Peugeot 308 | Review | Why should you drive it?

It's a bank holiday in Ireland so here's an extra video to watch. Bob has a review of the new Peugeot 308 but does he like all the new gadgets?

[@mi051225]

The reason i would choose the 308 over a Golf or an A3 or any other small car is because when you seat in the Peugeot you feel that you got value for your money, i.e a nice ride, and the materials around are well designed and look/feel expensive. In my opinion the 308 interior looks even better than the interior of most expensive cars. You pay like 15K and you feel you got a car that is worth 20K. To the contrary, when you seat in a Golf or an A3 you feel that you are overpaying for something. Poor quality materials unless you pay a huge premium, which at the end of the day makes you feel that you overpaid by even more.

[@christianschumacher6689]

You adjust the temperature you prefer once. The car does the rest for you automatically. At home in your house you don't go down to the basement every five minutes either to readjust the temperature of the heating. You do it once and leave it alone. Because depending on the outside temperature the heating will work more or less in order to keep the same temperature you once have chosen. The same is true with the climate system in the 308. You chose the temperature you prefer and the car will do the rest on its own. At the beginning it could take some time to find out the ideal temperature setting. But once that is done, you won't have to readjust it anymore and you won't be distracted by using the touch screen for it! Because it won't be necessary!! Because it's an automatic system!!! Adjust it at the beginning, then leave it alone. You will see how well that works. And your eyes will be where they ought to be. Looking through the front window in the direction you're driving.

[@Sherukka]

Some points to consider. Why would you as the driver use the touchscreen to control the radio (use the steering wheel control instead of course!) or why would you constantly have to adjust the *automatic* climate control, if it works as good as it use to in PSA cars? The most important, related to climate control, controls are buttons. The steering wheel is smaller, that means that you set it slightly lower so the center is at the same height that you are used to, or do as I did as my test drives progressed, I lowered it even further because I can and it feels great! ;)

[@Telgas]

Very nice car, I love it and I was excited when it came out. As a French I am very proud of it. Like you said, it handles very well. The only problem is the touch screen for the heating controls, I agree. (and it's much more beautiful than the previous 308) Are you going to review the RCZ R ? :)

[@Hmmmppffff]

I love this car, had it for 2 days Engine,Gearbox,Design are awesome. Same engine, 3,8 Liter fuel consumption. Touchscreen is not the best, but you get used to it. The headspace on the back seats is a bit to low But it is still around 1000-2000€ cheaper as a Golf with similar features

[@thedons4270]

my better half has the 308 1.6 ehdi feline 2 years now. its a superb car. fantastic drive and handling and quality interior which I think is unmatched in the segment. golf is expensively dour and focus is just awful tacky. don't have any issues with touchscreen and one gets used to it fast. she had a3 before it which had many expensive faults and would never go back now.

[@MPSFrance]

Finally!!! :) After having tested the 308 myself, I noticed the same pb about the touchscreen that shouldn't have ALL the commands on it, and the reactivity was poor from my point of view anyway good review Bob!

[@seinsmeld13]

Beautiful car. They are not sold here in Canada. We like our small cars, too bad. Cheers Bob. Great review as always.

[@Sttm35]

I have just ordered one despite opposition from my wife. Hope things will settle after we actually start driving. Test drives were fine with me.

[@allychurch6069]

Peugeot 307 I've been driving since last couple of years, the mpg on them are so good it has no faults other than 70mph on high motorways. for me i'll always buy hdi version and this is it. the one id choose 1.6 e-hdi diesel feline model.

[@timbrogan7653]

your stunning

[@allychurch6069]

+Tim Brogan 😇

[@Mr330d]

Tim Brogan You're*

[@fmsantoscar]

"says he looking at the camera".....LOL brilliant!

[@antonoat]

You my friend are a rare commodity, a motoring journalist who speaks his mind and tells the truth rather than being influenced by his peers and certain motoring brands! Fair play to you All the best cheers

[@marcinsobczak2485]

I will be driving mine in February of 2017. Ordered it in November 2016. Peugeot was the only choice at that time: decent petrol engine (130 hp, 230 NM) and full auto transmission. They should advertise it more. If you don't believe me, check any make in Ireland and compare Peugeot's competitors. Long story short: Japanese - CVT only, Korean and VW group (skoda, seat), ford- Dual Clutch only, bmw, merc, audi- too expensive. On top of that if you want something stronger than, say, 110 hp it has to be diesel and/or highest, expensive trim. Thanks Peugeot for still building derivable cars.

[@rafix8101]

Just saw a white one few days ago in London, and I must say it stands out of the crowd, looks like a pretty robust and confident car on the road. Peugeot s back on track ? Looks like it

[@ericrochford3134]

Definitely agree on the shopping hooks! Basic cheap and very practical additions that are lacking on far too many cars even on some expensive ones!

[@dennisgreen7856]

Hello Bob, As usual a joy to watch,many thanks Dennis

[@kraenk12]

I've driven almost all cars in class and this and the Seat Leon stood out. The 308 was incredibly comfortable..The Leon was amazingly sporty. The VW Golf was right between in the middle. Would probably still get the Seat but this 308 is a great car.

[@kanchello]

kraenk12 I have got seat leon, because of this sportiness (i call it too much firm for our pothole rich roads) i want to exchange it with a 308.

