The classy one

Peugeot 301 gives subcompact
sedan fans a premium choice

The subcompact sedan category is one of the most competitive segments in the country today.

Vehicles in this class are the choices of those who go for practicality. Subcompacts are a bit smaller than the usual sedans, lighter and have more fuel-efficient engines.

These cars are perfect for Filipinos, considering how traffic situation and fuel prices have been lately.

That’s the reason why many subcompacts from either Japanese or Korean and even German automakers have sold really well in the country.

Peugeot added another dimension to the subcompact segment when it introduced the 301 recently.

The addition of the 301 gives subcompact lovers another premium choice, this time from a French automaker.

Although it is a little bit more pricey compared to its rivals, the 301 has a lot of potential. In fact, there’s a lot to back up the minimal price difference.

For one, it seems to have features that are usually found in higher classes. Both variants (1.6-liter turbo diesel manual transmission and 1.6-liter petrol automatic transmission) are equipped with cruise control, speed limiter, daytime running lights, rear fog lights and a nifty audio unit with CD, MP3, AUX and USB that also allows Bluetooth connectivity.

The car’s exterior is also a big plus, showing more class compared to its sporty counterparts.  It is European styled that’s geared towards old-school elegance.

The design is very calm yet impressive. The clear scalloped lines on the hood that houses the lion crest and meets with the unique lateral grille starts it all as it gives onlookers a premium aggressive look. The character line that travels along the window line gives the car an identity of its own while the rear boasts of a neatly done layout that doesn’t show off more than what the car can actually offer.

It’s also in the inside that things become really interesting as the 301’s interior boasts of a roomy cabin that can be comfortable even in long drives. Even trunk space can match those of midsize sedans in the market.

There’s class splashed on the inside too. The dashboard is sprinkled with piano-black accents and silver trims and the door closes with a sturdy thump unlike some of its competitiors that sound cheap. Controls are easy to toggle although there might be some that will need a bit of getting used to such as the power window switches that are located near the shift lever and the cruise control buttons that are situated behind the steering wheel and not on it.

The seats are also comfortable and gives the driver a secure feeling even when pushing the car to its limits, which, by the way, isn’t difficult to do.

The unit lent to us by Peugeot Cebu at the North Reclamation Area in Mandaue City was the 1.6-liter turbo diesel with a 5-speed manual transmission capable of producing 92 HP and 230 NM of torque. The diesel engine is very refined and quiet, and although it isn’t the best on paper in terms of power compared to its rivals, the Peugeot powerplant can still perform well. The best thing about it is its fuel efficiency.

After testing the vehicle for days on terrible traffic jams around Mandaue City, the fuel consumption meter read 10 km/l, impressive considering how we pushed the 301 around the city streets.

This diesel engine is actually the reason why Peugeot Cebu general sales manager Lowell Belarmino thinks the 301 will be among the most sellable vehicles of the French automaker in Cebu.

Why not? Aside from the impressive engine, the 301 also boasts of classy looks and the convenient features that makes it one of the best overall subcompacts in the market today.

And with Autowelt Inc. headed by Vice President/Deputy General Manager Michael Goho spearheading the sales in Cebu and around the region, the 301 may be in for a long ride in the market.

Read more...