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 was designed to compete with established rivals like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Opel/Vauxhall Astra. This particular variant, the 2.0 HDi 136 FAP Automatic, combined a diesel engine with an automatic transmission and a particulate filter (FAP) to meet increasingly stringent emissions standards. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding its specifications provides insight into the European compact car landscape of the late 2000s.
Peugeot 308 I (Phase I): Overview and Market Position
The 308 marked a significant step forward for Peugeot in terms of build quality, interior design, and driving dynamics. It was available in both hatchback and station wagon (SW) body styles, catering to a wide range of customer needs. The Phase I models, produced between 2007 and 2010, established the 308 as a popular choice in Europe, known for its comfortable ride, fuel efficiency, and practical interior. The 2.0 HDi engine was a mainstay of Peugeot’s diesel lineup, offering a balance of performance and economy. The inclusion of a FAP (Filtre à Particules) demonstrated Peugeot’s commitment to reducing particulate emissions, a growing concern in Europe at the time.
Engine & Performance
The heart of this 308 variant is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder diesel engine, designated RHR DW10BTED4. This engine produces 136 horsepower (Hp) at 4,000 rpm and 320 Newton-meters (236.02 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2,000 rpm. The engine features a turbocharger and intercooler, enhancing both power and efficiency. The high compression ratio of 17.6:1 is typical for diesel engines, contributing to their fuel efficiency. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 10.6 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in 10.1 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 200 km/h (124.27 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 11.2 kg/Hp, and its torque-to-weight ratio is 4.8 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonably responsive driving experience.
Design & Features
The Peugeot 308 I (Phase I) is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile body style. Its design was a departure from the more rounded aesthetics of the 307, adopting a sharper, more angular appearance. The interior was designed with a focus on ergonomics and user-friendliness, featuring a high-mounted dashboard and intuitive controls. Standard features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), power steering, and a comfortable seating arrangement for five passengers. The trunk (boot) space is a commendable 348 liters (12.29 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up, expanding to 1201 liters (42.41 cu. ft.) when folded down. Safety features were becoming increasingly important during this period, and the 308 offered a solid level of protection for its occupants. 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 kerb weight is 1522 kg (3355.44 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1934 kg (4263.74 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Peugeot |
| Model | 308 |
| Generation | 308 I (Phase I, 2007) |
| Type | 2.0 HDi (136 Hp) FAP 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) | 9.4 l/100 km (25 US mpg, 30.1 UK mpg, 10.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg, 18.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 US mpg, 41.5 UK mpg, 14.7 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 136 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 2000 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | RHR DW10BTED4 |
| Engine displacement | 1997 cm3 (121.86 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88 mm (3.46 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 17.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.25 l (5.55 US qt | 4.62 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.2 l (8.66 US qt | 7.21 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1522 kg (3355.44 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1934 kg (4263.74 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 | 6 |
| 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 |
The Peugeot 308 I (Phase I) 2.0 HDi 136 FAP Automatic represented a well-rounded package for European drivers seeking a practical, efficient, and comfortable compact car. Its combination of a refined diesel engine, automatic transmission, and spacious interior made it a popular choice in a competitive segment.
