The specification for the 308 VTi’s 1.6-litre engine, featuring variable value technology on both inlet and exhaust camshafts, gives very little reason for complaint. Power and torque outputs (118bhp and 120lb ft) are towards the top of the class, as is the delivery, with peak power arriving at 6000rpm and 88 per cent of the available torque available from 2000rpm. Similarly, the 308’s claimed kerb weight of 1362kg is no portlier than that of a Golf or Hyundai i30.
And yet the driving experience is slightly disappointing. Our beef is not with the refinement – the engine is smooth right through the range and very little mechanical harshness is transmitted to the cabin. The problem is that the 308 never really shows any true determination to make progress, even towards the thick end of 6000rpm. The 11.0sec needed to get from rest to 60mph is a fraction slower than a Golf or i30 and some 1.2sec off our road test figures for the Focus, but in real-world driving the 308 feels even tardier.
The issue is the long fourth and fifth gears. They might be good for economy and refinement but are less handy for picking up speed.
The brakes, on the other hand, are more than adequate, the 308 posting impressive stopping distances in both dry and wet and with good pedal feel.
At first the ride appears pretty competent. The problem, as is often the case with torsion beam arrangements, comes when the suspension needs to multi-task. Hit a transverse ridge mid-corner and the resulting thud is more noticeable than it would be in a Golf or i30. Similarly, if the obstacle is more extreme the 308 is more likely to be thrown off line than its independently suspended rivals.
There’s a reasonable amount of body roll, which in isolation isn’t an issue. But over an undulating B-road the 308 struggles to keep its body movement in check, so it adds to the problem.
The steering is accurate enough but no match for the best in class for feedback.