Fresh out on the blocks are Peugeot’s 308 models. Available in a hatch, wagon and cabriolet, you’ve pretty much got a 308 model that will adhere to all tastes.
Distinctive on the road, it’s always nice to drive an eye-catching Euro. The interior has plenty of curves and modern style. Well equipped to the hilt, you definitely get your money’s worth when you buy a 308. An onboard computer, cruise control, USB connectivity, MP3 compatibility, bluetooth communications, electric windows, electric seats, heated front seats, three point seat belts in the rear, airbags for Africa, the very best active safety features, dual zone climate control, rear park assist, tyre pressure sensors and an advanced satellite navigation system with a seven- inch colour screen are enough to mention, to start with.
By now your appetite should be well wetted, but I must let you know that the Peugeot 308 is exceptionally comfortable, handles like a dream and offers very crisp performance about town and on the open road. Oh, and all models are under 40k, and the base models are well under 30k! There are petrol and diesel motors to boot – and do make sure you take a ride in the leather trimmed version (wow).
Peugeot has carried over into the new 308 the familiar stylish front end treatment which distinguishes all Peugeot models from any other car maker’s products in the world. The sleek headlights and big open grille at the front are superbly balanced, giving the new Peugeot 308 a compact and very fluent look. The delightful and unmistakable logo (the lion) roars as it leads the charge. The upright styling gives the Peugeot 308 plenty of interior space, while the long sloping nose ensures that the drag co-efficient is kept a low 0.29°.
The vast array of engines means that the Peugeot 308 model can appeal to a wide spectrum of prospective buyers. No doubt the diesel engines will make up most of the Peugeot 308 sales. Five of the six engines have a 5-speed manual gearbox, whereas the 2.0 litre HDi comes with a 6-speed gearbox. The automatic gearboxes are Tiptronic and boast 6 speeds on the 2.0 litre HDi, and 4 speeds on other engines. The famous Peugeot petrol engines have been developed in partnership with BMW and include the 1.4 litre and 1.6 litre. The 1.6 litre VTi unit delivers 88 kW. The fizzing 1.6 litre THP (Turbo High Pressure) unit delivers a healthy 110 kW and 240 Nm of torque. This engine has some magnificently impressive pick-up and always feels ready to perform. The Peugeot 308 1.6 litre THP is a very entertaining and lively drive all the way up to 213 km/h – if you please! Accleration from a standstill to 100 km/h is accomplished in 8.8 seconds. The choice of HDi diesel engines boast Peugeot’s reputable, tried and proven diesel technology. The 1.6 litre HDi XS has 80 kW and is frugal on fuel. It will provide the driver a pleasant drive, particularly if long commutes are the norm. The bigger 2.0 litre diesel engine boasts 100 kW, and can be linked to a slick six speed manual or automatic gearbox to put you in motion. In the Peugeot 308, there is always enough power to get the job done without fuss, even when fully laden with five occupants and luggage.
Sometimes in smaller cars, you can notice the road noise far too audibly. Peugeot has managed to keep the road noise to a minimum in the agile 308. Roadholding is a Peugeot 308 specialty. The steering is decisive and the chassis wonderfully taut, inviting the driver to make short work of even the tightest corners. At each sharp bend, the 308 will remain totally in control and glued to the road. Peugeot is no dummy when it comes to road holding – as the trophy cabinet is full of motorsport silverware.
You will enjoy the Peugeot 308 interior. The two tone colours and gorgeously crafted materials are first class, and they complement the silver trimming superbly. When you sit inside a Peugeot 308 cabin, you know you are in a place that is a little special and a little distinctive. That is one of the delights in owning a Peugeot. All the comfort and support needed is there in the seats. The cabin boasts an impressive array of luxury items. A variety of car radio equipment is available, including the MP3-compatible RD4 radio/CD (auxiliary RCA connector in the glove box). A Bluetooth® hands-free kit is linked with the radio/CD. The Multi Media system with voice recognition and 7-inch colour screen includes a GPS navigation system which is leading the way for being not only of high quality but is also very compact. When required, the screen pops nicely up from the centre of the dash and will fold back very neatly when finished with. As mentioned earlier, the high roofline gives the impression of space, particularly when the car is fitted with the panoramic glass roof. In the rear, passengers will enjoy plenty of legroom so that long journeys can be completed in a relaxed and pleasant manner.
Quite honestly, the sexy and desirable Peugeot 308 has it all. Go take a look for yourself.
Current model series include:
For any more information on the Peugeot 308, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of Peugeot dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!
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