A rest for our 308

• Mileage total:
• Mileage since last report:
• MPG overall: 52.0mpg
• Costs:£159 so far
• On fleet since: December 2007

In pictures: life with our Peugeot 308

Where have we been?

The 308 had a few days off towards the end of the month. I was 30, so celebrated by heading to Valencia (where we had an airport ride in a baggy 306 saloon taxi. I'm sure it was lovely to drive, but boy, have Peugeot interiors come a long way...).

So what better way to blow the cobwebs, than to drive 160 miles to Pembrey race circuit, and 160 miles back, in a day. As you know by now, it soaked it up brilliantly. I'm going to miss this car's long-distance ability when it's gone. Alas, the day approaches...

I've also had chance to compare this 'normal' family saloon with a couple of similarly-priced 'economy' models. The first, a Honda Civic IMA hybrid, was disappointing. It felt as old-fashioned as it looked, the drivetrain was jerky and I struggled to get out of the 40mpgs. Not impressive.

But the second, a VW Passat Bluemotion, was much more like it. The larger car was more composed and comfortable than the 308, better-riding, quieter at speed and... easily more economical. As in, matching or exceeding 308 mpg was a breeze. Impressive stuff. Shame about the waiting list...

What has impressed?

Typically, as the tenure nears its close, so economy starts to improve. Our frankly remarkable gains when we capped the speed to 60mph seem to have carried through to everyday driving. I don't 'think' my normal driving is any more speed conscious. But there's no doubting the figures are creeping up.

Perhaps this is an engine that needs lots of loosening to give its best? Maybe the service has done good things? Either way, trip computer economy in the high 50s compares well with the mid-50s of just a few weeks ago. Good job: £25 a day in fuel is rising rapidly...

A blast of sun hasn't fazed the climate control, which gamely keeps temps level no matter how fierce it is out there. It's a quiet and well-mannered system, too, discreetly flaring the fan only when necessary. Economy doesn't seem to have budged despite its intensive use, either.

I've also spent a weekend driving a 25 year old Cavalier. Getting back in this illustrated just how stiff, solid and secure modern cars feel. And how stiffly the 308 rides. Compared to the Vauxhall, high-speed tyre roar is excessive, too. But which do I feel most confident in? No prizes for guessing...

Watch a video roadtest of the Peugeot 308

What's not so impressive?

Now summer's here, you'd think I'd be basking in the light let in by that huge roof. Well, I am, with temps kept under control by climate, too. But there are days where it is, well, just too bright. So the blind sweeps across, leaving it just like any other car.

A UV covering for the glass should, in theory, keep harmful rays away from my head, but although it's tinted, high noon summer sun is just too dazzling. I'm not really complaining, of course. But it illustrates why, when it's really sunny, cabrio drivers are often far from roof-less...

Elsewhere, changing times are revealed by the tiny ashtray, well-hidden. I have no use for it - but, it seems, neither do increasing numbers from the land of Gauloise. I've also, oddly, developed a habit jabbing the climate controls when I select first or third. My gearknob style or Peugeot control placement?

Mind you, drives in other cars do illustrate the misplacement of the more major controls. The pedals are too close, which means I shove the seat back and adjust the steering reach. But this leaves the rest of the dash reached only by a stretch. A 307 flaw, sadly carried over...

What's next for the Peugeot 308?

We've a few final drives before Peugeot come at the end of the month - not to mention the daily hack up and down the motorway. There are a few blemishes we need to fix, and we'll also sadly have to remove the Pure radio system, ready for installation in my next car.

I may even try repeating the 60mph speed limit story that roused so much interest on the site and on MSN UK - with such boosts in everyday economy, surely I'd stand a chance of cracking 80mpg? Watch this space...

All our long-termers
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Our popular Skoda Fabia
Month 3: our reliable Toyota Auris
New arrival: used Porsche 911
Month one in our Skoda Fabia
Across Europe in our new Skoda Fabia
First report: Toyota Auris
On order: Volvo V70

All our Peugeot 308 reports

Month five report
Month four report
Month three report
4k miles in one month
New arrival: Peugeot 308

More long-term reports

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Motorway life with our Toyota Auris
Safety first: our V70
Our popular Fabia