The Bill Clinton line from the 1992 presidential campaign "it's the economy stupid" come very much to mind when it came to this test review.
The Peugeot 308 already holds the world record of the most fuel-efficient mainstream car currently on production. It recorded a final average fuel consumption figure of only 3.13 litres per 100km or 90.75 mpg, over a distance of 14,580 kilometres (9,060 miles ).
But that was controlled driving and not many of us have the patience for that in our busy lives. So when I was driving the Peugeot 308 Ecomatique, it was clear to me that economy is still the bottom line when it comes to the reason for the existence of this new model. But at its core, the story is also about the new six-speed MCP gearbox.
It is a pretty ingenious electronically controlled six-speed manual-piloted unit, which removes the need for a clutch pedal, providing a genuine alternative to a traditional manual gearbox.
It has finger operated Formula 1 style paddle shifts behind the steering wheel. ou also have the conventional centre floor-mounted auto gearshift, which offers drivers the option of a regular automatic transmission or sequential change. Such variety means that once you get acclimatised to the system, you should satisfy both manual gearshift fans with this six-speed electronically-controlled manual box, while giving them the significant option of stress-free driving provided by automatic gear changes.
Peugeot claims the Ecomatique reduces fuel consumption by a significant 12 per cent compared to a similar 308 with the standard manual six-speed gearbox married to the same1.6 litre HDi 110 bhp diesel engine. The Ecomatique has a combined cycle return of 63mpg (or 4.5 litre per 100km ) compared to 55mpg (or 5.1l/100km ) in the version with the standard transmission.
Then there are the other economies, where you make savings on the purchase price and help reduce the harm that CO2 emissions have on the environment. The figure for the Ecomatique is 120g/km, which compares with 134g/km in the similar 308 with a standard gearbox. In addition to the environmental benefits (I leave that to the Green lobby ), the 120 figure just gets the Ecomatique into Band A or the lowest annual road tax of €104 per annum. Our aforementioned standard 308 with manual transmission is in Band B with yearly road tax of €156.
It also attracts higher Vehicle Registration Tax rate of 16 per cent, compared with 14 per cent in the case of the Ecomatique. This results in significant savings the day you buy - with the price-tag for the Ecomatique at €24,256, which is €1,807 below the price of the standard manual version. Now consider that usually automatic transmissions would cost you a hefty premium over the manual version, and you can see the excellent value that the 308 Ecomatique presents.
There is additional good news for drivers in other segments too because Peugeot tells me its Ecomatique system is more than €1,000 less expensive to produce than their other automatic systems. Plus you get the bonus of built-in electronic control system software using the latest-generation electro-hydraulic actuators. The system can study the driving pattern of the driver and then configures to provide the best drive.
Now that brings me neatly to my driving experiences. First of all, this test reminded me how good a car the 308 really is, and equally the case with the 1.6 HDi diesel unit. However, I can see how the new Ecomatique system will provide a headache for sales men on short test drives. It took me a good 100 miles before I got the level of gear-change smoothness that I was happy with. However, when I got there, it was great. The cabin is well insulated and very comfortable and functional.
The Ecomatique has EBFD/brake assist (with the ABS ) and multiple airbags, but alas no ESP in the safety spec. It has manual air conditioning, body coloured door handles and mirrors, and front fog lights as standard.
The Ecomatique gives a good automatic driving experience without the penalty of higher CO2 emissions and related higher taxation. It is technologically advanced and represents excellent value for money.
The Bill Clinton line from the 1992 presidential campaign "it's the economy stupid" come very much to mind when it came to this test review.
The Peugeot 308 already holds the world record of the most fuel-efficient mainstream car currently on production. It recorded a final average fuel consumption figure of only 3.13 litres per 100km or 90.75 mpg, over a distance of 14,580 kilometres (9,060 miles ).
