Overview

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After a decade of mediocrity, Peugeot has pulled up its socks. Now, the brand offers a range of interesting cars with plush interiors, clever technology and striking styling. The Peugeot 308 is a new entry to the family hatchback market – and it has quite a fight on its hands, rivalling favourites such as the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus.

Like its main rivals, the Peugeot 308 offers plenty of scope for personalisation. Buyers have five specifications, seven paint finishes and either hatchback or estate body styles to choose from. There’s also a good range of optional extras (depending on the model), such as a wireless smartphone charger, a heated steering wheel and a 360-degree parking camera.

There’s a powertrain to suit everyone’s needs, too. At the lower end of the line-up, there’s a 130hp 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol and a 130hp 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel. Mid-range Allure models and up can be specified with a pair of plug-in hybrid powertrains – and in 2023, Peugeot will launch the pure-electric e-308.

Both 308 PHEVs are based around the same 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, 12.4kWh battery pack and electric motor. The cheapest model produces 180hp and can cover up to 44 miles on electric power alone. The flagship variant has a more potent version of the petrol engine, which bumps power up to 225hp, but cuts maximum electric range to 40 miles.

At a glance, the Peugeot 308 looks like a well-rounded package. But, after spending some time with the car, we found a few foibles that could ruin the car’s appeal for some drivers. However, there’s still a lot to like about the car, so read on for our verdict.

Over the next few pages, we’ll review each aspect of the new Peugeot 308 in detail, taking into account its practicality, comfort, technology, running costs and driving experience. We’ll then provide our final verdict – and let you know whether the car is worth your money.

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• Need something bigger? Check out our review of the Peugeot 5008