Automatic economy from Peugeot

Traditionally, buying an automatic version of a car meant that one would have to sacrifice a chunk of fuel economy.



That's no longer the case all the time. With the evolution of the automated manual from their original clunky versions to pretty smooth operators, going the auto route has actually reversed the process.

That is no better exemplified than with the new Peugeot 308 Ecomatique. Powered by a 1.6 diesel, this version has an automated version of the standard six-speed gearbox, and it is acyually more frugal than the manual.

To the point that the auto version is a Band A car in CO2 terms, against Band B for the normal manual.



I'm strongly of the opinion that the 308 is one of the nicest of its class in its styling. Very much in the Peugeot family look, it has curves, sculpting, and a wedge shape that is as coherent a design as you might ever want.

Inside, balance is the first thought. A dashboard which is deceptively simple in execution is just one aspect of this. Fitting in with the low scuttle line that helps even short drivers have a very good forward visibility.

The instrumentation comprises a dual set of speed and revs dials, with two smaller ones for the engine temperatire and fuel. All four are quite stunning black on white classic instruments which some competitor makers could profitably copy. The centre stack and its entertainment/climate controls are equally both stylish and easily useable.

The three-spoke steering wheel is well designed to accomodate whatever is your preferred hold, either quarter-to-three or ten-to-two or even a time in between. Five dashboard air vents provide a good range of options to make the best of the aircon and ventilation system.



Seats in this Peugeot are quite up to the mark, a matter which for me in recent weeks has been important as I'm recovering from the after-effects of a fall on ice, and am still feeling a bit tender.

It's a wide car so there's no shortage of elbow room. And the wedge style rather than the coupe kind favoured by some others in the segment means there's quite adequate headroom in the rear.

The 1.6 diesel is familiar from a number of PSA and Ford applications, and in this 308 is exceptionally quiet even at startup.



The combination with the automated manual is a nice and punchy experience with no real lag on urgent downshifts. Moving up through the gears can be virtually seamless with a little judicious shuffling of the accellerator pedal.

It might not be the cheapest 308 on the list, but for the extra frugality and the real comfort of the automatic shifting, it isn't overly expensive at €24,256.

If you are one o the 2009 rare breed who is actually considering a new compact car, don't leave this one out of your considerations. Brian Byrne.