Autoblog UK

The premium car market has now become richer by another generation: soon there will be a 'fragrant car'. It's surprising that no manufacturer came up with the idea before, but perhaps less surprising that it is Maybach who are bringing this special equipment to market. In March, Mercedes-Benz will be offering a limited edition of 100 Maybach Zeppelin vehicles with 640 HP and unabashed luxury, from lambskin through to an electronically-controlled perfume atomiser. This fragrant airship on wheels really is a vehicle for people who already have everything else. Computer technology cannot yet handle the transmission of fragrances from our Gallery but that doesn't matter, because the beguiling scent of success will not be aired until the Geneva Car Show.

Gallery: Maybach Zeppelin

If you thought the design of the Peugeot 307 was a bit too aggressive, then you'll be gobsmacked by the enormous radiator grille of its direct successor, the 308.
Whereas its predecessor had a certain cohesion (the 307 was an all-round success), the 308 gives the impression that they have now pushed the concept just a little too far. The term that springs to mind is 'overdesigned'.

The bonnet with its deep-set headlights, pronounced nose and enormous radiator grille sporting a graceless integrated bumper, makes a ragged and disjointed impression.
If you stand behind and slightly to one side of the vehicle, you are struck by
the unfinished appearance of the prow with its prominent nose and wheel arches.
Even the area on the front wing that has been kept black to optically lengthen the side window-line looks out of proportion, just as in the Mercedes Benz B-Class.



The tail is broken up by lots of beading and gratuitous lines.
These comments should not be taken to imply that I feel that the more conservative the design, the more beautiful is the car. It is always a question of personal taste. But it certainly leaves us wondering what direction Peugeot will take with the next generation of the 308. Perhaps back to simplicity without being boring? This is after all where the skill lies in car design.

By contrast, the interior gives the impression of quality and success, especially with the optional leather dash.
Its flat A-pillars and the van-like quality of the cabin create an airy feeling of space.
At least no-one could accuse the 308 of being boring. And for that reason alone it should certainly attract a reasonable fan base.