Peugeot recently staged a ride and drive event to highlight the features of the latest version of the 308. Held at the hinterlands of Tagaytay, the 308 is acknowledged as one of the best sellers of the brand. Glen Dasig, the dashing president of Peugeot Philippines, says design engineers have created a product that defines driving sensations.
“It embodies everything we stand for as a company, with the striking design, uncompromised quality and driving capabilities that truly ignite your senses. We believe the Peugeot 308 is a strong offering for our growing market,” says Dasig.
After it’s launch in 2015, the 308 with its sleek design, driving dynamics and fuel efficiency has carved itself a profitable niche in a small, yet highly competitive domestic market. This French hatchback has earned praise for its insane frugality in consuming fuel, passenger space and comfort; and ease of driving despite of its heft. The exterior design of the Peugeot 308 speaks of understated elegance and athleticism. The front is dominated by an evolutionary reinterpretation of the brand’s “floating” front grille, and a strong lighting signature. The slim full LED headlamps, a world first in the segment, comes standard in all trim levels.
Peugeot’s day long event offered the motoring media real-time feedback about the 308’s overall performance. The slow traffic to Tagaytay made us appreciate the interiors, which is both modern and refined. The centerpiece of which is the i-Cockpit® –a cabin concept that enhances driving sensations. The i-Cockpit® offers a compact steering wheel that provides agile maneuverability and ease of movement, a head-up display for easier and safer access of information, and a 9.7-inch touchscreen interface that brings together the vehicle’s various controls in an intuitive layout.
Complementing the look and feel of the cabin are instrument panels that pay tribute to high quality craftsmanship using satin chrome, gloss black finishers, and finely-chiseled needles that reflect the careful attention to detail.“The i-Cockpit® gives a unique statement in automotive design. It combines minimalist aesthetics with robust functionalities to make the driver’s every movement fluid and organic. This adds to the refined and elegant styling of the Peugeot 308,” states Dasig.
Once we exited the Sta Rosa tollway, the long straights, twisty and ever changing terrain allowed us to squeeze out every inch of power from the 1.6 THP Blue HDi diesel engine.