Peugeot 308 review

• For: Looks great, upmarket interior, plug-in hybrid tech
• Against: Rear-seat space, ergonomics won’t suit everyone
• Verdict: Feels premium, but without the price tag

What a difference a decade makes. Where the original 308 looked like a deep sea creature that only David Attenborough could love, this third-generation car might be the handsomest hatchback on sale. It’s also the first Peugeot to wear the bold, new-for-2022 lion badge.

With Peugeot now part of the sprawling Stellantis empire, the 308 shares its underpinnings with the latest Vauxhall Astra. That means a choice of 1.2-litre petrol or 1.5 diesel engines – both serving up 130hp – or a new plug-in hybrid. The latter combines a 1.6 petrol engine with a 12.4kWh battery and comes in either 180hp or 225hp outputs.

Buyers can also choose from five-door hatchback or estate (SW) body styles, but there is no manual gearbox option; all versions of the 308 use an eight-speed automatic transmission. Prices start at around £25,000, stretching to nearly £40,000 (before options) for the Hybrid 225 in GT Premium spec – as tested.

Peugeot goes premium

The 308 has a veritable smorgasbord of rivals – from the Volkswagen Golf to the Hyundai i30 – but distinctive design helps to set it apart. That’s also true inside, where the stylish and upmarket cabin feels like a genuine alternative to premium-brand cars such as the Audi A3.

The central touchscreen has sharp graphics and the ‘piano key’ switches below offer quick access to major functions. We also like the 3D digital driver display, standard on GT and GT Premium models.

However, some drivers still dislike the Peugeot i-Cockpit layout with its small steering wheel and space for rear-seat passengers isn’t the best. The related 3008 crossover has a clear advantage here.

The Peugeot’s 412-litre boot (361 litres in the hybrid, because of the batteries beneath the floor) stacks up well against rivals, although the 3008 trumps it again with 520 litres of space.

Hybrid goes low

Where the 308 has an advantage over its crossover sibling – apart from a lower price tag – is from behind the wheel. Its light steering offers little in the way of feedback, but the car’s chassis feels composed and confidence-inspiring. It also rides well and is impressively quiet, particularly when the hybrid is operating in electric mode.

Charge up fully and the latter offers 37 miles of EV range: enough for many drivers to tackle their daily commute without using any petrol. Just as importantly, its official CO2 figures also mean a very low tax liability, particularly for company car drivers.

Peugeot’s three-year, 60,000-mile warranty isn’t as generous as some rival offerings, although that won’t necessarily matter if you choose a lease or PCP deal. If you like how it looks, the 308 has the substance to back up its style.

KEY INFO

• Launched: 2022
• Facelifted: TBC
• Due for replacement: TBC

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