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WEEKEND ROADTEST: Peugeot 308 Verve
publication date: Nov 21, 2009
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author/source: Robin Roberts
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The Peuget 308 is a staple of the showrooms.
Year in and year out it is one of those consistently popular models
which is remarkable because it’s unremarkable and while not doing
anything in an outstanding way it does a lot very competently.
Occasionally, Peugeot will spice up the range with the addition of
special editions and the Verve builds on the already well-specified 308
five-door hatchback, but adds key features of appeal that include as
standard; Bluetooth, 16” Izalco alloy wheels, air conditioning and
Verve badges and mats. It’s only available with the more popular 5-door
body.
It is available with a choice of the petrol VTi 95, the model tested,
or VTi 120, or diesel HDi 90 engines and paintwork in either Nera
Black, Babylon Red or Hurricane Grey.
Slipping into the Peugeot 308 Verve 5dr is like meeting an old friend
again. It is familiar but you notice the changes which have taken place
since you last saw them.
My test car had the 1.4 litre 95bhhp engine and it was a good all
rounder, but not outstanding in any respect save for its quietness. I
wondered at times if it was still running when stationary because there
was no discernable vibration or any noise and only a glance at the
tachometer confirmed it was ticking over.
The power band is fairly tight in the engine and it’s not particularly
flexible so you have to use the five-speed gearbox to make progress,
but that’s no problem as the light clutch and direct action gearchange
made selection easy.
I sometimes wished it had a sixth gear to reduce its cruising engine
note and further extend economy as its overall consumption of 34mpg was
not particularly outstanding.
The good feedback through the steering was complimented by a fairly
tight turning circle and the brakes were very strong but only needed
modest pedal pressure to bring about rapid deceleration. The handbrake
held it securely on a test slope.
I found the secondary controls were straightforward and well placed
around the column or on the fascia while the very stylish instruments’
pack was clear and well marked. Heating and ventilation was elementary
and it worked very well throughout the cabin.
Oddments provision was good for a family car with large compartments
throughout and the boot was also generous behind the fifth door and
modest sill. Seats folded 60/40 and capacity was a maximum 1400 litres
from a nominal 347 litres with the seats in use.
Access to boot and cabin was very good and the seats are particularly comfortable and supporting.
The doors had a good opening range and the room inside was good for
four, a squeeze for five, while the front seats had a reasonable but
not remarkable adjustment range. Visibility was good throughout the car
with particularly good front wipers, less impressive rear wiper, bright
lights and big windows.
With only a modest amount of power there is little chance of you
getting into trouble but you have to carefully judge overtaking and the
handling is very safe, even boring at times.
Roadholding produces a tendency to run wide on tight corners but lift off the throttle and it comes gently back on course.
The Peugeot 308 ride is very good over nearly all surfaces. Some bumps
taken slowly can jiggle the car by a surprising amount but at speed it
covers the same road with greater composure.
While the Peugeot 308 with the 95bhp engine is not going to set your
world alight, it will give you a warm glow of satisfaction with its
all-round friendliness. ©Robin Roberts |
FACT FILE Peugeot 308 95hp Verve 5 dr £15,745 | |
| Powertrain: 4cyl 1.4 95bhp, 5sp | | Insurance: Six | | Performance: 114mph, 0-62mph 14.3sec | | Fuel: 44mpg | | Running cost: 39ppm | | Emissions/ BIK: 155gkm/ 19pc | | Retained value: 34pc | | Warranty: 3yrs/ 60K |
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