DRIVING REVIEW: PEUGEOT 308 GT LINE
WHAT IS IT?
This has been said by many in the motoring industry in recent times and I’m not sure that enough people are listening so I will say it again – it’s time to take the French seriously. The days of French cars being unreliable and undesirable (with exception of some of the much-loved classics) are seriously dead and gone. And there is no better example than this Peugeot 308 GT Line.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
Aesthetically, it is one of the best looking Peugeots I have seen in a long time. The handsome 308 looks more universally appealing with neat lines, a dark lower airdam, angled headlamps that, on this GT Line model, is full LED and front fog lamps. The 17-inch alloy wheels on this particular model give it a sporty look while at the back you will find hints of German styling (think Audi A3 or Mecedes-Benz A-Class). The interior is classy with its half Leather trim with red stitching and chrome highlights. Everything is neatly laid out and easy to get used to. I wasn’t a fan of the smaller and low-positioned steering wheel when I first experienced it on the 208, but I’ve gotten used to this now and I’ve found it to be quite comfortable actually.
HOW DOES IT DRIVE?
I was happy to be able to cover some good distance in the 308. I stretched the Lion’s legs from Cape Town to George along the N2 and then back to Cape Town along the beautiful Route 62. The brilliant three-cylinder 1,2 PureTech e-THP 130 develops 96 kW at 5 000 r/min and 230 N.m from a low 1 750 r/min. I was (and still am) seriously impressed with this unit. Power delivery and smooth and flat and, mated with a slick 6-speed manual transmission, it was easy to overtake slower cars and cruising the roads of the Western Cape was not only a breeze, but enjoyable too. All of this, teamed with the soft suspension set up makes it the perfect companion for a long-distance cruiser.
WHAT DOES IT OFFER?
You really only appreciate everything this vehicle offers when you spend an extended amount of time. On my close to 1 000 km drive around the Western Cape, I made good use of the electrically adjustable and massaging front seats, standard cruise control, duel-zone air-conditioning, Bluetooth functionality, steering wheel audio controls and the touch screen interface that allows access to the MP3 and USB compatible audio system as well as vehicle information such as average fuel consumption and distance to empty. Out on the long road, I felt secure knowing that I had an array of safety features at my disposal such as front and rear parking sensors, ABS with EBD, emergency brake assist, driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags, central locking, Isofix anchorages (although not used) and so much more.
CONCLUSION
This French car definitely sets the bench mark for many in its segment. I believe it can hold its own up against the likes of the segment favourite, the Volkswagen Golf. It has appealing looks, a great little engine at the heart of it and lots to offer in terms of standard specification. When it comes to reliability, the French cars really don’t have that reputation anymore, but if you need added peace of mind, the 308 comes standard with a three-year/100 000 km warranty and a five-year/60 000 km maintenance plan. This is definitely a car to consider and a brand to watch. The Peugeot 308 GT Line has a recommended retail price of R329 900.
For more information on the 308 range, read the launch report here.
WORDS: KELLY LODEWYKS