Road Test : Peugeot 308 1.6l eHDI Wagon

Review by Tristan Tancredi - 4 April 2012

The 308 dares to be different. All you have to do is take a quick glance over the design of the 308 Wagon to agree, it is different.

Utilising High Pressure Direct Injection (HDI) technology, the latest Peugeot 308 series has improved performance and better on-road fuel economy.

The "family car" arrived on the scene in 2007 in both petrol and diesel variants. The latest 308 models have undergone drastic aesthetic and performance updates with the 308 wagon included in such changes.

It's challenging to create a fresh, durable and unique family car, so let's check out how the French based companies 308 1.6l eHDI Wagon performs under these requirements.

Drive: 3.5/5

A variety of engine variants round out the 308 range including the 1.4 litre, 1.6 litre, 1.6 litre turbo, 1.6 litre e-HDi and the 2.0 litre e-HDi engine. We were lucky enough to get our hands on the 1.6l e-HDi Wagon for a week of on-road testing.

The 6 speed manual gear changes are smooth and seamless, yet a minor annoyance arises. During gear changes, in-car technology advises the driver as to the right time to gear up and gear down. (An arrow and number will flash on the indicator screen).

Come on Peugeot, are drivers so reliant on technology that they need to be told when to make gear changes? If you need to be told when to gear up, maybe an automatic car is more for you.

The advice can sometimes be wrong. For example, I was "advised" to gear up to 4th on a steep incline. Just to prove the computer wrong, I complied and stuck it into 4th. Oh boy did the car struggle, serves it right!

Despite this hiccup, the car actually handles pretty well on all surfaces and is consistent on cornering. The fuel conservation is also brilliant with the 308 (no surprise considering they have won Guiness World Records on the topic), with the eHDI tecnhology improving this ten-fold.

Engine: 3.5/5

A number of engine variants are available for the 308. A 1.6 litre 6 Speed Manual Wagon with Start-Stop technology was the car under testing, however a range of other diesel and petrol variants are available.

The engine noise is pleasant enough for the 308 Wagon. An audible noise bursts through from the engine, yet it is limited to a low humm and is barely noticeable.

For those seeking an adrenalin rush, it's best to give this car a skip. It doesn't exactly get the heartbeat ticking over, nor should it. It's not that type of car.

The 1.6 litre eHDI wagon reaches 83kW of maximum power and 270 Nm of Torque which takes the vehicle from 0-100kph in 11.4 seconds.

Who remembers back in 2008 when a 308 with a 1.6 eHDI clocked a world record when it travelled 14,850km at an average of 3.13l per 100kms. Peugeot definately remembers this and is keen to remind all who care to listen.

It's quite an admirable accomplishment across the harsh Australian terrain and is instilled within their current eHDI technology. The 1.6l eHDI wagon drinks approximately 4.2l per 100 kms.

Exterior: 3.5/5

The body shape of the 308 wagon dares to be different.

The frontal design of the vehicle places a redesigned bonnet and flowing grille as the main attraction. Combined with chrome trim and style lines flowing along the wagon, the 308 Wagon is stylish, elegant and unique.

Basic 16" Alloys sit beneath the vehicle and don't really set the car alight with style. It's the profile of the vehicle that offers a distinguished Peugeot look and this is the wagons ultimate talking point.

It was best summarised by a passer by who commented, "That's ...... different". I'm pretty sure he was talking about the rear sticking out like someones backside after a few too many jam donuts.

Some like the French-made style, others hate it. Ultimately, as will all exterior designs its subjective to personal taste. Check one out to decide for yourself. 

Safety: 5/5

The 308 has had a 5 star EuroNCAP safety rating since 2009. 

6 airbags are blended throughout the cabin to protect all occupants of the car in the event of a collision. The passenger safety cell is designed to limit interference with the engine and the cabin in the event of a crash.

A specifically designed collapsable steering column absorbs the shock of impact to keep passengers secure. Combined with all of the latest safety technology (ABS, EBFD, EBA, ESP and ASR), the Peugeot 308 is a finely tuned, safe vehicle.

Interior: 3.5/5

Once inside the 308 Wagon it's quite comfortable and spacious, yet remains somewhat basic.

Everything is neat and organised on the dash, with simple controls and easy to access buttons and knobs. On screen indicators present digital trip and fuel service calculators, as well as standard temperature oil and water gauges.

The 308 Wagon is clearly not as fancy as its competitors. Flashy colours, illuminated lighting and high quality trimmings have been replaced by basic, bland colours, and standard simple lighting instruments. Not entirely a criticism, more an observation.

Bluetooth and USB friendly, the 308 wagon has an adequate in-car entertainment system. 6 speakers fill out the cabin and offer decent, but not terrific, noise. The height and reach adjustable steering wheel contains all the standard radio and volume buttons to minimise distractions.

There are no complaints here on the seating. Comfortable, adequately sized sport front seats sit in a comfortable position for manual gear changes and for on-road views through the larger than average front windshield. Access to the rear and side mirrors is also fine.

There is plenty of space up front, yet the back passengers suffer a little for leg room. Don't get me wrong, kids will be fine in the back seats, yet it's a little tight with bigger bodies. A traditional 60/40 split adds to the already sufficient boot space.

The 308 wagon is best summarised with these two words, comfortable and basic.

A navigation system is an optional extra for a fair cost.

Overall: 3.5/5

Peugeot has a proud history of motoring excellence and they continue to deliver practical, safe, efficient, state of the art vehicles. The 308 range has blossomed in its brief life and it's latest range moulds around the companies ambition for the product of "Daring to be different".

A practical family car, the 308 wagon is unique and refined externally. Once inside, it is comfortable, yet simple and it's on road performance is consistent.

The 1.6l eHDI wagon starts from around $31,990, but becomes quite a bit more when all the optional goodies are added to the equation. Still worth checking out if you're in the market for a family car with a difference.

* Prices are manufacturer list prices only, for the drive away price please contact your local authorised Peugeot dealer.