Review: Peugeot T7 308 hatch (2008-13)

Review: Peugeot T7.I 308 hatch (2008-11)

Overview

Released in February 2008, the Peugeot T7 Phase I (T7.I) 308 hatch was as a small, five-door hatchback (the 308 Wagon and Touring have been reviewed separately). Manufactured in France, the front-wheel drive 308 hatch was available with four different engines and five transmissions, including Peugeot’s ‘EGC’ semi-automatic transmission which had automatic and clutchless sequential-shifting modes.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the Peugeot 307 , the 308 hatch was 74 mm longer (at 4276 mm), 75 mm wider (1821 mm) and 7 mm taller (1519 mm), though wheelbase length (2608 mm) was unchanged. Furthermore, the 308 hatch had pseudo MacPherson type front struts, a torsion beam rear axle and electrohydraulic power steering.

March 2010 updates

From March 2010, the 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine was available with a six-speed automatic transmission and peak power increased by 5 kW. In October 2010, the 1.6- and 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engines were modified for compliance with Euro V emission standards – these changes also resulted in increased power and torque outputs.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the 308 XS included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, front seatbelt pretensioners and load limiting seatbelts for the front and outer rear seats.

The 308 XSE, XTE and XTS were also fitted with electronic stability control.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , a 2009 308 hatchback with a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine – and equipped with a driver’s knee airbag (unavailable in Australia) – received a five star safety rating which included an 82 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 81 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the frontal offset impact, there was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for the front occupants. In the pole impact test, chest protection was poor. Under ANCAP’s methodology , this testing resulted in an adult occupant protection rating of 35.32 out of 37.

Features: 308 XS, XSE and XTS

Standard features for the 308 XS included 15-inch steel wheels, six speaker sound system with CD player, MP3-compatibiltiy and auxiliary input, dual zone climate control air conditioning, chilled glovebox, cruise control with speed limiter, front and rear fog lamps, split and folding rear seats with ski port, steering wheel audio controls, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, a trip computer, a 12 volt power outlet and an immobiliser.

Beyond this, the 308 XSE added 16-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The 308 XTE was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, five-disc CD stacker, panoramic sunroof with blind, fragrance diffuser, power folding mirrors, illuminated vanity mirrors for front passengers, tyre pressure monitor and an electrochromatic rear-view mirror.

The range-topping 308 XTS was distinguished by its 18-inch alloy wheels, lower ride height, dual zone climate control air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, sports seats with leather bolsters, leather steering wheel, aluminium gearshift and pedals, directional xenon headlights, front fog lamps and chrome exhaust tip.

2010 Peugeot 308 Sportium

In September 2010, the Sportium variants were released; compared to the XSE, the Sportium was distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, USB input, leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, headlight washers, aluminium pedals and door sills and sports bumpers.

Brochure

• Brochure: Peugeot T7.I 308 Hatch and 308 Touring (September 2008)

Related links

• Features: Peugeot T7.I 308 Hatch (June 2009)
• Specifications: Peugeot T7.I 308 Hatch (April 2010)

Review: Peugeot T7.II 308 hatch (2011-13)

Overview

Released in August 2011, the T7 Phase II (T7.II) 308 hatch introduced a revised range and updated styling. The 308 hatch was available with five engines, including the 1.6 e-HDi engine mated to a six-speed ‘EGC’ semi-automatic transmission – that automatic and clutchless manual modes – that would automatically shut down when stationary to conserve fuel. There were also three editions: Access, Active and Allure. The full range is given in the table below.

Compared to its T7.I predecessor, the T7.II 308 chassis made greater use of high strength steel and ‘multilayer’ reinforcements for a stronger structure (and weight reduction). Visually, the T7.II 308 hatch could be identified by its redesigned V-shaped bonnet with Peugeot badge at its tip and new smooth glass front headlights. Inside, the dashboard was sloped for greater visibility, while higher quality and soft-touch materials were more prevalent.

Safety equipment

Compared to its T7.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the T7.II 308 was extended to include electronic stability control and traction control.

Features

Standard features for the Access edition included 15-inch steel wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/USB), Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning (including glove box), cruise control (with brake function), front and rear fog lights, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, a 12 volt power outlet, cargo cover, trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Active editions were further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, daytime LED running lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, power folding mirrors and an electrochrome rear view mirror. Beyond this, the Allure added 17-inch alloy wheels, leather/cloth seat trim and a panoramic glass roof with a power-operated blind.

2013 Peugeot 308 1.6 Turbo: Style and Sportium editions

For 2013, the 1.6 Turbo variant was available in Style and Sportium editions. The Style edition was similarly equipped to the entry-level Access edition, but distinguished by its turbocharged engine.

Compared to the mid-range Active edition, the Sportium was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 R17 W tyres and satellite navigation, but omitted the rear parking sensors, power folding mirrors and electrochrome rear view mirror.

Brochure

• Brochure: Peugeot T7.II 308 Hatch and 308 Touring (May 2014)

Related links

• Specifications: Peugeot T7.II 308 (December 2013)
• Specifications: Peugeot T7.II 308 Hatch (July 2014)
• Wikipedia.org: Peugeot 308