Published on Friday 27 April 2012 12:56 Peugeot hopes that business drivers will be pleased to hear that the model is available in both five-door hatchback and SW-estate variants. The brand is aiming this model squarely at the local business and contract hire and leasing markets. The added extras and choice of fuel-friendly engines in the SR should make it a big hit with executives and companies looking to kit their staff out with a fleet of business vehicles. Get your motor running There are two engine options for persons interested in the 308 SR to mull over. Firstly, there is the HDi 92 diesel unit that gives 92bhp and reaches a top speed of 113mph. This powerplant gets to 62mph in 13.2 seconds. After this entry-level engine there is the larger HDi 112, which reaches 62mph in 12 seconds and reaches 120mph. Both engines are available in hatchback and SW estate styles. The Hdi 110 hatchback is also available with a six-speed electronically controlled gearbox which reduces its CO2 emissions to much the same as the HDi90 powerplant. The Hdi 110 with the EGC reaches a maximum speed of 117mph and does the standstill to 62mph in 12.5 seconds. The only downside of all the development needed to create the 308 is all the extra weight that has come along with it - all 62kgs to be exact. Which is why some of the smaller engines can feel somewhat underpowered. Still, the car always feels refined. You slip into sixth gear and forget about it. Helping in this regard is the realisation after a few hundred miles that it's hard to think of a rival that offers a more absorbent ride. So, will my bum look big in it? All models in the 308 range inherit the taller than average roofline the 307 used to create a roomy and airy interior but by shaving 12mm from its height while growing in terms of both length (74mm) and width (85mm), this design achieves a far more dynamic stance. The long front overhang of the 308 adds to this impression, creating a wedge-shaped profile that brings a further sporty element to the car's shape. Those familiar with the Peugeot 207 supermini will find plenty they recognise in the 308 but the key differences on the larger car are the prominent V-shaped bonnet that extends down from the base of the A-pillars on a raised plain and the huge oblong foglights. The rear of the 308 has more of a bulbous look to it, helping to maximise luggage space that runs to 430 litres and can be extended to 1,398 litres by folding the rear seats. If you need more room, the SW estate version has up to 2,149 litres of space. The interior takes a sober but classy approach. It feels notably more upmarket than inside of the 307 and even more spacious. The middle section of the dash slopes down into the centre console bringing its controls closer to the driver and creating a snug cockpit effect but you sit a long way back from the base of the steeply raked windscreen. This, combined with the 308"s long front overhang, may present problems when manoeuvring but the A-pillars, a constant impediment to the driver's view in the 307, appear much thinner for improved visibility. Oh goody, thorium grey for me Standard equipment in the 308 SR runs to power steering, remote control central locking with deadlocks, electric front windows, a steering column adjustable for reach and rake, a CD player, passenger/driver seat height adjustment, a trip computer and electrically-operated door mirrors. Where the SR differs from other trim levels in the 308 range is in its communications equipment, features that justify its £750 premium over standard S models. A SmartNav has been fitted alongside a Bluetooth hands-free phone kit. Its 16-inch alloy wheels also set it apart from its 308 stablemates. The SR is available in Hurricane Grey, Nera Black, Aluminium, Thorium Grey, Aegan Blue and Babylon Red. Peugeot has armed the 308 SR with a wide selection of technological curiosities to help it battle the family hatchback sector's big hitters. Seven airbags are included and five-door buyers can add to this count with rear side airbags if they want to. There's also ABS with EBFD and EBA (or anti-lock brakes with brakeforce distribution and brake assistance in layman's language). Don't forget drag thingumy Peugeot is proud of the fact that some of the best aerodynamics in the sector have been achieved with the 308 SR. A drag coefficient of 0.29 will mean little to most buyers but the resultant the slippery styling and fuel economy advantage should strike a chord. The HDi 92 and the HDi 112 with EGC have a combined cycle of around 63mpg, so this vehicle is not going to cost the earth to run, especially considering its CO2 emissions ranging between 114g/km to 119g/km depending on engine and style. Insurance groups range between 5 and 7. Hope it works out - should do Peugeot will be hoping that the latest in the 308 series makes a big impression. The basic car's styling is already distinctive and in the engine room is a selection of proven units that will appeal to long-distance drivers. The added bonus in the SR of satellite navigation and Bluetooth compatibility should prove a big hit with the business community.