Published:
11 May 2012Although much about this Peugeot 308 is continued from the previous car, there’s no mistaking the interior for anything other than being all-new.
The increase in perceived quality is massive. Materials, textures and fit and finish are much better than they were in the 307. Dials and vents are nicely trimmed, the switchgear operates with precision and the forward-located windscreen with its large glass area makes the 308 feel pretty airy inside.
The driving position is generally good. The steering wheel has a broad level of rake and reach adjustment , and the driver’s seat is positioned 15mm lower than the 307. There’s plenty of headroom, too. The seats themselves are fine – large enough, if a touch flat.
Driving controls mostly operate with a very Peugeot-like feel: a soft if progressive clutch, slightly over-servoed brakes and a degree of vagueness to the gearchange. But the steering itself is much improved in general feel – much more responsive and positive than before, accurate and nicely weighted.
The semi-tall architecture means four adults will find the 308’s cabin anything but a squeeze. Rear-seat accommodation isn’t as spacious as in the front, and more significantly it feels less airy because the window line and roof fall towards the rear, but it’s up to class standards.
Boot space and oddments storage are reasonable too, and there are a couple of neat touches: there’s a retractable ‘curry hook’ on the centre console and the rear parcel shelf has a hidden compartment that hinges to open from both the front and rear.
