The Peugeot 308 I (Phase I) is a compact family car produced by the French manufacturer Peugeot from 2007 to 2010. Representing the first generation of the 308 model, it succeeded the Peugeot 307, offering a more refined and modern package. Positioned as a competitor to vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Opel Astra, the 308 aimed to provide a blend of practicality, comfort, and style. This particular variant features a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine paired with an automatic transmission, making it a popular choice for drivers seeking a balance between performance and convenience. While not initially sold in significant numbers in the United States, the 308 represents Peugeot’s commitment to building competitive vehicles for the European market.
Peugeot 308 I (Phase I): Overview and Market Position
The 308 marked a significant step forward for Peugeot in terms of design and engineering. It moved away from the more rounded styling of the 307, adopting a sharper, more angular aesthetic. The Phase I models, produced between 2007 and 2010, established the 308’s core characteristics. In Europe, the 308 quickly gained recognition for its comfortable ride, well-appointed interior, and relatively efficient engines. The availability of both hatchback and estate (wagon) body styles further broadened its appeal. The 1.6 THP engine, in particular, was lauded for its responsiveness and fuel economy, making it a key selling point for the model.
Engine & Performance
The heart of this 308 variant is the 1.6-liter 16V THP (Turbo High Pressure) inline-four cylinder petrol engine. This engine, designated 5FX EP6DT, produces 150 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque at 1600 rpm. The direct injection and turbocharging technologies contribute to both its power output and efficiency. The engine’s specific output is 93.9 horsepower per liter, a respectable figure for its time. Paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, the 308 achieves a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10.2 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 9.7 seconds. Its maximum speed is rated at 202 km/h (125.52 mph). Fuel economy is rated at 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg) combined, with 11.4 l/100 km (20.6 US mpg) in urban driving and 6.0 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg) on the open road. The engine meets Euro 4 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Peugeot 308 I (Phase I) is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile body style. Its design emphasizes a modern and dynamic appearance, with a sloping roofline and a distinctive front grille. The interior is designed with a focus on ergonomics and comfort, featuring supportive seats and a well-laid-out dashboard. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an audio system. Safety features, crucial for this era, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and front airbags. The 308 offers a trunk (boot) space of 348 liters (12.29 cu ft) with the rear seats up, expanding to 1201 liters (42.41 cu ft) when folded down. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1430 kg (3152.61 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1842 kg (4060.91 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Peugeot |
| Model | 308 |
| Generation | 308 I (Phase I, 2007) |
| Type | 1.6 16V THP (150 Hp) Automatic 5d |
| Start of production | 2007 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.4 l/100 km (20.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 202 km/h (125.52 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1600 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 5FX EP6DT |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 77 mm (3.03 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85.8 mm (3.38 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.2 l (6.55 US qt | 5.46 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1430 kg (3152.61 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1842 kg (4060.91 lbs.) |
| Max load | 412 kg (908.3 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 348 l (12.29 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1201 l (42.41 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4276 mm (168.35 in.) |
| Width | 1815 mm (71.46 in.) |
| Height | 1498 mm (58.98 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2608 mm (102.68 in.) |
| Front track | 1526 mm (60.08 in.) |
| Rear track | 1521 mm (59.88 in.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65R15 91T; 205/55R16 91T; 225/45R17; 225/40R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5Jx15; 7Jx16; 7.5J x 17; 7.5J x 18 |
The Peugeot 308 I (Phase I) 1.6 THP Automatic represents a well-rounded package for those seeking a comfortable, efficient, and stylish compact hatchback. Its blend of performance, practicality, and features made it a popular choice in the European market during its production run.
