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freepressseries.co.uk


Wednesday, February 25, 2015 Look beyond the pointless controversy


THE 308 is a really excellent car often overshadowed by point- less controversy about its steer- ing wheel or button-free centre console. But here’s something else to think about: 88.3mpg. That’s the figure that, on paper or the test bench, at least, the BlueHDi version of the French Lion’s family car can give you. A lot of family hatchbacks


have gone a bit gawky in their styling after numerous ‘daring’ facelifts, but too much botox is bad for you. The 308 has neat, balanced proportions. Unfortunately for Peugeot, its decision to do away with such old-fashioned nonsense as but- tons in favour of on-screen men- us did meet some resistance. As did the move to a smaller steer- ing wheel designed to be held low, beneath the raised instru- ment cluster. The interior storage is below


par. Broad door pockets cannot excuse the tiny half-glovebox or the awkwardly-shaped and small bins by the front seats. But the boot has lots of room and a relatively plush carpet. Some people refuse to enter-


tain it, but I really get on with the small steering wheel, which gives quick, direct steering. Also, savour the impressive ac- celeration from, remember, this eco-diesel engine. Despite long gearing – 30mph is too slow for fourth, and 2,000rpm in sixth doesn’t arrive until 84mph – it feels like a stronger performer


than its figures suggest on pa- per. Good job, Peugeot. Minor frustrations come


with the lack of a single-swipe windscreen wiper option, the kooky but unintuitive counter- rotating rev counter and the inconsistent stop-start system, but on the bright side the ride is excellent.As for efficiency you can forget 88mpg in the real world, unless you often sit at 40mph in fourth. If so you’ll see as high as 110mpg on the flat, but in truth averaging more than 65mpg is very tough. It’s still good, clearly, but it can’t match the figures. At £21,045 the 308 Allure Blue-


HDi is not cheap. But if you’re a company car driver and your main concern is emissions- based tax... well, the Peugeot’s 84g/km count will see you right.


FACTS AT A GLANCE Peugeot 308 Allure


1.6 BlueHDi 120, from £21,045


Engine: Four-cylinder


diesel producing 118bhp and 221lb/ft


Transmission: Six-speed manual driving the front wheels


Performance: Top speed 122mph, 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds


Fuel Economy: 88.3mpg Emissions: 84g/km


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