Peugeot 308 review

While plenty of us cling to memories of the Peugeot’s age-old commitment to affordable high performance, the 308 instead majors on qualities that are probably more relevant nowadays: refinement and efficiency. 

It uses an updated version of the EMP2 platform that underpinned the previous model, and isn't exactly cutting-edge in the chassis tech it deploys. Yet it steers, rides and handles with more than enough joie de vivre for its class and to compete against a dwindling band of small hatchback rivals. You can have fun in it, with concerted effort, or just sit back and let the broadly smooth powertrains lollop you along.

What are my engine options?

Replacing the old 1.2-litre three-pot and eight-speed automatic is a mild hybrid offering. It's the same, diddy engine with a small electric boost for a 143bhp total and with a more urgent six-speed auto helping hustle you along in a more spritely manner. Its 8.8s dash to 62mph is almost a second down on the previous entry-point 308, and you'll feel that in traffic and down slip roads. While actually improving on its forebear's 50mpg real-world efficiency thanks to its smart hybrid power.

You'll be surprised at just how often it operates on electricity alone, especially given there's no chance to plug it in. Much low-speed shuffling can be done without the engine, and during calmer cruising you'll see the speed readout change from white to blue - to signify the engine's sleeping - rather a lot too. This is a hybrid without you having to think about it, and it's a thoroughly simple and relaxing car to drive as a result. Handles quite well too, owing to its modest weight.

What about the plug-ins?

The old, 180 base PHEV was a pleasant thing to rub along with and we clocked up 80mpg on a 40-mile loop, staying in electric mode for about half of it. The 225, with its slightly more powerful 178bhp petrol engine (and, sigh, claimed 266mpg) was obviously a bit punchier, maybe even nibbling into quasi warm hatch territory. But still some way short of full GTI status.

The 195 that replaces them both strikes a nice balance between the two, and gives the 308 the power and torque its edgy looks warrant. Where the base Hybrid and electric E-308 both hit 62mph in circa nine seconds, this one drops neatly into the sevens. You feel its extra weight over the base 1.2, but it's still a well-controlled thing and business users (or regular long-haulers) will relish its refinement when the 1.6 engine has properly melted into the background and you're floating along on electric alone. Its 17.2kWh battery helps provide an additional 12 miles of range over the outgoing PHEVs, for a claimed electric driving range of 53 miles.

They claim over 275 miles in a pure E-308 EV, mind. That's the 308 of most modest performance, but it's probably the most easily recommendable if its use case fits your life. Especially when the government is dishing out a £1,500 contribution.

What's ride comfort like?

It’s wonderfully quiet at motorway speeds, suppressing all but the most intrusive of surface bumps and undulations. Generous soundproofing helps – the windows are thicker and laminated side glass is available – and only a modest amount of kerfuffle around the A-pillars and door mirrors upsets the sense of calm. Even the arrival of the PHEV's combustion engine feels seamless.

Peel off onto more challenging back roads, and the sparkle comes off a bit, especially with the plug-in hybrid’s extra mass (253kg more than the base Hybrid). But it steers briskly, turns in nicely, and has decent body control. 

Anything else to note?

A little panel and raised controller on the driver’s side takes the place of the gearstick, allowing you to flick smoothly and swiftly between drive, park and reverse. In addition, there’s a ‘drive mode’ selector that allows you to switch between various modes. On the plug-in hybrids this allows you to switch between electric, hybrid, or sport, which offers firmer power steering, optimised torque delivery, and shorter gearshift time. You’ll likely stick to hybrid.

As ever, it’s also fitted with the full suite of driver aids and as usual, the lane keep assist was the first thing we turned off. Peugeot also offers a Drive Assist Plus pack which includes such innovations as semi-automatic lane change, anticipated speed recommendation, and curve speed adaptation, the latter ‘optimising the car’s speed according to the severity of the bend’. Semi-autonomous tech, in other words.