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. Primarily aimed at the European market, the 308 competed with vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Opel Astra. This generation marked a significant step forward for Peugeot in terms of build quality, interior design, and driving dynamics, establishing the 308 as a popular choice in the C-segment hatchback class.
Peugeot 308 I (Phase I): Overview and Market Position
The 308 Phase I was available in a variety of body styles, including a three-door hatchback, a five-door hatchback (the focus of this article), a station wagon (SW), and a coupé-cabriolet. The 1.6 HDi 90 Hp FAP 5d variant, equipped with a diesel engine and particulate filter, was a particularly popular choice due to its fuel efficiency and relatively low running costs. The “FAP” designation indicates the inclusion of a particulate filter, a key component in reducing diesel emissions and meeting increasingly stringent European emission standards. This model was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a practical, economical, and stylish family car.
Engine & Performance
The 2007 Peugeot 308 I 1.6 HDi (90 Hp) FAP 5d is powered by a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated 9HV DV6TED4BU. This engine produces 90 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 215 Nm (158.58 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1750 rpm. The engine features a turbocharger with an intercooler, enhancing performance and efficiency. The diesel commonrail fuel injection system ensures precise fuel delivery, contributing to both power output and reduced emissions. The engine’s relatively high compression ratio of 17.6:1 is typical for diesel engines, maximizing combustion efficiency. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 13 seconds and a maximum speed of 180 km/h (111.85 mph). The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.
Design & Features
The Peugeot 308 I Phase I features a contemporary hatchback design, characterized by its sleek lines and sculpted bodywork. The five-door configuration provides easy access to the spacious interior, which comfortably accommodates five passengers. The interior design prioritized ergonomics and practicality, with a focus on user-friendly controls and comfortable seating. Key features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for enhanced safety, hydraulic power steering for ease of maneuverability, and a versatile cargo area. The trunk offers 348 liters (12.29 cu. ft.) of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1201 liters (42.41 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4276 mm (168.35 in.) in length, 1815 mm (71.46 in.) in width, and 1498 mm (58.98 in.) in height. The 308’s design represented a departure from the more rounded styling of the 307, adopting a sharper, more angular aesthetic.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Peugeot |
| Model | 308 |
| Generation | 308 I (Phase I, 2007) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 HDi (90 Hp) FAP 5d |
| Start of production | 2007 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg, 47.1 UK mpg, 16.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.9 l/100 km (60.3 US mpg, 72.4 UK mpg, 25.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg, 60.1 UK mpg, 21.3 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 15.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 215 Nm @ 1750 rpm (158.58 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 9HV DV6TED4BU |
| Engine displacement | 1560 cm3 (95.2 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.3 mm (3.48 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 17.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.75 l (3.96 US qt | 3.3 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1397 kg (3079.86 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1840 kg (4056.51 lbs.) |
| Max load | 443 kg (976.65 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 (Back) track | 1521 mm (59.88 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual 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 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5Jx15; 7Jx16 |
The Peugeot 308 I (Phase I) 1.6 HDi 90 Hp FAP 5d represented a significant evolution in Peugeot’s compact car offerings, combining practicality, efficiency, and a stylish design. Its success in the European market solidified Peugeot’s position as a major player in the C-segment.
