DOING THE BUSINESS?

The Peugeot 308 will appeal to business drivers in its SR guise. Matt Low reports.

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All models in the 308 range inherit the taller than average roofline that the 307 used to good effect in creating a roomy and airy interior but by shaving 12mm from its height while growing in terms of both length (by 74mm) and width (by 85mm), this design achieves a far more dynamic stance than the old car. The long front overhang of the 308 adds to this impression, creating a wedge-shaped profile that brings a further sporty element to the car's shape.

Those familiar with the Peugeot 207 supermini will find plenty they recognise in the 308 but the key differences on the larger car are the prominent V-shaped bonnet that extends down from the base of the A-pillars on a raised plain and the huge oblong foglights. The rear of the 308 has more of a bulbous look to it, helping to maximise luggage space that runs to 430 litres and can be extended to 1,398 litres by folding the rear seats. If you need more room, there's an SW estate version with up to 2,149 litres of space.

The interior takes a sober but classy approach. It feels notably more upmarket than inside of the 307 and even more spacious. The middle section of the dash slopes down into the centre console bringing its controls closer to the driver and creating a snug cockpit effect but you sit a long way back from the base of the steeply raked windscreen with a huge expanse of dashboard to look out across. This, combined with the 308's long front overhang, may present problems when manoeuvring but the A-pillars, a constant impediment to the driver's view in the 307, appear much thinner for improved visibility.

Prices range between £15,845 and £17,245. Standard equipment in the 308 SR runs to power steering, remote control central locking with deadlocks, electric front windows, a steering column adjustable for reach and rake, a CD player, passenger / driver seat height adjustment, a trip computer and electrically operated door mirrors. Where the SR differs from other trim levels in the 308 range is in its communications equipment, features that justify its £650 premium over standard 'S' models. A SmartNav has been fitted alongside a Bluetooth hands-free phone kit. 16-inch alloy wheels also set it apart from its 308 stablemates. Bodyshape choice currently runs between five-door hatchbacks and an SW estate version with the option of a third row of seats. The SR is available in Hurricane Grey, Nera Black, Aluminium, Thorium Grey, Aegan Blue and Babylon Red.

Peugeot has armed the 308 with a wide selection of technological curiosities to help it battle the family hatchback sector's big hitters. Seven airbags are included and five-door buyers can add to this count with rear side airbags if they want to. There's also ABS with EBFD and EBA (or anti-lock brakes with brakeforce distribution and brake assistance in laymans' language). The family hatch sector is notoriously tough to make headway in and Peugeot will hope this generous package of added features enables the 308 SR to demonstrate some staying-power.

Peugeot is proud of the fact that some of the best aerodynamics in the sector have been achieved with the 308 SR. A drag coefficient of 0.29 will mean little to most buyers but the resultant the slippery styling and fuel economy advantage should strike a chord. The HDi 90 and the HDi 110 with EGC have a combined cycle of 62.7mpg so this vehicle is not going to cost the earth to run, especially considering its CO2 emissions ranging between 120g/km to 129g/km depending on engine and style. Insurance groups range between 5 and 7.

Peugeot will be hoping that the latest in the 308 series makes a big impression. The basic car's styling is already distinctive and in the engine room is a selection of proven units that will appeal to long-distance drivers. The added bonus in the SR of satellite navigation and Bluetooth compatibility should prove a big hit with the business community.