2008 PEUGEOT 308 5 Doors 1.6L HDi 5MT FWD (110 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Peugeot introduced its new contender in the compact segment, and the five-door version was the most important from the sales point of view.

In 2008, the financial crisis shook the world, but the French carmaker didn’t want to go with the same old 307. Moreover, it has already promised its customers and tried to keep it. Moreover, since the 308 was built on the same platform as its predecessor, the development and production costs were not that high.

There was a new design language on the 308, which was expressed by the V-shaped powerdome that adorned the hood. It was visually connected to the raked A-pillars, creating a unitary design. The feline-like headlights were typical for the French brand. On the front fascia, the grille was entirely moved on the lower side of the bumper, in the apron. From its profile, the 308 resembled the same shape as its predecessor but with more profound sculptured doors.

The carmaker installed bucket seats at the front and a split-folding rear bench inside the cabin. Thanks to the higher seating position, all occupants had enough legroom. Yet, the middle-rear passenger struggled with the center tunnel that crossed the car from front to back. The instrument panel resembled, somehow, the German competitor Volkswagen Golf. It sported middle-upper gauges flanked by the wider dials for the speedometer and tachometer. Moreover, the 308 showed a clear improvement in materials, fits, and finishes compared with the 307.

Under the hood, Peugeot installed an extensive engine choice, mostly with 1.6-liter displacement. However, it was the era of downsizing, and the carmaker had to adapt. It also offered a choice of turbo-diesel engines, which proved to be highly fuel-efficient.