Quite frankly, it could not go on like this. The front more and more increase and the headlights let slowly move to the A-pillar, as a concept was untenable in the long run. Now modesty is called for with smaller headlights and less grille, albeit more chrome and unexciting.

This must be compensated by the front bumper substructure and sharp lateral edges, the are ending rear in the reverse light and give this at least by the side an unusual shape. Otherwise it is completely sober with wide, against side impact protective B-pillar.

The body has 5 centimeters less height and 2.3 centimeters less length. One may wonder when other manufacturers also begin to shrink in this regard. For, if it continues like this with the growth, for example at Opel (Corsa), you will have sometime to delete a top model without replacement.

The Peugeot 308 is not ideal with its shrunken rear window and the only real remaining 6 operating elements. The former obstructs the view to the rear, the latter allowing for example a slight change of the interior temperature just via the 9.7-inch touch screen, inclined slightly to the driver's seat. There also does not help further the new name 'iCockpit'.

The smaller steering wheel and the better view of the instruments are definitely worthy of imitation, as we already know it from the 208. However, there are also some difficulties with its additional operating elements. Less to be the empty weight, whereat almost all factory specifications given in recent times a little overdo. Comprehensible are perhaps 60 instead of the promised 140 kg less. The latest trick of the manufacturers: The empty weights are not comparable because of different standard equipments.

More than sufficient are the places front and at least the luggage compartment without folding down the rear seat backrest. The 308 makes this to a worthy representative of the compact class. The chassis seems to be coped the balance between sportiness and travel comfort, only the larger petrol engine causes too little enthusiasm due to his sometimes phlegmatic acceleration despite quiet running.

Interesting, the pricing policy of the Frenchmen. They offer a relatively good standard equipment, but then allow only large, albeit rewarding jumps in the option list. Nevertheless, they are in the simple series adjusted by the equipment about 2,000 euros and in the higher price segment, even up to 4,000 euros cheaper than the Golf. There you can also enjoy the 62 LEDs in the headlights, as the can be seen in action in Figures 5 to 8. 09/13