Back in the mid-1990s, Peugeots were appreciated in Europe for their excellent handling characteristics. The French really knew how to tune a chassis in those days, and it showed. However, that fun-to-drive character and pretty if a bit understated looks, gave way to gaping mouths (grilles) with huge headlights on either side, mediocre dynamics and lots of dealer discounts to keep the sales ball rolling.

However, ever since the European car market took a turn for the worst, back in 2008, along with the rest of the Old Continent’s economy, Peugeot (and Citroen) began to suffer. With the imminent closure of their Aulnay factory, as well as cuts at most of their manufacturing locations, things aren’t looking good for cars bearing the lion badge. Nevertheless, don’t count them out just yet, because there’s still hope.

Returning to the mid-90s, Peugeot had the 306, a car that replaced the so-so 309 and brought about what I think was sweet styling, great driving dynamics (not on par with the older and smaller 205, but still very good) and a great GTi model. It seems as if Peugeot always likes to launch their smaller hatchback first, and then launch their new generation Golf-rival later on. Think 306 and 205, 307 and 206 and 308 and 207.

I brought this up because, after the 306, which was an honest car for the standards of the day, the French carmaker rolled out the 307, which while being a moderately competent vehicle, it was simply Peugeot’s way of trying to make a car to rival the VW Golf. The 308 that followed featured more of the same.

Trying to keep this piece directed towards the point I’m trying to make, the new 208 is here, and it is good – we especially liked the turbocharged GTi model, when we drove it at its launch event in France. The 208 is to be followed by an all-new 308 model, which uses the PSA group’s new modular platform in order to cut weight and improve efficiency and handling.

Peugeot is openly admitting that it’s trying to bring back some of the driving thrills one used to have in the old 205 GTi, with the new hot 208, so I think they’re also trying to resurrect the old 306 through the new 308. They don’t state it outright, but when you’re fanatically interested in automobiles you get plenty of gut-feelings – this is one of them. Also, I think that the next 308 GTi (which has been confirmed) will be a much more competent vehicle than the current model bearing exactly the same name and designation – as Jeremy Clarkson and James May put it when test driving the car, “it’s like driving a big soggy dog,” which it kind of is.

My theory goes a little bit further. PSA doesn’t really want to be doing this, and again, based on how it talks about each car and its plans for the future, I think they’re going to be constrained to make the first proper compact hatchback in over a decade. I think they’re aiming for a modern 306, and if you don’t know what that means, do check out the two old Top Gear reviews posted after the jump, and, of course, share your thoughts in the comments box.

By Andrei Nedelea

Video Credits: TopGear / YouTube

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