Used 2012 Peugeot 308 Hatchback Review & Ratings

The 308 is a small to medium sized family hatchback produced by Peugeot, which was initially launched in mid 2007. What was especially significant about the Peugeot 308 Hatchback was that it was the first model to be launched as part of the X08 generation that was to ease the French Auto giant into the 21st century.

The three or five door Peugeot 308 Hatchback was brought in as a replacement for the soon to be discontinued 307 model, which had been around since the beginning of the millennium.

The Series Two 308 launched at the Geneva Motor Show in late 2011 with LED headlights being added to a revamped front end, in keeping with Peugeot's new rounder and sturdier look. The car now boasts a new back matt grille, oversized LED headlights, sleeker front and rear bumpers, chrome embellishments all around finished off by LED rear lights creating an overall impression in keeping with the round and robust look that Peugeot are currently stamping on all of their models.

The Peugeot 308 Hatchback draws its power from a choice of four petrol driven engines- the starting level 1.4 liter 97 horsepower followed by a 1.6 liter 180 horsepower, with a 154 horsepower motor next in line and topped by a 197 horsepower engine. There are also four diesel engined HDi direct injection technology configurations available for the 308, kicking off with a 1.6 liter 91 horsepower engine , trailing a 1.6 liter 161 horsepower as well as two 2.0 liter diesel engines, either 148 horsepower or 161 horsepower. All of the 308's engines, petrol or diesel, come paired with manual transmission as standard apart from the 1.6 liter 161 horse-powered versions that come with automatic transmission.

To ensure as smooth a ride as possible Peugeot have fitted the 308 Hatchback with Macpherson strut front and torsion beam suspension for the rear backed up by a front and rear stabilizer bar, designed to strike a effective balance.

There is no doubt that the 308 Hatchback hasn't wandered far away from the 307 in terms of overall styling, although it is just that little bit bigger and therefore more spacey inside. At 168.3 inches long by 71.5 inches wide, the Peugeot 308 Hatchback will seat three back seat passengers, each on individual seats offering more than enough leg room. Carrying luggage will certainly be less of a problem as the 308 comes with around 25 cubic feet of space with the back seats up. However with them folded, which can be done with the click of a button or two, then a considerable70 cube becomes available.