[@alexshepherd]

Helpful review - and particularly insightful about the touchscreen - thanks. It's hard sometimes to keep track of how all the cars in this segment compare to each other for the aspects you can't see in the videos - ride quality, refinement, engine tractability and response. I'm meaning that it would be useful to have a comparison of these aspects between VW Golf, Audi A3, this Peugeot, Alfa Romeo Giulietta, BMW 1-Series. As I think you have driven all these cars - perhaps you can edit something together to compare them all? I really enjoy listening to your voice - to my non-Irish ears, you sound like Chris O'Dowd (IT Crowd, Bridesmaids) and you can be just as entertaining! Thanks again

[@themadant1941]

I'm learning to drive in this car and I quite like it. I know it's the first car I've ever driven, but it's generally nice to drive. Sometimes the gearbox can be a bit notchy, and the ride sometimes crashy over sharp bumps, but I like it. Also for me the steering wheel doesn't block the dials at all.

[@JackLondonen]

Great review! Makes me want to go to the dealer and buy one.

[@ArsenPotentier]

Peougot 308 is so much better a great one bob says is the 1.6 diesel coupled to the 6 speed automatic by Bmw, That said it’s just not as big in the cab as the Golf but I am sure these will sell as Peugeot are making much better vehicles than they have for 20 years.

[@leah5carroll]

Great camera work Bob!

[@conorcranks5617]

I really like the touchscreen, can be a bit of a drag to get used to but once you get used to it i find its great to use!

[@marclawrence66]

Very enjoyable review Bob

[@duokobuoli]

Bob, i have a question about the handling... yes i know theyse cars are no longer for sale, but what do you think is better in handling? peugeot 406 facelifted or citroen xantia facelifted? i would get it with 2.0hdi engine..

[@SwPiotrek]

Great car! Thanks!

[@BestCarSound]

Don't like the looks of lower specs, but atleast got normal button and knobs! Agreed on everything you said, tho' you sounded like in a bad mood :D Great review and can't wait for 308 SW vid 'cos IMO it's a better chioce :)

[@Sherukka]

Sad that the SW won't get 3 separate seats as an option, as the outgoing 308 SW had. :( Of course I understand that they want people to choose the 5008 instead but it is definitely a bigger and clumsier car.

[@BestCarSound]

Then there's 3008 :)

[@breakneckflipper]

On the engine, I have the 5 speed 1.6hdi (92). Much more fuel efficient gearbox - I managed to do Milan to Calais on just 1 tank of fuel.

[@Mr330d]

Robert Slater How many miles was that?

[@breakneckflipper]

1084Km...so about 650 - 700 miles on 50 litres

[@Mr330d]

that's pretty damn good i was considering the 1.6 Bluehdi 120 Going to test drive one next week

[@ianrees7451]

like his reviews

[@ispiron55]

Entry level models have the rotary heating controls..

[@seinsmeld13]

Use your horn Bob! Beautiful country.

[@SuperWHIZZO]

Avoid all knobless Peugeot 308`s is that what you`re telling us Bob !!

[@BobFlavinVideo]

You'd get used to it, actually I drove the SW version in France on Monday and the touch screen was much better because I was on the other side of the car

[@dufonrafal]

Bob Flavin When will this review be on YouToube?

Haptic Bob

[@prado1ist]

In my opinion seating position is compromised.You need to set steering wheel lower or seat more highly then usually.

[@Sherukka]

Have you driven one? No, it is not compromised in my opinion. In the 208 it was slightly compromised for people of some height but that is normal for a car with a standard setup also (the steering wheel is blocking the counter for some people).

[@prado1ist]

Sherukka Don`t be mad,but I think Peugeot missed the opportunity to beat the Golf.I know its not easy,but this car its just a lower league.

[@dufonrafal]

I've been in both the 208 and the 308, and the driving position is not compromised at all. People who have a problem don't have a proper driving position. Or they still use the top of the steering wheel as a reference and not the center.

[@SG-D]

But you would rather a Golf, wouldn't ya?

[@fiutare1]

Now I know, how you look like.

[@dado380]

308 have best touch screen.it so fast and responsive unlike insignia,golf,skoda,seat,jaguar,ford(awfulllll),volvo,fiat(rubbish)even bmw belive or not is slow.

[@dufonrafal]

The gearbox has been made by BMW? I don't think so…

[@BobFlavinVideo]

I got that info from a man in Peugeot HQ, the 6 speed box is BMW and 5 speed is Peugeot's own. BTW BMW and Peugeot/Citroen work together making electric car stuff too. Most car companies make parts and sell them to other car makers.

[@dermotguilfoyle6419]

Bob Flavin Isn't the 1.6 diesel used in the BMW Mini a PSA unit?

[@thomascampbell8293]

Dermot Guilfoyle I believe the 1.4 HDI & 1.6 HDI were designed in France, and generally pretty good. Diesels have always been PSA's strong point. A lot of folks I know prefer PSA diesels to VW Group. The HDI is used by BMW Group, Volvo (S40), Ford (Focus rebadged as TDCI). I think the 1.4 HDI is also used in the Fiesta, and also the Mini.

[@thomascampbell8293]

Thomas Campbell Oh sorry! Also Mazda use the 1.6 HDI (They were slung it from big brother Ford).

[@mi051225]

And the gearbox in my bmw e46 was made by GM.....And the '80s bmw k100 motorcycle engine, was actually a Peugeot engine. Auto manufactures have been collaborating for years, and with Peugeot's weak point being gearboxes (especially auto gearboxes; the one in 307 was a nightmare), i would not be surprised if the gearbox is made bmw.

[@MegaVector2011]

Any car where you have to poke things twice is a no-no. I'm discounting this car for that reason.

[@vageliskomninos2723]

Its a very narrow and strict way of viewing things. Cars are all about pros and cons at all times. If the pros are more or outweigh cons you should consider warmly. Just one thing, lets say climate controls on a cons side alone CANNOT overthrow the many positives. Recommendation: change this narrow way of thinking and utilize the entire picture of cons and pros when choosing candidates.