06 Jun 07
With a number/name like that, it should be a Ferrari.
But the first Peugeot to bear an '8' at the end of its name is a smart-looking replacement for the 307, a car that has been quite popular with the buying public but has always hovered some way off a car connoisseur's radar. The Peugeot 308, however, should make more of a mark thanks to its very strong showroom appeal.
4Car has had a close look at the 308 and can report that its interior is one of the most pleasing on offer in the family hatchback class. There appears to be an Audi-like level of quality here and the low, uncluttered dashboard gives a great feeling of space. It's covered in a padded, technical-looking material that is carried over onto the tops of the door-trims and there are plenty of other soft-touch surfaces, including the woven headlining and screen-pillar coverings. These details matter as carmakers all chase German-standard levels of perceived quality.
Depending on the version, there are likely to be some well-executed aluminium-effect trim details and some extravagant use of chrome, notably around the base of the optional automatic transmission's selector lever. The five round fascia vents hint at the auxiliary dials found in sporting cars and the centre console is unusually raked-back.
