Peugeot has conquered the premium car feel with the new 308, but the product is only part of the story – premium is also about people when it comes to servicing.

A visit to Marshall Peugeot in Peterborough after a headlamp warning light appeared provided a good chance to put the brand’s service proposition to the test and the visit raised interesting questions about what qualifies as premium.

From a people perspective, Marshall passed with flying colours. The aftersales staff were polite, positive and proactive in sorting out the issue. They carefully checked the car over for damage before taking it in, explaining that it was best to help customers spot damage on arrival, rather than later when they might blame the garage, and the SW was returned cleaned, vacuumed, spotless and problem-free.

Was it a premium experience? It certainly felt like it. So does it matter that the garage is ‘just’ a dealership? Well, it’s about people. If a company really cares about you and your car then that’s the sort of experience I want.

John Maslen