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The press release for the new Peugeot 308 say’s, ‘Focus on your feelings’- it’s an interesting concept, and one that left me pondering mine as I left the launch of the new 308. The 308 comes with high hopes as it is the 2014 title holder of the prestigious European Car of the Year.

Visually, the new 308 is clean and modern with little fad type style aids. Instead, the lines have been designed to have a broader reaching appeal. The effect is easy on the eye.

The new 308 is an all new car. Starting with a new chassis that has been design to make the car lighter and more agile than before, while remaining taut. On paper, it is 140kg lighter than the car it replaces. This means that it doesn’t need a big engine to get it going. Peugeot are leaders in producing highly efficient diesel engines, so now, they’ve produced a petrol engine second to none in their 1.2 three cylinder turbo petrol unit (PureTech engine technology). It is simply outstanding in every respect, hence it having 121 patents. It is highly refined, offers brisk performance with a fantastic range of strong pulling power (torque) throughout its entire rev band. To add to its incredulous list of talents, the new engine is highly efficient. In fact, under a controlled test done by Peugeot, they achieved 1 810km on a technical test, which resulted in a consumption figure of 2.85l/100km.

Three key focus areas have been emphasised in the creation of the new 308: quality, engine technology and a category leading cockpit. These elements are tangible on all levels and overt for the driver to feel. The cockpit is a special place: combining deeply recessed, highly visible instrument dials with a large, full colour touchscreen display, while a multi-function steering wheel further benefits intuitive access to key functions and features.

Starting off the range is the Peugeot 308 Active, which is fitted with the 1.2 PureTech e-THP 110 engine. It produces a maximum power output of 81kW at 5 500rpm. A five speed manual gearbox is standard.

By comparison, the 1.2 PureTech e-THP 130 engine fitted to the 308 GT Line elevates those output levels even further. Maximum power increases to an impressive 96kW at 5 500rpm. The GT Line model gets a six speed manual gearbox with optimised ratios.

The differences between the Active and GT Line models extend to exterior styling details and interior trim and equipment levels. For instance, the GT Line gains full LED headlights, a different grille, and twin narrow aperture tailpipes, as well as larger alloy wheels and more bright work.

A five star Euro NCAP rating underscores the new Peugeot hatchback’s exceptional safety standards with a comprehensive array of active and passive safety features.

The new Peugeot 308 goes on sale through the Peugeot national dealer network at the end of March, and is supported by a comprehensive service and warranty offering that includes a 3yr/100 000km manufacturer warranty, 5 Year / 60 000km Maintenance Plan (Premium Plan) – Something Peugeot are really proud of and also communicating through their on-going sixreasonstobuy.co.za campaigns.

PRICING

Peugeot 308 1.2 PureTech Active           R275 900

Peugeot 308 1.2 PureTech GT Line         R329 900

www.peugeot.co.za