Peugeot’s entry-level sedan is ‘D-liciously’ perky

This sub-million-peso diesel-powered compact sedan registered a thrifty 18 kilometer per liter (in combined city and highway runs) and 23 kpl (in expressway runs). Gian Aguinaldo

I have to hand it to the French responsible for the concept and creation of the Peugeot 301. Despite the sedan being a “mere” entry-level distributed mostly in developing or emerging markets, the thrill of driving is not sacrificed.

There’s truly nothing to scoff at with the 301, as this fresh entry in a sea of Japanese subcompact sedans symbolizes Peugeot’s value-for-money range, and is thus positioned as a world car, illustrating the “internationalization of the brand,” as Peugeot itself puts it.

Just last week, I was given the keys to a 301—imported from Spain. And for comparison’s sake, we also drove a Volkswagen Polo Notch sedan 1.6 TDI M/T (same diesel engine capacity, same manual transmission) up to Baguio City and back to Manila within a 24-hour period.

So how does an entry-level, sub-million-peso diesel-powered compact sedan from Peugeot—a brand more known for its big estate cars, hot hatchbacks and thrifty diesels—look and feel like?

The exterior design is not a head-turner, but it’s not bland, either. The 301 takes its design cues from the more premium 508, and that means it retains a measure of the elegant design elements, hallmark shape, harmonious lines and chrome accents that characterize Peugeot cars.

The 301 was intended to blend modernity, strength and sophistication. As its designers put it: “Its assertive front, sleek profile and shape is firm on the ground, hinting at its outstanding ability and effective hold on the road.”

From left, clockwise: the visage of the 301; uniquely European placements spice up the 301 dashboard; and, this latest Peugeot model, standing out in a blur of automobiles, offers humongous trunk space.

For those new to the brand, Peugeot’s traditional place has been with the bourgeois, and is aptly described by auto expert Tony Lewin with “its sober but elegant styling housing robust mechanical components proven in rallies across Africa.”

Further, Peugeot engineers say that special attention was given to the holding system of components in direct contact with the exterior, and the installation of a double seal to restrict dust from entering.

I particularly felt this with the solid thud of the four, heavy doors when closing (although the trunk on the other hand, felt so light when opening and closing).

‘Globalization’ of interior

It was a pleasant surprise to find the cruise control in an entry-level sedan, and manual transmission at that. Notable also were some controls that are conventionally located, indicating Peugeot’s “internationalization” of the 301.

The headlight controls are at the left upper lever (the lower one for the cruise control). Also, the trip meter button is on the dashboard glass cover.

But hints of unique European placements still exist: The window controls are located between the driver and front passenger (below the air-conditioner switches), which sometimes confuses the Pinoy driver, who would still instinctively reach for his or her window controls on the door arm rest.

The Peugeot 301 meets a fellow diesel-powered playmate
in the Volkswagen Polo Notch. Tessa R. Salazar

There is also no indoor ceiling light for rear passengers. And the hazard light is located nearer to the front passenger’s side instead of in the middle console.

There are two separate fuel consumption meters (kilometer per liter), both of which have average speed indicators. Other useful indicators are the fuel range before empty, as well as average speeds.

The USB port can be easily missed, as it is located near the handbrake, and its lid is not clearly marked.

The legroom is adequate, and the trunk is surprisingly cavernous. An additional linear space of about 35 inches can be added to the trunk when the rear seats are folded forward. That means two average adults can lie down side by side.

There are only two ceiling handle bars, and they are at the back seats. There are two cupholders available for back passengers (at the middle), and cupholders and door panel cubby holes for the front passenger and driver.

‘D-lightful’ diesel power

I love the torque, power and acceleration of the 301, powered by the 1.6-liter HDi (high-pressure direct injection) diesel engine with five-speed manual transmission churning out 92 horsepower, 230 Newton-meters at 1750 revolutions per minute—especially when the road up Kennon cleared up and there was nothing but the twisties to contend with.

The handling was satisfactory, and the accelerator and clutch pedals were light enough to endure on long drives.

Adding to the joy of driving was the fact that after putting the 301 through its power paces, the fuel consumption still registered a thrifty 18 kpl (in combined city and highway runs) and 23 kpl (in purely highway runs).

Compared to the Volkswagen Polo Notch M/T, the power, torque and fuel consumption between the two barely differed (though I did notice that the German counterpart emanated a bit more “oomph” in the uphill stretches).

It’s still too early to tell, though, if the cost of owning a 301 in the long run would be comparable to its Japanese counterparts.

But it shouldn’t be too hard for prospective buyers to calculate the cost of ownership based on the periodic maintenance schedule, and cost and frequency of replacement parts.

The availability of dealerships and service centers should also be ascertained.

On the performance and looks scale, go test drive the 301 at your nearest Peugeot dealership (check out www.peugeot.ph to find a dealer and book a test drive).

Check out the legroom and cargo space with your family. You can definitely say “oui” and go home with it.