5 minute read
Peugeot 308
FORECOURT PEUGEOT 308
Under the bonnet
The 1.6-litre petrol with electric motor combine to produce 222bhp and 360Nm of torque.
Peugeot’s new 308 hatch is here and it promises some big steps forward. Ted Welford sees if it’s worth considering.
THE KNOWLEDGE
Peugeot 308 GT Premium 225 PHEV
Price (as tested): £42,415 Engine: 1.6-litre petrol-
electric plug-in hybrid
Power:
222bhp
Torque: 360Nm
Max speed:
146mph
O-60mph: 7.3 seconds
MPG (combined):
213.8-266.2
Emissions:
24-30g/km CO2
WHAT IS IT?
Given that the outgoing 308 hatchback first arrived in 2013, this was a car that was really starting to show its grey hairs, especially as the pace of development is fast in this class, so Peugeot is aiming to return to form with this new car.
WHAT’S NEW?
Ushering in Peugeot’s latest design language, the new 308 is the first model from the firm to wear the brand’s new logo. Other changes include a new infotainment system. Things are also modernised with a pair of new plug-in hybrid powertrains as part of Peugeot’s rapidly growing electrified range. There’ll even be a 308 EV, but not for at least another year.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
Peugeot is big on choice, which is why you’ll still find the 308 sold with conventional petrol and diesel engines. All versions are now automatic-only, though.
We tried the top-spec Hybrid 225 model, which pairs a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined 222bhp and 360Nm of torque. It’s the quickest 308 in the range, with 0-60mph taking 7.3 seconds, and is capable of 146mph.
Its claimed 37-mile electric range could allow for more than 200mpg if you plug it in regularly, while CO2 emissions of 24g/km to 30g/km give it very low company car tax rates.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
On start-up, the 308 is near silent, and it’s happy to pootle around on electric quite happily, with the motor on its own kicking out a respectable 108bhp. The switch between petrol and electric is smooth too, although the eight-speed automatic gearbox can feel a bit jerky.
It’s not as quick as the figures suggest, though, and the small steering wheel and digital dial combination won’t suit everyone. It can make finding a perfect driving position difficult, and you can’t always see the dials easily because the top of the steering wheel gets in the way. On a more positive note, the 308 handles nicely and the ride is impressive, particularly for a plug-in hybrid and the fact that our test car was riding on the largest 18inch alloy wheels.
arguably its boldest yet. In a class where – generally speaking – the designs aren’t all that exciting, this car really stands out.
Its large frameless grille, intricate LED lights and drooping ‘claw’ headlights are all able to turn heads, while its sharp crease lines add further flair to the package. The ‘free’ paint colour is also arguably the best of the lot – Olivine Green.
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?
In this top-spec GT Premium form, the quality of the 308’s cabin is top-notch with a raft of high-end materials combining to create a very pleasant environment. Our test car even came with a funky light-blue leather upholstery (annoyingly, a £1,150 option), but it certainly added even more panache.
Peugeot’s new 10-inch touchscreen is a big step up too, being clear, easy to use and ultramodern. Large digital shortcut buttons are much better than the toggle-like paddles you get in the brand’s other models as well. Thanks to this new 308 being 11cm longer than before, space is also improved, with the boot measuring an impressive 412 litres, and although it drops to 361 litres in the hybrid, it’s only the underfloor area you lose.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
From basic to premium, all 308s get a decent level of kit, with entry-level Active Premium models equipped with LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels and a 10-inch touchscreen. Prices also start from a reasonable £24,635.
Mid-range Allure Premium models – our pick of the line-up – pack adaptive cruise control, wireless smartphone charging plus keyless entry, and are available from £27,385.
If you want all the bells and whistles, GT Premium has a 360-degree camera system, 18inch alloy wheels and Focal sound system, although it starts from a rather steep £30,885.
But think carefully if the plug-in will work for you, as you’ll pay £6,000 more for one next to a regular petrol, and you’ll need to do plenty of miles on electric to claw that back.
WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?
Autocar said: ‘It doesn’t cover every base and isn’t for every taste, but it’s got plenty going for it all the same.’ Carwow said: ‘The 308’s plush interior, intuitive infotainment tech and comfortable cruising ability mean it’s not just a pretty face.’
WHAT DO WE THINK?
It seems like Peugeot has another hit on its hands with the new 308. This new hatchback represents another shift upmarket for the firm, with this model’s attractive styling and highend interior really making it shine in this class.
The addition of the plug-in hybrids is welcome too, although this top-spec ‘225 PHEV’ doesn’t show the 308 in the best light. The regular Hybrid 180 model makes far more sense as it’s even more efficient, nearly as fast and around £1,500 cheaper.
Style
The bold new design includes a large frameless grille and drooping ‘claw’ headlights, while sharp crease lines add further flair.
Cabin
The interior has a quality feel with a raft of high-end materials used throughout.
TARGET BUYERS:
Younger families wanting something that’s not an SUV.
THE RIVALS:
BMW 1 Series Ford Focus Volkswagen Golf
KEY SELLING POINTS:
1. Striking design 2.Wide powertrain choice 3.High-quality interior
