Peugeot 308 - Pictures

Although not a return to the glory days of fun-to-drive Peugeots, we’re still impressed with the 308’s abilities. One of the most mature cars in the class, it’s refined, rides smoothly and handles capably. A fine effo

Peugeot has worked hard inside. Quality shows in details such as the round air vents set into the dash. The driving position is good, seats are supportive and the leather wheel has comprehensive fingertip controls behind it.

The 308’s Cielo panoramic glass roof means the interior has a light and airy feel. It comes with a sliding electric cover and is standard with SE and GT trims. It’s also a £350 option on Sport models.

Some practicality has been lost in Peugeot’s quest to give the 308 a sleek, sophisticated air. The boot is small, awkward to load and the rear seats don’t fold fully flat – but its 1,201 litres narrowly beats the Fiat

Passenger room in the back of the 308 is little better than in the 307 that came before it, and the Peugeot lags behind the Honda for overall space. However, legroom is ahead of the Bravo’s.

In the MINI Cooper, the normally aspirated 1.6-litre unit delivers decent thrust, but in the larger, heavier 308, it’s gutless.