Tag Archives: hatchback

Family hatchback, Peugeot

Peugeot raises the bar with 308

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Peugeot 308 Allure

By Bill McCarthy

Peugeot has always been able to deliver when it comes stylish-looking vehicles. The 308 has always been a strong performer in its hugely competitive segment. It has evolved since it was launched in 2007 and remained one of the better looking cars in its segment.

The latest version however is a dramatic leap forward in terms of style and road presence with some stunning new colours to boot. Trim levels include Active Premium, Allure, Allure Premium, GT and GT Premium.

It is a dramatic makeover, and now features a new lion’s head badge to front and rear, (which house the radar sensors used by the autonomous driving aids) for a sleeker look.

It is also packed with state-of-the-art communications and safety kit which flashes up warnings to drivers of impending possible dangers.

Now 55mm longer, it sits 20mm lower than the previous model, which delivers that dynamic and aerodynamic shape. 

The front features a deep grille at the end of a longer, dramatically swooping bonnet, with a clever configuration of daytime running lights among the front light clusters.

The rear is just as impressive with LEDs retaining the familiar cat’s claw style for the rear lamps.

In addition, there is a lower bumper gloss black trim, while the exhaust has twin chrome surrounds

Overall, the lower profile means the vehicle now has a more slippery shape, while tinted rear glass and smart new alloys add a touch of class to the all round appearance.

The interior has also had a major upgrade with the firm’s next-generation i-Cockpit interior with the now familiar compact multi function steering wheel.

Fixtures and fittings are high quality with controls and switchgear logically placed.

Front and centre is the 10-inch touchscreen that houses the i-Connect infotainment system which can be activated by voice commands and controls radio, navigation smartphone connectivity. Navigation includes TomTom Live updates and speed camera alerts and a clever feature is the i-Toggle feature that allows owners to set personalised shortcut keys for functions such as climate, navigation or music favourites.

There are a range of engine options including two plug in hybrids, a diesel, yes diesel, and the 1.2 litre three cylinder petrol engine powering this test car.

The 130bhp available provides plenty of urge and delivers the familiar raspy sound from the three pot engine under acceleration.

 Is lively enough, hitting 60mph in under 10 seconds and, mated with an eight speed auto box, delivers seamless shifts and decent economy of up to 50mpg, depending on how it is driven.

Drive modes Eco, Normal and Sport can be selected, depending on whether you’re looking for economy or performance.

Handling and ride are good. The 308 has always had good handling manners and the newcomer is no different, feeling well planted on corners, while the ride keeps occupants comfortable while  the suspension works hard to soak up the worst lumps and potholes.

Boot space is competitive within its segment offering 412 litres of space, opening up with the rear seats folded to a substantial 1,323 litres. As ever the split  rear seats open up at the touch of a button.

Safety is key with all models and the new model delivers plenty with  a number of key safety and driver assistance technologies, including stability control, full set of airbags, active safety brake with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane assist, programmable cruise control and speed limiter and those driver attention alert.

FAST FACTS

Peugeot 308 Allure Premium 1.2L PureTech

Price: £28,825

Mechanical: 265PS, 1199cc, three-cylinder, turbo charged petrol engine driving front wheels via eight speed auto box

Max Speed: 130mph

0-62mph: 9.7 seconds

Combined MPG: 43-52

Insurance Group: 19E

C02 emissions: 129g/km

Bik rating: 30%

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

Crossover, DS, electric

Striking DS delivers on quality

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DS3 Crosback E-Tense

By Bill McCarthy

The decision to split off DS from parent brand Citroen looks to be paying off. Striking designs are the key and while you pay a premium price for the upmarket models you get unique styling, high end interior quality and a range of efficient engines.

And of course, the electric version, the E-Tense driven here.

The first 100 per cent electric model in the DS Automobiles, on sale since 2019, now has a claimed range of 212 miles according to the WLTP combined cycle, an increase of nearly seven per cent.

The car is powered by a 136bhp combination of 100kW electric motor powered by a 50kWh battery.

As with all electric vehicles, the trick is convincing drivers not to suffer from range anxiety.

That was tested to the full during a challenging drive during foul conditions on the motorway, where an admittedly not scientific estimate put it nearer 120 miles. However those were pretty extreme conditions and driving under normal circumstances, the range, again not a scientific estimate, was nearer 180 miles, even thought driver at higher speeds.

To mitigate range fears, the E-Tense can be topped up to 80 per send battery capacity in 30 minutes on the fastest chargers usually found on motorway services.

A charge will take nearer five hours with 11kW domestic fast charger, or eight hours with a 7kW unit.

The DS brand’s efforts to distinguish itself as the more luxury arm of Citroen are working if this firecrackers is anything to go by.

Visually outstanding, both inside and out, for a hatcback/SUV/crossover has a premium brand feel to the interior.

Like its DS predecessors it has a kind of quirky elegance that set it out from the crowd.

The front end features the “DS wings” grille, flanked by the LED matrix headlights on this model and vertical daytime running lights and 18-inch diamond cut ally’s

Another clever touch are the flush door handles, which pop out when the door is unlocked via keyless entry and settle back into place when the door is closed. 

The interior features a jewel-like theme, with diamond-shaped controls on dash and seven-inchcentre console which controls infotainment, connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and navigation where specified

The whole interior feels luxurious with soft touch finish throughout and in this case Nappa leather seats with pearl stitching and suede type finish.

Head and legroom are surprisingly good in the front although tighter for rear seat passengers. Everything feels well engineered and screwed together. 

Boot space is pretty good with 350 litres expanding 1,050 litres with the seats folded, giving really usable stowage space..

On the road, an electric motor whisks the car to 60mph in a lively 8.7 seconds. Not the quickest, but plenty fast enough for the majority, who will be more concerned with range than blistering performance. More importantly perhaps, it will hit 30mph in just over three seconds, ideal around town.

The handling is decent with a comfortable ride while the steering has a positive feel.

All models are well equipped. Goodies on this model include eight speaker sound system, Bluetooth® handsfree and media streaming with USB socket, multi-function on-board trip computer and a 3D navigation system, plus a host of safety kit and driver aids including head up display, assisted parking.

This is one of the best looking cars around with an exceptional interior. Starting at just over £31,500 OTR (including the government plug-in grant), prices are competitive as well with good standard equipment.

Factfile

DS3 Crossback E-Tense Ultimate Prestige

Price: £38,600

Mechanical: 136PS electric motor driving rear wheels via single speed transmission

Max speed: 93 mph

0-62mph: 8.7 secs

Range: 217 miles

Insurance group: 30

CO2 emissions: 0 g/km 

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles