Fridae

The Peugeot 308 retains the quasi-MPV hatchback format, offering near MPV (five-seater) levels of space while still appearing as a cool Euro hatchback. It stirred the world's ideology of hatchbacks, the tall-ish structure of Peugeot's hugely popular family hatch sent other car manufacturers back to their drawing boards when the 307 was launched in 2002.

While the overall silhouette may appear to be familiar, the front end of the 308 certainly had been inspired by the 907 concept car from the 2004 Paris Motor show. Strong feline shaped headlights starts a curvy throwback to the perky rear lights, lending the car a sporty stance. The third-quarter view is particularly inspiring as the 308 appears to be ready to pounce on the roads.

A sparkling white 308 Turbo was handed to the office @ Fridae Auto Club. Prior to the test drive, I was not convinced that a 1,355 kg car with only 140 horsepower can be anything to shout about! How wrong I was!

The performance of the 308 twin-scroll Turbo was a revelation on the roads. The excellent VVT Turbo engine on the 308 is a collaboration with BMW, as it has seen services in the Mini Cooper S and the Peugeot 207. While it may be down on the horse-count as compared to the Mini Cooper S and the 207 GTi, the 308's 230 NM of torque is simply a delight as it pulls strongly from only 1400 rpm. There is nothing to warn me about the strong acceleration that the 308 delivered through the four-speed Tiptronic gearbox sourced from Porsche.

I certainly like to think that the Peugeot 308 is a Q-car (an unobtrusively styled high-performance car); no one would expect such strong mid-range performance coming from this subtle but stylish hatchback! Watch out Volvo and Saab, this could be a new alternative to your Swedish sedans.

Ride quality on the 308 is firm but controlled. It is not exactly the magic carpet ride of old Peugeots. However over time, the 308's ride will gradually soften up with the grace and poise of old Peugeots. This is based on the fact that Peugeot remains the only car manufacturer in the world persisting in making their own suspension components, hence such special characteristics.

The drastic change that the French engineers made would be surge in interior perceived quality. The touch and feel of the 308's interior is a class act. Engaging buttons and opening glove boxes in the rather zen like cabin is a pleasure as they rebound with a calculated and measured movement. Space is abundant; particularly for the front occupants who will appreciate the ultra airy real estate. While the lack of full sized cupholders (Peugeot is not sold in America) might put some fastfood-drive-thru addicts off, I am impressed by the number of cubbie holes for placing and hiding objects in the 308. Also, the huge boot provides four shopping bag hooks to aid shopaholics to manage their addiction.

The 3M tinting of the windows is particularly effective as the Peugeot 308 is complimented by seven fully adjustable chromed air vents in an effort to fight the heat wave in Singapore; the 308 has indeed been propelled right to the top of the highly competitive hatchback market. Bad memories of plasticky and ergonomically flawed French cars should be banished with this latest effort.

At the end of the test drive, I was left wondering if the 308 could in fact be the sensible version of the Mini's Clubman, after all they both share the same engine and deliver similar levels of interior quality.

	Peugeot 308 1.6 A Turbo THP 140
Engine	Front, transverse, twin cam 16-Valve 4 Cyls in line, 1598cc, Twin Scroll Turbocharged Petrol, Direct Injection
Transmission	4-speed Tiptronic automatic
Max. output	140hp@ 5800rpm
Max. torque	240nm@1400rpm
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	9.3 secs
Top speed	202 km/h
Fuel Economy	7.9 liters/100 km (EEC dual cycle)
Wheelbase	2608 mm
Fuel Tank Size	60 Litres
Emissions std	Euro 4 compliant
Dimensions (L x W x H) /Weight	4276mm x 1821mm x 1498mm / 1355 kg
Drag Coefficient	0.30
Suspension (Front)	Macpherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Suspension (Rear)	Deformable cross member, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Price with COE*	S$86,900

*Prices quoted are indicative of prices in Singapore. Please contact your local distributor for prices in your country.