So we got a new Peugeot 308

So we got a new Peugeot 308

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I’m not too familiar with Peugeot’s various engine offerings any more, especially since Peugeot’s local reps have always been unenthusiastic in dealing with us specifically. However, we recently gave them a call and asked for a 407 Coupe again. The last time we asked for it, it was in 2006, and it got postponed 4 times, so we moved on. Looks like it went missing again. We got a 308 instead, but we’re not complaining.

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You see, some of these new cars are blowing our minds. The 308 we got is a 140 hp 1.6-litre model with a manually-shiftable automatic. As soon as I started playing with the throttle, I realised it had more of a kick at low speeds than a V6 Accord or even a V8 Jaguar.

I turned out the a/c, and sure enough, I could hear the whoosing of a turbo every time I got off the throttle. The 308 may have the same horsepower as a Civic, but it is more than a second faster to 100 kph from standstill, thanks to a strong torque curve.

But that’s not even half the story. I took it to my usual isolated roundabout for the grip test. The Accord V6 does 60 kph before the tyres squeal themselves silly. The Jaguar XF manages a bit above 65 kph before the first hints of screeching. The front-wheel-drive 308 went beyond 70 kph before it lightly started squeaking!

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It has even less body roll than the Jaguar XF, rides only a bit more harshly than a Toyota Corolla, and is as quiet as a Honda Accord. The only complaints are a lazy automatic in normal non-sport mode, very firm steering, an average a/c and fuel economy only slightly better than that of a 2.4-litre Toyota Camry. Our specific 1.6 Premium turbo tester also costs about the same as a basic Camry, at Dhs 75,000. At least it looks way hotter and has the practicality of a sizeable hatch.

What do you think?

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Comments

  1. boring f* car…
    i dont like pegy.. 👿

  2. nice car.driven it lately,nice one.

  3. Peugeot cars are very strong and they have great engines but the problem is with the prices of the spare parts. they are v good in handling also.
    waiting for your review 🙂

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