But that was controlled driving and not many of us have the patience for that in our busy lives. So when I was driving the Peugeot 308 Ecomatique, it was clear to me that economy is still the bottom line when it comes to the reason for the existence of this new model. But at its core, the story is also about the new six-speed MCP gearbox.
It is a pretty ingenious electronically controlled six-speed manual-piloted unit, which removes the need for a clutch pedal, providing a genuine alternative to a traditional manual gearbox.
It has finger operated Formula 1 style paddle shifts behind the steering wheel. ou also have the conventional centre floor-mounted auto gearshift, which offers drivers the option of a regular automatic transmission or sequential change. Such variety means that once you get acclimatised to the system, you should satisfy both manual gearshift fans with this six-speed electronically-controlled manual box, while giving them the significant option of stress-free driving provided by automatic gear changes.
Peugeot claims the Ecomatique reduces fuel consumption by a significant 12 per cent compared to a similar 308 with the standard manual six-speed gearbox married to the same1.6 litre HDi 110 bhp diesel engine. The Ecomatique has a combined cycle return of 63mpg (or 4.5 litre per 100km ) compared to 55mpg (or 5.1l/100km ) in the version with the standard transmission.
Then there are the other economies, where you make savings on the purchase price and help reduce the harm that CO2 emissions have on the environment. The figure for the Ecomatique is 120g/km, which compares with 134g/km in the similar 308 with a standard gearbox. In addition to the environmental benefits (I leave that to the Green lobby ), the 120 figure just gets the Ecomatique into Band A or the lowest annual road tax of €104 per annum. Our aforementioned standard 308 with manual transmission is in Band B with yearly road tax of €156.
It also attracts higher Vehicle Registration Tax rate of 16 per cent, compared with 14 per cent in the case of the Ecomatique. This results in significant savings the day you buy - with the price-tag for the Ecomatique at €24,256, which is €1,807 below the price of the standard manual version. Now consider that usually automatic transmissions would cost you a hefty premium over the manual version, and you can see the excellent value that the 308 Ecomatique presents.
There is additional good news for drivers in other segments too because Peugeot tells me its Ecomatique system is more than €1,000 less expensive to produce than their other automatic systems. Plus you get the bonus of built-in electronic control system software using the latest-generation electro-hydraulic actuators. The system can study the driving pattern of the driver and then configures to provide the best drive.
Now that brings me neatly to my driving experiences. First of all, this test reminded me how good a car the 308 really is, and equally the case with the 1.6 HDi diesel unit. However, I can see how the new Ecomatique system will provide a headache for sales men on short test drives. It took me a good 100 miles before I got the level of gear-change smoothness that I was happy with. However, when I got there, it was great. The cabin is well insulated and very comfortable and functional.
The Ecomatique has EBFD/brake assist (with the ABS ) and multiple airbags, but alas no ESP in the safety spec. It has manual air conditioning, body coloured door handles and mirrors, and front fog lights as standard.
The Ecomatique gives a good automatic driving experience without the penalty of higher CO2 emissions and related higher taxation. It is technologically advanced and represents excellent value for money.
Peugeot 308 Ecomatique
Performance:
Cubic capacity (cc ): 1560
Bhp/rpm: 110 bhp @ 4000 rpm
0 - 100km/sec (0 - 62mph/sec ): 11.3
Efficiency:
Fuel type: Diesel
Fuel consumption
combined cycle - L/100km (mpg ): 4.5 (63 mpg )
CO2 emissions combined G/km: 120
Tax band: €100
Warranty:
Costs:
Metallic paint: €419
Annual road tax: €104
Entry level price (ex works ): €24,256
Safety:
Euro NCAP rating 5 Stars
Air bags: 6 airbags
ESP (equivalent ): No
Other options: Citroen C4, Fiat Bravo, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai i30, Kia cee'd, Mazda3, Nissan Tiida, Opel Astra, Renault Megane, Seat Leon, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Auris, and the Volkswagen Golf.
