Peugeot 308: A Stylish Hatchback Filled with European-Style Practicality [Star Test Drive]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Star One-Line Review

A Peugeot hatchback that combines good style with practicality, a true hatchback...

Good

- Exceptional push-through feel in the practical speed range from 30 km/h to 120 km/h

- It is definitely a car that feels different from others

Bad

- Bumpy ride quality and pricing that has lost its purpose

- A dashboard that seems obsessed with its own aesthetics, and HYBRID technology that is far removed from smartness

Competitor

- Mini Cooper: A car good at stimulating women's hearts

- Volkswagen Golf: The car everyone compares it to

The Peugeot 308 is the brand's representative model. This is because the practicality and innovative design of the 308th align directly with the essence of the Peugeot brand. In Korea, however, this car particularly excels in its "design." Last year, it was recognized as "Design of the Year" by the Korea Automotive Journalists Association, and nearly all buyers cited design as their primary reason for choosing the car over practical purposes. However, looking at sales figures, there is still a long way to go.

The Peugeot 308, which has established itself as a leader in Europe, remains unfamiliar domestically, but the potential of the 308th is considerable. This Peugeot 308 debuted last year and adopts a mild hybrid system called "Smart HYBRID." In particular, Peugeot, unlike most automakers, divides electrification levels into six stages, ranging from "Micro HYBRID," which features a stop-and-start system, to BEVs that run solely on electricity. The Peugeot 308 Smart HYBRID tested this time can be considered roughly at level 2 of Peugeot's electrification scale.

Personally, I did not feel a strong emotional connection to the design, but it certainly draws attention on the street. People looking at the car often commented that it was a "cool car." Upon closer inspection, the front and rear lamps are quite harmonious in design, and areas within reach have been ergonomically refined for cleanliness. The highlight of the Peugeot 308 is its interior. Based on the design concept of a fighter jet cockpit, it incorporates functionality as an automobile. Sitting in the driver's seat offers an unobstructed view, neatly dispelling concerns often associated with compact hatchbacks. Additionally, the side mirror configuration, which minimizes blind spots, fully demonstrates Peugeot's practical side.

The seats are particularly impressive. Parts that bend frequently and require durability are made of fabric, while areas where the body makes contact use leather, creating a unique Peugeot impression. The second row cannot be considered spacious, but it has not been left as useless space. The window space is well-positioned to prevent a cramped feeling, and the seat angle is set at a stable recline even for long-distance travel.

The trunk capacity is 412 liters, which is much larger than that of the Volkswagen Golf or Mini Cooper. Folding down the second row requires only the press of a single button, making it impeccable in terms of practicality. The lack of an electric trunk is a pity, but it is an acceptable point considering the car's class.

The Driving Performance of the Peugeot 308 with Clear Strengths and Weaknesses

Structurally, the 308th Smart HYBRID combines a three-cylinder 1.2L Puretech engine, an e-DCS6 transmission, and a 48V lithium-ion battery to produce a total output of 145 horsepower. For Peugeot models, peak power figures are not very important. Instead, they place greater emphasis on when drivers can actually utilize the output in real-world situations. As a result, the car's ability to push forward is exceptionally excellent from approximately 30-40 km/h onwards. It effectively delivers usable output from this range. The problem lies before that point. The engine and a small electric motor share the power to propel the car, and it takes some time to get used to this feel. The price of adaptation is fuel efficiency. While the combined fuel economy is 15.2 km/l, the actual fuel economy is much higher. Despite aggressive acceleration and deceleration during the test drive, I recorded 18 km/l on the dashboard over two days.

Typically, European-style hatchbacks are praised for their firm ride quality and steering wheels that fit perfectly in the hand, resulting in excellent handling. The Peugeot 308 is a typical model of this evaluation; in other words, it is a quintessential European car. Here, Peugeot adds its unique appeal of "lightweighting." In terms of materials and engineering, the Peugeot brand adopts this lightweighting keyword as a fundamental philosophy throughout the entire development process. Consequently, the e-DCS6 transmission in the Peugeot 308 was designed with an integrated layout within the gearbox. The fact that the battery, which poses no risk of electric shock due to its capacity, does not require special safety devices and thus has little impact on curb weight can also be seen as evidence of this.

The features Peugeot took time to explain—namely, "e-Creeping," which allows low-speed driving in electric mode simply by releasing the brake; "e-Launch," which accelerates using only the electric motor when starting from a stop; "e-Queuing," which enables low-speed movement using only the electric motor in traffic jams; and "e-Parking," which allows precise control with the electric motor in 1st or 2nd gear while parking—were tried multiple times during the test drive, but they did not evoke much excitement. They seemed to function in areas difficult for the driver to perceive.

However, the acceleration of this car is still thrilling enough to make one's palms sweat. It may feel slightly sluggish at low speeds, but once the engine adds power and the car reaches a certain speed, the driving fun unique to the Peugeot 308 comes alive. The car can be easily pulled up to considerable high speeds, and handling in corners responds pleasantly, engaging with the driver. It was sufficient to deliver the refreshing taste of driving down the road with a sense of joy. It demonstrated driving performance beyond what is expected from a hatchback with less than 150 horsepower.

European-style hatchbacks are cars that have compromised in various ways to meet everyday demands after many car shapes emerged. However, I think the one thing they have not yielded on until the very end is this "sharp handling." To that extent, the Peugeot 308 felt like a fun car to drive. And I believe that this single element of enjoyment alone is a sufficient reason to choose this car.

The Peugeot 308 remains a niche imported car. It has been unable to break free from this label for several years. And unfortunately, the situation seems to be getting increasingly difficult. However, the car's fundamental abilities in driving, turning, and stopping, its lightweight engineering, and its French hatchback design seem to stand out more as time passes.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original