Peugeot is updating its 308 line-up, with refreshed styling featuring the brand’s first illuminated badge, as well as a new grille and sharper three-claw LEDs.
First launched in 2022, the Peugeot 308 has been given a mid-life update to keep it fresh against its stiff competition from the likes of the BMW 1 Series, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and VW Golf.
The powertrains have been upgraded with a longer driving range on the E-308 and plug-in hybrids. Plus, extra tech such as Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and the integration of easier public charging is now included.
What’s new?
The new body-coloured grille features the new illuminated Peugeot emblem and is crowned with a thin light strip made of ‘luminous strands’. Both front and rear lights now adopt Peugeot’s three-claw LED design, while chrome trims have been ditched for a cleaner black finish. The new range introduces two sets of diamond-cut alloys, along with a new Lagoa Blue paint option.
The 156hp E-308 now has an improved electric range of 281 miles WLTP, 23 miles more than the outgoing model, courtesy of a new 58kWh battery. Other changes include redesigned air intakes that improve the aerodynamics, along with efficiency upgrades to the battery.
Just in time for the winter, both electric models now include heated front seats and steering wheel as standard, with a heat pump available as an option. If full-electric isn’t for you yet, the PHEV claims an all-electric range of 53 miles WLTP, a 12-mile boon on the previous generation, and when specified with the 7.4kW onboard charger can recharge in two hours. Both a mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engine will also continue to be offered.
A new innovation from the battery is that it supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, delivering up to 3.5kW of charging to external devices such as electric bikes. The 308 is also equipped for ‘Plug & Charge’, allowing compatible charge points to be able to recognise the car as soon and debit your bank directly–no app, badge or bank card required.
What’s it like inside?
Inside the 308, you’ll be greeted by aluminium trim and Alcantara, ‘sporty-inspired’ heated, massaging front seats, eight-colour ambient lighting and new graphics on the instrument cluster. In truth, though, very little has changed compared to the previous model.
Happily the handy five i-Toggle buttons beneath the central touchscreen are staying – meaning you can configure five of your own shortcuts that are as practical as air con, or as silly as navigation to the nearest chip shop. For those needing extra space, the 308 SW’s rear seats can be split 40/20/40 and folded flat for 1,634 litres of boot space, compared to 1,323 litres for the hatch.
What this means for you
It’s encouraging to see Peugeot continuing to offer family hatchback and estate options, rather than adding to the heap of SUVs. We loved the spaciousness and build quality of the current model, so a refreshed look is very welcome. The fact that they continue to offer a range of engines from EV and PHEV to petrol and diesel means there’s a choice to suit almost every driver.
For families keeping an eye on expenses, the Peugeot Electric Promise with an eight-year/100,000-mile vehicle warranty, offers real peace of mind.
One-tap access to over 700,000 charge points via the Free2move Charge Pass adds to the appeal. We just hope Peugeot addresses the driving position for our taller friends, so everyone can enjoy the drive.
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