Peugeot’s all-new 308 comes with a cracking new top-shelf turbo diesel, writes Byron Mathioudakis.

Another new month, another new diesel: Is this one any good?

It’d better be, since the 308 must compete against tough acts like the VW Golf. The good news is it’s a surprisingly impressive small car, thanks mainly to one of the smoothest, cleanest and most refined diesel engines around. Coupled to a six-speed gearbox, it oozes class, offering instant acceleration, powerful overtaking capabilities and outstanding fuel economy; and all without sounding like a bag of bolts. But it will cost you, with prices for the 2.0-litre HDi kicking off from $33,590. Ouch!

What’s the cabin like? Recent Peugeot quality has been dodgier than Madonna and Guy Richie’s marriage.

Guess what? A French Revolution has taken place in the 308, with a solid, quality-feel dashboard that’s as easy on the eye as it is to use. Plus there’s comfy seating for five, the availability of high-tech toys like sat-nav and Bluetooth connectivity, and a quiet, cocooning ambience. Audi has better look out!

But is it as fun to drive as Peugeots used to be?

Sadly, no. If you know the 205 or 306 then the 308 will feel all serious and grown-up.

But those old-timer Peugeots were a little like trade – sexy and fun for a bit, but not especially dependable. This car, though, with its five-star crash safety and surefooted handling, is the sort of car you’d take home to meet mum and dad. And, boy, they’ll soon take a shine to it.

OK, so what are the bad points?

Well, as this Peugeot has been working out at the gym, it means that what was once a supple suspension system has now turned a little hard. That old cliché about French cars having a sofa-soft ride doesn’t apply here. And while we’re whinging, the ‘glovebox’ is extremely small, the wipers are a little slow on the uptake, and – like most modern cars – rear vision is hampered by those thick pillars.

Your Peugeot 308 verdict then please…

Peugeot has set out to create a more ‘premium’ small car than the old 307, and – with the 2.0-litre HDi models – has succeeded brilliantly. So while the asking price is high, the 308 makes a value-packed alternative to an Audi A3 or BMW 1 Series. And for this, we say très bien!

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