Ok - here's where I'm coming from. I really enjoy driving (now I'm not doing it for work purposes) and within the last 10 years I've been fortunate to enjoy and own a number of cars (BMW 320d and 120d for business; Jaguar 4.0 XKR and later a 4.2 XK for fun, eventually replaced by a BMW Z4 tin-top 2.5, then... for a daily runner a Fiat Punto Evo 1.4 16v, then an RCZ coupe 1.6 156 THP then a Qashqai 1.6 petrol).
I say all this not to brag - but to help justify the opinions I'm going to offer on the 308.
My need was for a daily runner to replace the Qashqai 1.6 which I bought on impulse when climbing in and out of the RCZ became embarrasing.. If you want my opinion on the Nissan please see my review!
I'm 50+, with a grown up family, so the car is mainly me, my partner and golf clubs. One of my biggest regrets when I sold the RCZ was losing the truly wonderful powertrain. Fast, responsive, slick 6 speed box - it really ticked all the boxes for daily driving that help to put a smile on your face.
I started looking around and saw some excllent deals on the 308s which had the identical engine as my 2010 RCZ just as the new 1.2 petrol turbo was coming into supply. I drove the 1.2 as part of the test process and that was great too - I just wanted the comfort of what I'd enjoyed before. For me the Feline was the required trim option as I really like the glass roof, keyless entry and start, and the LED lights - plus helpful aids with parking sensors front and rear plus a massive screen to make the rear camera useable. I managed to get included leather trim with the slighly odd massage function which is actually very relaxing on a long run.
The car is claimed to be substantially lighter that the predecessor, and I can well believe it. I've now covered 800 miles (no running-in instructions in the book but I have gently increased the load cycle). The controls are as light as the RCZ and the responsiveness is just brilliant. It'll pootle around town as long as you want but when you hit the pedal the turbo adds creamy power with no drama and you are flying....
On a practical point I'd rather have had smaller wheels than the 18s simply because they are so vulnerable to dings. The ride is still good - soft and compliant over bumps considering the low profile tyres. The small steering wheel is a hoot - you soon get used to looking over it to see the clocks and it adds to a sense of fun in driving. The touch screen is neat and useable - even with gloves on (Jaguar please note!) and the bluetooth / DAB radio / Nav all work very well.
It's not the biggest hatch back in the world - nor is it the best looking - but it works supremely well. Sure, some of the interior plastics feel a bit light but that's life. Real world mpg on a heavily urban cycle is high 30s. On a run at 70 I get high 40s. Recommended.

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