Time flies. I could still recall that I was somehow smitten by an early version of this Pug 308 turbo some two years ago. Though it had only 4-speed auto, the road holding and handling were sweet, albeit ride was a little firm. The value-for-money buy (at RM112k) had even gone on to handsomely win the 2009 Car of the Year title from New Straits Times (NST) .
All manufacturers improvise on their cars as years go by. The 'new' 308 turbo is no exception. The sampler that you see in white here has gained a Japanese slush 'box good for six forward ratios. All for the better, lower emissions and more importantly, better fuel economy. Admittedly, it is very smooth on the go now and the car tested licked 190 km/h with ease and the twin-scrolled blower found in this 1.6 engine is quite the lag-free deal, in the vein of BMW turbocharging these days . After all, it is a J-V offspring from BMW-Peugeot union.
However, in its quest for a more fancy panoramic roof (read: heavy), this Pug seems to have a more jello-wobbly suspension setting now, perhaps to offset the added higher mass, suspended above. This warm hatch now rolls, pitch and get busily wobbly with almost every bit of your steering input. Grip levels from those pricey Conti rubbers are still admirably good. Even the rack itself is overtly sensitive, even with input just that wee-bit off-centre.
In short, somehow, the whole package just don't gel. Not anymore. Not when even the driver gets carsick easily. And what's with the noisy A/C blower at full blast and neither hot-nor-cold mostly, climate control? Maybe I am being a bit harsh here with the steeply rake huge front windscreen and glass panoramic roof being untinted yet, in a new car. But it gets uncomfortably hot easily in this 308 with the A/C being stuffy or overwhelmingly noisy most of the time.
Hey, where's the nice good 'ol white face meters? The new "mono-chromed" amber on black is just cheaper-looking and a bore to look at. A lame attempt to mimic BMW items if that was the true intention.
After a few days with it, I have to admit that the latest 308 turbo isn't as desirable as before, not in this latest guise anyway. But it cannot be denied that the sticker price of RM118k is indeed still very tempting against the similarly-classed (RM156k) VW Golf 1.4 TSI. Such is the reality. A cheaper and slightly smaller VW Polo perhaps...anyone?
You may be compare this article with this:
Peugeot 308 Turbo tested (2009)
Luxury Peugeot Expert Tepee On The Road
White Peugeot Expert Tepee With Different Model
Peugeot Expert Tepee From Side
For something with its roots in the commercial world the Expert Tepee proves to be an easy vehicle to drive. The car-like driving position is a refreshing change, while all-round visibility is very good. The car-like controls ensure fatigue on long journeys is non-existent, while ride quality is more than acceptable - especially when the vehicle is empty. And despite its size, the Expert Tepee is easy to manoeuvre around town so long as you're aware of car park height restrictions. Predictably, diesel power is way to go, and the 120 horsepower unit strikes a good balance between performance and economy.
Life for the driver is straightforward, as the main controls are familiar Peugeot items. Clear, easy to read displays are matched by solid controls. The high level gearlever makes life easy, and where fitted the sat-nav display is right in the driver's eye line.
Despite being a large vehicle with its roots firmly in the commercial world, the Expert Tepee a surprisingly comfortable. As with all modern Peugeot's, the individual seats are comfortable and supportive. Cabin space is not an issue, so there's no chance of bumping elbows. And on the move the Expert Tepee is reasonably refined. Yes you can hear the engine, but it's never intrusive.
The standard fir unit works well and delivers a pleasing sound. For business use this is probably all you'll need. Certainly, justifying anything more expensive could be difficult. That said, the high-end sat-nav system is a good one. Boasting a big colour display, easy to use controls and quick route guidance, it might prove useful for anyone routinely working in unfamiliar territory.
