1.2 Puretech 130 Active Start+Stop 5dr Hatchback

An Underrated Stunner.

This is about used cars: I've owned many European cars, most recently a VW Polo, which is an all round good car - apart from the DSG gearbox (VAG should have recalled that transmission, it's notoriously problematic and mine was too) and I test drove used Citroen C4s and DS4s - awful jerky transmissions again. And the (2014) Golf, which had the same double clutch inconsistencies as the Polo. The Alfa Romeo Giulietta (2012) I drove was stunning, but loose interior quality and no rorty sound like my older Alfas and poor load space ruled that out. I was about to go Japanese or Korean, till I drove the 308: Active - 1.2L, 3-cylinder, 130BHP, auto. Finally a 'normal' auto without the jerkiness or shudder. Total deal breaker for me. It's not perfect but it's dependable. My VW DSG transmissions would always change down way too early downhill, and aforementioned shudder uphill. Not the Peugeot. The Aisin unit just works. I'm so glad Peugeot didn't get complicated and just outsourced the gearbox. So many good cars/engines have been let down by fancy transmissions. And VW is the worst offender.

The 308 also happens to have the most sublime chassis I've ever driven. It's rock solid and although not as sporty as a Golf, makes it up in spades with its beautifully smooth ride in town and on the highway. It will swing a little in corners if you drive it hard, but wow - what an all round superb drive. I haven't bought a Peugeot since the 504, because they'd lost the plot since. But they have nailed the 308 Mark II. And Giles Vidal has crafted an understated yet sporty exterior which next to my mate's Golf simply looks better. And the interior is outstanding. Yes - it took me a while to navigate the touchscreen, but ignore the car reviewers, it soon becomes second nature. And the aluminium touches and general minimalism of the interior actually makes you focus less on the screen and more on driving.

The three cylinder engine, and I was very suspicious, is awesome. How Peugeot has managed 130BHP from this unit is impressive. Press the Sport button and you get a rorty tone and a relative transformation of the car's dynamic. It's fun. And I'm getting combined 6.2L/100kms.

The steering wheel is a work of art, and I love the go-cart feel. It's wonderfully light in town and spins in your hand on the highway. Standard led lights below the wing mirrors when you unlock the car to help you in the dark, the wonderfully comfortable seats and a screen that tells you when you whenever you have changed a function - and there are many custom functions - add to make the car feel like it's yours, and not some robot you have no control over.

I highly recommend the 308. It's a beauty and just being inside it makes me feel like I ended up with a mate and not just a vehicle.

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