Vehicle: 2009 Peugeot 308 Premium
Price as tested: HK$199800
Performnace: Unlike its 307 predecessor, 308 is motivated by a joint-venture powertrain with BMW/Mini Group. Although both the Mini Cooper and 308 share the same engine fundamental, there are more than enough components different enough between these 2 marques. Everything from cams to exhaust are all exclusive Peugeot engineered components. In 308′s guise, this 1.6 liter 4-cylinder high-pressure turbocharged motor with DOHC and 16-valve is good for 140 horses and 152 lb/ft of torque. If you want more performance from the same motor, there is always the Feline with 175hp and 185 lb/ft of torque matched with excellent 6-speed manual gearbox. Our tester is the 140hp version with 4-speed Tiptronic manumatic. It got the same level of engine refinement, quality and smoothness as we have experienced with the Mini. While 140hp is nothing special in this class of hatchback which usually have 150hp or above, as the class-leading Golf 2.0FSI already got 150hp with 5-speed Tiptronic. Its 152 lb/ft of torque is more than make up in 308′s case. The best of all, Peugeot is able to engineered a fun powertrain without losing the rev-happy nature. The high-pressure turbo also have spool up quickly without those nasty turbo lag once associates with small displacement high-pressure turbo variety. Although the 4-speed Tiptronic has low enough gear ratios for peppy acceleration, we wish Peugeot would add an extra gear for less buzzy highway cruising. The 4th gear just isn’t tall enough for more relaxed highway cruising. However, this gearbox already a giant leap forward over all Peugeot auto box in the past as it always found the right gear at the right time. Its the gearbox that Peugeot has been crying out for in day 1.
Handling: Peugeot chassis has always been known for its amazing level of stiffness and rigidty. This 308 has taken it to another new height. When it comes to balancing ride comfort and driving dynamics, 308 is as good as any Peugeot with a twist. With our Premium version, they have given it a softer suspension than the more sports-oriented Feline version. Even though its softer, it doesn’t mean it has lost Peugeot hatchback’s agile character. It just means a softer ride with as much suppleness dials into its suspension setting. While there are more body rolls and understeer than any Peugeots in the past, also lost traditional French hot hatch’s lift-throttle oversteer. It doesn’t mean it isn’t as fun-to-drive as those, its just more civilized and easier to control for most drivers especially with the standard ESP. The steering continues Peugeot tradition of progressive feedback and amazing precision. ESP only steps in necessarily. The most importantly, 308 has brought Peugeot into a more mainstream status than all of its predecessors in the past.
Brakes: With 4-wheel discs, standard ABS and brake force distribution. 308 retains Peugeot’s tradition of excellent pedal feel and modulation. The stopping distance is short while ABS acts at the right time at the right place, without unwanted intervention. The brake assist doesn’t grab driver’s leg with unwanted pressure.
Interior: 308′s use of materials are refreshing change from Peugeots in the past. Peugeot interiors used to have cheap plastic materials and blend design. 308 has competitive interior materials and proper fit-and-finish. The use of tasteful aluminum trim has given it a more cheerful face than its 307 predecessor. The leather seats are comfortable, with all the supports around the right places. Instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. The whole interior has been very well-designed. 
The rear space has enough head and legrooms. In the 307, you have to squeeze 3 persons into the back. In the 308, it can finally seat 3 persons comfortably.
At the back of the 308. Its not only got a low trunk liftover and wide side sills, 50/50 split fold-down rear seats also added extra versatility. If you find hatchback just isn’t enough, there is always a 308SW waiting for you. Both the hatchback and SW also have much-needed rear wash/wiper for visibility.
Conclusion: Peugeot has done an excellent job on updating its 300 series hatchback. The 308 has got more power, more civilized handling for the masses and an interior that it has been crying out for since the early days of 306. All have done without losing the fun character of Peugeot hatchbacks.
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Peugeot 308
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 3/5
Overall rating: 4/5