The Peugeot 308 I (Phase I), launched in 2007, represented a significant step forward for the French automaker, replacing the aging 307. Positioned as a compact family hatchback, the 308 aimed to compete with established rivals like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Opel/Vauxhall Astra. This first generation of the 308, produced through 2010, offered a blend of practicality, comfort, and a more refined driving experience than its predecessor. The 1.6 16V VTi variant, equipped with a 120 horsepower engine and automatic transmission, was a popular choice for buyers seeking a balance between fuel efficiency and ease of use.
Peugeot 308 I (Phase I): Overview and Market Position
The Peugeot 308 was designed to address criticisms leveled at the 307, particularly regarding build quality and interior refinement. It debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show and quickly gained traction in the European market. Unlike some of its competitors, the 308 wasn’t initially offered in the North American market. Peugeot, along with other European brands like Renault and Citroën, largely withdrew from the US market in the late 1990s. Therefore, the 308 I primarily served as a key model in Europe, offering a stylish and practical alternative in the highly competitive C-segment.
Engine & Performance
The 1.6 16V VTi engine powering this variant of the 308 is a naturally aspirated, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. Displacing 1598 cm³ (97.52 cubic inches), it produces 120 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 160 Nm (118.01 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4250 rpm. This engine, designated as the 5FW EP6, utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is 75.1 hp/l. Paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, the 308 1.6 VTi achieves a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 13 seconds and a maximum speed of 188 km/h (116.82 mph). While not exceptionally quick, the powertrain prioritizes fuel economy and smooth operation. Fuel consumption figures are rated at 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg, 38.7 UK mpg) combined, with 10.3 l/100 km (22.8 US mpg, 27.4 UK mpg) in urban driving and 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg, 49.6 UK mpg) on the extra-urban cycle.
Design & Features
The Peugeot 308 I (Phase I) features a distinctive hatchback body style with five doors and seating for five passengers. Its design language moved away from the more rounded aesthetics of the 307, adopting a sharper, more angular appearance. The interior was a significant improvement over its predecessor, with higher-quality materials and a more ergonomic layout. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an audio system. Safety features, crucial for a modern family car, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and front airbags. The 308’s trunk (boot) space offers 430 liters (15.19 cubic feet) with the rear seats up, expanding to 1398 liters (49.37 cubic feet) when folded down, providing ample cargo capacity for everyday use. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1387 kg (3057.81 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1830 kg (4034.46 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Peugeot |
| Model | 308 |
| Generation | 308 I (Phase I, 2007) |
| Type | 1.6 16V VTi (120 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) | 10.3 l/100 km (22.8 US mpg, 27.4 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg, 49.6 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg, 38.7 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 188 km/h (116.82 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 160 Nm @ 4250 rpm (118.01 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 5FW EP6 |
| 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 | 11:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1387 kg (3057.81 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1830 kg (4034.46 lbs.) |
| Max load | 443 kg (976.65 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 430 l (15.19 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1398 l (49.37 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.) |
| Drivetrain | 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 |
| Tires size | 195/65R15 91T; 205/55R16 91T; 225/45R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5Jx15; 7Jx16; 7.5J x 17 |
The Peugeot 308 I (Phase I) 1.6 VTi Automatic represented a solid offering in the compact hatchback segment, providing a comfortable and practical vehicle for families and individuals alike. While not a performance leader, its fuel efficiency, refined interior, and stylish design contributed to its success in the European market.
