated by the competition. There are much better cars out there.

PROS:  Cheap, relatively spacious

CONS:  Mediocre performance, outclassed by its rivals, firm ride, inferior handling

Behind the Wheel

The Pug's 1.4-litre petrol engine develops 98bhp and 100 lb-ft of torque. This translates into a 0-62mph time of 12.7 seconds and a top speed of 113mph.

The ride is a bit harsh and the 308 rolls through the corners. Also, the steering isn't really up to much and feels oddly disconnected. Other cars in this price range are much more fun to drive.

Looks & Equipment

The 308 isn't a bad looking car but its aesthetics are ruined by Peugeot's awful 'corporate' grille which makes the front end look like a grinning face. On the plus side, the interior is relatively nice and feels well screwed together which will be a surprise for people familiar with Peugeots of old.

Standard kit includes central locking, air-con, electric windows and a CD player. MP3 connectivity, alloy wheels and metallic paint are all optional extras costing £210, £420 and £440 respectively. Cruise control, parking sensors, Bluetooth and sat-nav are unavailable altogether.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

The 308 should be a relatively safe car thanks to a range of airbags, stability control, traction control and ABS and achieved the full five star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests.

The boot isn't particularly spacious for a car of this type either, offering 348-litres of room. The 308 is not the most reliable car on the market either and owners have reported mechanical issues and problems with the quality of the interior.

Value for Money

The 308 Access 1.4 VTi 5dr is priced at £15,345 which is reasonable for a car of this size. Running costs should be relatively low as well; the 308 will return 44.8mpg on the combined cycle and emit 144g/km of CO2, putting it in VED band F. Group 10 insurance means that cover will also be cheap.

Peugeot 308 Pre Model Access 1.4 VTi 5dr Car Review - by 
All Peugeot 308 Reviews
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Peugeot 308 CC Allure 1.6 THP 2dr - March 2012
The 308 CC 1.6 THP offers decent performance credentials and good build quality. On the downside, it's expensive, unrefined, not very good to drive and expensive. You'll also look like a pillock dr...
Peugeot 308 Pre Model Access 1.4 VTi 5dr - March 2012
Although better than the old 307, the 308 is comprehensively annihilated by the competition. There are much better cars out there.
Peugeot 308 Pre Model Active 1.6 THP 5dr - March 2012
The 308 1.6 THP offers decent performance credentials but not much else. The family hatchback market is incredibly competitive and the 308 simply can't keep up with the competition. Buy something e...
Comments
Medium Family Alternatives

You might want to read reviews for other Medium Family cars that you can then compare to the Peugeot 308. Here are some popular Peugeot 308 alternatives:

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