At a glance
Peugeot 308 GT Base price:
Although, to be fair, you’re usually doing a bit over 100kph by that point.
It’s also probably by design, as the GT Plug-in Hybrid is coming with 165kW/360Nm, which isn’t far behind the likes of the VW Golf GTI (180kW/370Nm) but has the benefit of zero-emissions driving and instant torque delivery. The PHEV is expected to be in New Zealand from January next year.
On the road
Peugeot has upped its game in the driving area as well as design and quality.
The 308 is hushed when cruising, easy to navigate around town and a genuinely good time out of it.
The small steering wheel feels fast and responsive, with weighting that slowly increases the faster you drive, and there is minimal body roll. Pushing the front is rewarding, the new EMP2 V3 platform is quite agile and playful.
The somewhat low peak power figure means you’re better off riding the meaty mid-range as opposed to pushing out to the red line, but that’s better suited to the triple’s character anyway. It doesn’t feel particularly happy at high revs.
There’s lots of active safety as well, with all models getting adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist, among plenty of other features.
Verdict
So, does the new 308 do enough to
$51,990 (RightCar estimated Clean Car Programme rebate: $2490.34).
Powertrain and economy:
1.2-litre turbo-charged inlinethree, 96kW/230Nm, eight-speed automatic, FWD, combined economy 5.2L/100km, CO2 119g/km (source: RightCar).
4367mm long, 1859mm wide, 1441mm high, 2675mm wheelbase, luggage capacity 412 litres, 18-inch alloy wheels.
Vital statistics:
4 stars. (Source: EuroNCAP). Characterful engine, brilliant styling, upgraded interior, well priced. Could be more
Safety:
We like:
powerful.
push its way through the premium hatchback segment? The interior is a clean cut above the new Golf, it has a seriously good-looking exterior, and the powertrain has more character than its German rivals.
It’s also well-priced. The Golf is available in R-Line guise only (excluding the GTI and R), which starts at $49,990, doesn’t carry a Clean Car fee or rebate, and has similar specifications as the entry 308 Allure ($46,990 with a $2490 rebate).
Mercedes-Benz starts its A Class range with the A 180 at $60,200 ($1201 rebate), well above the 308 GT here, roughly the same as the Audi A3 Sportback 35 TFSI ($60,290 with a $2284 rebate).
We don’t like: