Peugeot turns on the power

[steaner]

PEUGEOT’S 308 is a cracking car in most ways, only let down by rather uninformative power steering.
I’ve already driven the 1.6 diesel, but recently I enjoyed the 1.6 THP petrol engined car immensely.
The THP has plenty of verve with 150bhp from a turbo 1.6. That’s not huge by today’s standards, but it’s enough for plenty of fun.
Let’s face it, a few short years ago even the most rorty of GTi’s only had 120bhp or less.
But now, the top dogs get a bark of 200bhp plus and a ride that feels every white line and cat’s eye.



The 308 sprints beautifully, overtakes easily and has a smooth and easy revving willingness.

The gearchange is slightly woolly but the ride is very good above 30 miles an hour and only slightly lumpy under.

Interior

It handles perfectly apart from that rather inert steering and grips forever.

This top spec brings leather, column stereo controls, climate, cruise and a huge, rather pointless glass roof.

Rear legroom is not up to much with me in the front, but the boot is a good size.

FAST FACTS



Price: £16,000

Mechanical: 150bhp, 1,598cc, 4 cyl petrol engine driving front rear wheels via 6 speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 133mph

0-62mph: 8.8secs

Combined mpg: 39

Insurance group: 11

CO2 emissions: 167g/km

BIK rating: 20%

Warranty: 3 years, 60,000miles, 1 years breakdown

Marks: 10/10