During the launch event of the Peugeot 301 in the UAE, the Peugeot management made every effort to describe it as a "game changer." I decided to put this claim to the test by comparing it against another compact sedan, the Nissan Sentra. It's worth mentioning that when Nissan launched the Sentra in 2013, they referred to it as "feature-rich." In fact, it sold 1,500 units within just 50 days of its release. While Peugeot has several competitors in the market, we chose the Sentra because it is one of the top contenders in its class, and we wanted to compare it with the best. Both the Sentra and 301 come equipped with a 1.6-liter engine, are similarly priced, and share comparable sizes and features. The Peugeot 301 is designed for the European market, while the Sentra is also designed as a premium sedan. My friend Zaran accompanied me on this test drive.

Elegance

We both agreed that the Nissan Sentra is significantly more attractive than the Peugeot 301. The Sentra features a sleek front grille, stylish LED headlights, and a gracefully curved rear window design. In contrast, the front grille of the 301 appears quite ordinary. The rear joints protrude, giving it a rugged look reminiscent of gym equipment. On the positive side, the 301 does boast some beautiful curves at the front.

Winner: Nissan Sentra

Performance

With a 1.6-liter engine, we can't expect anything extraordinary in terms of driving experience. The 301 features a sport driving mode, combined with manual transmission in the higher-end models. To be honest, these features are unnecessary with such a small engine, as there won't be a noticeable difference. Both vehicles handle well in the city but fall short on the highways. Yes, both produce noticeable engine noise at high speeds. The Sentra performs slightly better in terms of handling and stability on the road. It's hard to expect much from an engine of this size. Ultimately, both cars will get you from point A to point B, and that's their primary function.

Winner: Nissan Sentra

Interior Space

This is an interesting aspect to consider. The Sentra likely has the largest wheelbase in its category at 2.7 m, while the 301 isn't far behind at 2.65 m. The Sentra offers a rear legroom of 950 mm, which is even larger than that of the Nissan Altima! The 301 provides 801 mm of rear legroom, which is also comfortable but still smaller. In terms of trunk space, the 301 excels with 640 liters, making it one of the best in its class, compared to the Sentra's 510 liters. So, what matters more? More rear legroom or larger trunk space? Clearly, larger trunk space is more important.

Winner: Peugeot 301

Features and Comfort

The Sentra stands out with many soft-touch materials, electric mirrors, brake assist, push-button start, wood trim, and well-padded doors and trunk, exceeding what compact sedans typically offer. One significant feature is the rear air conditioning vents in the Sentra. The hot weather in the Middle East necessitates rear vents, which the Peugeot 301 lacks. Even the Kia Cerato has rear air vents! Despite this, the Peugeot 301 also includes more features than many of its competitors in the same class, such as USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, electric windows and mirrors, front fog lights, automatic air conditioning with dust filters, a push-button start, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more.

The interior design of the Sentra is simpler and more appealing, with fewer control buttons. In the 301, the buttons are placed creatively in unusual locations, which requires some adjustment. For instance, the seat adjustment lever is very far back, making it difficult to reach. Additionally, the radio controls seem mismatched, with the ignition button being too small while the radio frequency button is overly large. Overall, considering the number of features, high-quality materials, and organized interior design, the Sentra takes the lead in this category.

Winner: Nissan Sentra

Purchase and Resale Value

In terms of pricing, the Peugeot 301 starts at 49,000 AED, with an average of 52,000 AED, and the top model priced at 55,000 AED. In comparison, the Nissan Sentra offers a significantly higher starting price. The Sentra 1.6-liter begins at 59,000 AED, with an average of 64,000 AED, and the top model at 69,000 AED.

Regarding resale value, both vehicles come with a 5 year unlimited mileage warranty in the UAE. However, the Peugeot 301 requires service every 10,000 km, while the Nissan Sentra requires it every 5,000 km. The service costs for both are similar, making the Peugeot less expensive in the long run due to its less frequent service intervals. Furthermore, the Peugeot offers a 12 year warranty against rust and 3 years on paint, which the Sentra does not provide.

Winner: Peugeot 301

Challenge Result

Zaran and I analyzed the cars from the perspective of a potential buyer looking for a compact sedan. Most compact sedan buyers prioritize value and practicality over luxury and quality. Financially, the 301 is cheaper by at least 10,000 to 15,000 AED while offering numerous features, a large trunk, and decent legroom. While it may not match the quality of materials used in the Sentra and lacks some of its additional features, the price point will likely sway most buyers towards the 301. So, is it a "game changer"? Let's settle on calling it "a good value for money."

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