Peugeot 308 is a perfect city car: a ride through the alleys of the former Ottoman capital leaves one in no doubt of that.
Probably all our countrymen know that Istanbul is the city of contrasts. Peugeot gave us a chance to see for ourselves how true that saying was, launching its new Peugeot 30 on the banks of the Bosphorus.
The choice of location which initially seemed a bit strange proved to be excellent: the tough Istanbul traffic comparable to the Moscow centre during the rush hour brought out the very best of this car. Peugeot 308 handles extremely well, though it feels bigger than its 307 predecessor. Peugeot diesels are especially good; shame these excellent engines are not available in Russia yet. Which is not true about Peugeot 308: it's already on sale here.
The extra 1 in the new "lion cub's" designation has changed its appearance: now it's brighter, more aggressive as befits a predator and a bit bigger (74 mm longer and 85 mm wider). The huge windshield smoothly blending into the panoramic top (comes as an extra option) increases the feeling of space. The transparent roof not only allows to admire the surrounding scenery and architecture but has a very practical use: it facilitates watching the road situation which is particularly relevant in a clogged megapolis. The 1.6-litre 120-hp petrol engine was designed jointly with BMW; a turbocharged 150-hp version is available optionally.
A car gives one a new level of freedom. Even in Istanbul, which isn't exactly perfect for modern car traffic because of its medieval winding alleys and water arteries dividing the city, it allows one to reach places normally inaccessible to wheel-less tourists.
For example, without a car one would be rather hard-pressed getting into the Asian section of the city. Of course you may use the ferries but then you'll be at the mercy of this public transport's unpredictable schedule. And one really should see the Asian part if only to admire the spectacular views of the Old Town. The Turkish coffee also seems to be a little better in Asia than in Europe.
However, most of the places of interest are located in the European section, divided by the Golden Horn harbour into the Old and New Towns. It would be best to stay in the New Town, in Besiktas area. It's a stone's throw from the famous Istiklal Street, the centre of Istanbul nightlife, while this fashionable, the greenest of all Istanbul areas remains quiet and peaceful. It's no chance the best five-star hotels in town are located here, such as Swisshotel the Bosphorus, built in the park of the former royal residence. From the terrace of its business lounge one can admire a wonderful view of the strait and the Old Town.
On the other side of the Golden Horn harbour one finds the main Istanbul architectural monuments such as St. Sophia, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (aka Blue Mosque for the abundance of blue tiles in the interior).
The best time to drive into the Old Town is Sunday morning: traffic is light and most of the tourists are still asleep. You'll have a chance to drive without fuss along the winding old streets which occasionally remind one of Paris boulevards, stop on the bridge across the harbour where hundreds of fishermen are hoping for a good catch, buy a warm bagel from a street vendor and eat it admiring the amazing panorama of this Eurasian city. End the day with a cup of Turkish coffee and a glass of raki on the Swisshotel terrace with a Bosphorus view. Just make sure you do that after the courteous parking valet takes your Peugeot 308 to the hotel lot - we don't need problems with the traffic police, do we?
Alexey Nikitin
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