Peugeot’s mid-size 308 hatchback has been a hugely important car for this French marque for a long time now, with this Ford Focus rival appealing to buyers with its smart design inside and outside.
That’s something Peugeot has aimed to continue with this third-generation, while taking it further upmarket and future-proofing it with electrified powertrains, which are available for the first time.
So if you’re looking to buy a new Peugeot 308, this is what you need to know…
What powertrains are available?
As we’ve mentioned, the 308 is available with electrification for the first time – specifically a plug-in hybrid – though Peugeot is still offering conventional petrol and diesel models too. It’s worth noting all models come paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission - no manual is being offered.
Let’s begin with petrol, and the 128bhp 1.2-litre turbocharged unit. With this under the bonnet, it can accelerate from 0-60mph in 9.5 seconds, while Peugeot says it can return up to 52.1mpg, with CO2 emissions as low as 122g/km. For those doing plenty of miles, though, the 128bhp 1.5-litre turbodiesel will be the pick of the range. It’s very efficient for a regular diesel, with Peugeot claiming 65.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 113g/km. The sprint to 60mph takes 10.4 seconds too.
Moving over to plug-in hybrids, two are available, though each uses the same 1.6-litre petrol engine as its base, combined with an electric motor and 13.4kWh battery. There are two outputs available – 178bhp and 222bhp - though oddly they’re very closely aligned when it comes to performance with each taking around 7.5 seconds to hit 60mph. Both versions can travel for up to 37 miles on electric, with Peugeot saying the 308 can return up to 281.mpg and 24g/km CO2 emissions. You’ll have to do the vast majority of miles on electricity if you want to get anywhere close to those figures, though.
What trim levels are offered?
Five trim grades are available on the Peugeot 308, with equipment highlights and pricing as follows.
Active Premium – from £24,635
All 308 models come with plenty of equipment, including cruise control, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking and a driver attention warning. You also get a 10-inch touchscreen, LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control, rear parking sensors and electric folding mirrors. Keyless start, multi-drive modes and an electric parking brake are also included.
Allure – from £26,485
Move to the Allure to get more stylish 17-inch alloy wheels, upgraded LED lights with high beam assist, front parking sensors and a reversing camera. Peugeot Connected Services are also offered, along with satellite navigation, part-leather seats, tinted windows and LED interior lighting.
Allure Premium – from £27,385
On top of the Allure, the Premium grade adds revised 17-inch alloy wheels, wireless smartphone charging and mirroring, keyless entry and additional safety kit – including adaptive cruise control, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring.
GT – from £29,285
GT models major on style and bring larger 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, along with a sportier styling kit. It also comes with an advanced 3D digital cockpit, Matrix LED headlights, sequential LED rear lights and a heated steering wheel. Multi-coloured LED interior lighting, a grained leather steering wheel and Alcantara and leather seats are featured too.
GT Premium – from £30,885
Right at the top of the range, this GT Premium trim comes with redesigned 18-inch alloy wheels, a Focal sound system, a 360-degree camera system and self-parking functionality. It also brings lane positioning assist, in addition to an electric and massaging driver's seat.
What about personalisation?
The 308 offers a good degree of personalisation, not least because the 308 hatchback comes as standard painted in a bold shade of Olive Green, which is a no-cost option. Other bright options offered are Elixir Red and Vertigo Blue, though more reserved options include Cumulus Grey and Nera Black. Each trim level also gets slightly different styling, as well as unique alloy wheels too.
More conventional optional extras available include a panoramic glass roof for £1,100, while you can have full Nappa leather upholstery, though it will set you back an eye-watering £2,050.
Enquire on a new Peugeot 308