What makes for a good company car? The answer might seem obvious – a reliable, efficient car that goes from A to B. But scratch the surface of the question, and there are actually myriad factors that must be considered before buying a company car.
As well as being reliable and economical, a good company car should be easy on the eye, and should also come from a product line diverse enough to meet the many demands of a modern fleet. Ideally it might also be the winner of the 2015 Best Company Car to Buy Award.
Regardless of which qualities you consider most important, Peugeot believes its newly expanded 308 range will have a car that fits the bill.
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The French carmaker brought something new to the market when it launched the redesigned 308 back in 2013. In an already saturated family hatchback market, the 308's sophisticated styling, minimalist interior and eco-friendliness separated it from the competition, even garnering the European Car of the Year Award last year.
There was ample cause for praise, but the 308 initially appealed to just one type of driver. But today, the company offers a range of cars designed to appeal to a range of different customers. So which 308 can best serve your needs?
Before looking at the new models, consider why the base 308 model remains so popular.
When travelling in a company car, an employee's primary concern is probably fuel economy, and the 308 range offers a wide assortment of efficient engines, with three, three-cylinder petrol models, and 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre fuel-sipping BlueHDi diesel engines (the 1.6-litre 120 BlueHDi is particularly impressive, managing over 91mpg). Eight available engines feature emissions-cutting stop & start technology, and all engines meet Euro 6 standards for their respective fuel type. Buyers can choose between a six-speed automatic, or a five- or six-speed manual gearbox. To learn more about Peugeot's class-leading mechanical innovations, click here.
The new 308's distinguished styling refines that of its predecessor, adopting sharp lines and sophisticated new accents.
Inside is the Peugeot i-Cockpit, in which a huge 9.7-inch touchscreen replaces conventional, chunky buttons and dials. This allows the driver to focus on the road, undistracted by flashing lights on the dashboard. To learn more about the features of the base 308, click here.
The 308's big brother, the SW estate, offers the same impressive variety of engines, but with a larger boot for companies that need the extra space. The class-leading 660-litre rear compartment (1,660 litres when the rear seats are stowed), is ideal for any company's transport needs — whether you're moving boxes, artwork, baggage or furniture.
For clients with a need for speed, Peugeot offers GT iterations of both the 308 Hatch and SW. An all-around facelift including larger air ducts, dual exhausts and 18-inch wheels announces the GT's arrival. Stiffer suspension, tighter handling and a choice of a 205hp, 1.6-litre petrol engine or a 180hp, 2.0-litre diesel bolster the car's more aggressive stance. Inside, red stitching and aluminium pedals channel Peugeot's racing roots.
The 308 GT models have introduced a welcome sporting feel to the line-up, but their engines may bring petrol and running costs that some business operators just can't shoulder. For occasions that demand a tighter, more sportily styled 308 without the extra expense, the 308 GT Line Hatch and SW stand at the ready. From the outside, they look nearly identical to their GT counterparts, with the same lowered ride height, 18-inch wheels and dual exhausts. The interior delivers quality materials and styling similar to that of the GT as well. Under the hood, though, lies the same comprehensive choice of efficient engines that power the base 308. Delivering the best of both worlds, the 308 GT Line models empower your employees with the bravado of driving a hot hatch coupled with the covert confidence that they are saving money at the pump.
To check out the entire 308 fleet, click here.
Build quality and timeless looks ensure that the 308 line will retain its value, as well as keep costs low in the long run. With service intervals only every 16,000 miles, your fleet can spend more time in the field instead of in the shop.
Never one to rest on its laurels, Peugeot believes so strongly in the quality and variety of the 308 line that they have provided every Peugeot Business Centre with an additional two 308 hatchbacks for a twelve-month demo period. Peugeot wants to give you the chance to come and test a 308 for yourself, to experience the full package that the reviews rave about and the awards commend. The 308 models will be available for a 72-hour test drive, demonstrating the sheer confidence Peugeot has that this product range offers something for the needs of fleet managers and small business owners alike.
