The Peugeot 308 is one of the sharpest-looking hatchbacks on sale. It grabs your attention straight away. But does it have the substance to match the style?
This is a crowded market. You’ve got the Ford Focus, which is great to drive, and the Toyota Corolla, which is impressively efficient and reliable. The 308 needs to do more than just look good to compete with them.
Peugeot says this is one of its most complete cars yet. So, is it really one of the best family hatchbacks you can buy?
Let’s find out…
Quick Overview
Adviser Rating: 3.9/5
Peugeot 308 has a few strengths, excellent interior, generous standard kit, and of course a broad engine and trim range. It’s quiet, impressively comfortable, and well-suited to long-distance driving.
The cabin feels more premium than many rivals, and boot space is competitive in most variants. However, it’s not without flaws. The infotainment system is fiddly, rear seat space is tight, and city driving is let down by the gearbox. It’s stylish and likeable, but in a class full of strong all-rounders, the 308 is still outclassed in several important areas.
Pros:
- Fabulous exterior
- Premium-feeling interior
- Impressively comfortable
- Well-equipped all trims
Cons:
- Slightly hesitant automatic gearbox
- Entry-level cars are a bit pricey
- Touchscreen climate controls are fiddly and distracting
- Only a four-star Euro NCAP rating
Trims & Pricing
The 308 does not come cheap. Compared with other family hatchbacks, its starting price is slightly higher than a Volkswagen Golf and more expensive than a Ford Focus. That said, the Toyota Corolla still costs more, and the Peugeot does make a strong case for itself on quality.
The range starts at just over £33,000 and rises to around £41,000 depending on trim and engine. That puts it broadly in line with the Ford Focus and undercuts most plug-in hybrid competitors. It also reflects the level of standard equipment on offer.
There are four trim levels in total: Active Premium, Allure, Allure Premium, and GT.
Even the entry-level Active Premium comes with 16in alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and wipers, and a six-speaker stereo. It’s decently equipped as a base model.
Spend another £2,000 or so. And you’ll get the Allure, which includes front parking sensors, power-folding mirrors and upgraded interior materials.
For an extra £1,000, the Allure Premium adds wireless phone charging, ambient lighting and adaptive cruise control.
GT is the top-of-the-line variant, starting from around £30,000 for the petrol, whereas the plug-in hybrids cost significantly more. It includes 18in wheels, keyless entry, a leather steering wheel and sportier suspension. It feels upmarket but the price jump is hard to justify.
The plug-in hybrid 308s start from the Allure trim and above. This is where things get more interesting. The Allure includes 17in alloys, a reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, a ski hatch, and a rear centre armrest. It strikes a good balance between equipment and cost.
If we had to pick one, we’d go for a base trim model. It offers the best value in what is already a slightly pricier than average family car.
Performance & Drive
Adviser Rating: 3.9/5
There’s a broad range of engine options in the 308. Some feel well suited, others less so.
We tested the entry-level 1.2 PureTech 130. It’s a 129bhp three-cylinder petrol paired with an eight-speed automatic. It managed 0–62mph in 9.8 seconds. That’s just okay for day to day usage but nothing extraordinary. In comparison, The Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid is faster, at 9.2 seconds. The Ford Focus 125PS is slower, though, taking 10.4 seconds. However, The Focus’s 155PS version takes just 8.6 seconds.
The 1.2-litre has ample power for city driving and country roads. It’s also quiet and generally comfortable, though the gearbox sometimes hesitates at low speeds. This is most noticeable at junctions or in stop-start traffic. It combines poorly with the engine’s stop-start system, hence makes smooth driving hard to achieve. And unfortunately, there’s no manual option available.
If you’d prefer something more tuned to the city, the Hybrid 136 might be worth the extra cost. It’s based on the same 1.2-litre petrol engine but uses a mild-hybrid system for a modest increase in power and efficiency. The motor adds a slight boost at low speeds, dropping the 0–62mph time to 9.3 seconds. It can also drive briefly on electric power alone. It feels nippier and more economical, so long as you have somewhere to keep the battery charged.
There’s also a plug-in hybrid in two outputs: Hybrid 180 and Hybrid 225. These use a 1.6-litre petrol engine and electric motor, with 178bhp and 222bhp respectively.
Performance is very similar: 0–62mph takes 7.7 seconds in the 180 and 7.6 seconds in the 225.
Official electric range is up to 37 miles, though 30 is more realistic. They’re smooth and quiet under electric power, though the brakes are difficult to modulate cleanly.
Speaking of which, there’s now also a fully electric version called the e-308, if you’re ready to go all-in on battery power. So, you can have it whichever way suits your driving habits best.
Ride Comfort & Handling
If long drives are a regular part of your routine, the 1.5 BlueHDi diesel is the one to go for.
It’s not notably quick, but it pulls well from low revs, cruises quietly, and returns around 50mpg without trying.
The petrol and hybrid models are more appropriate for mixed driving and shorter commutes.
The 308 feels settled at speed and is comfortable to drive over longer distances. It’s quiet on the motorway, the seats are supportive, and every version gets rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control is standard on higher trims and helps reduce fatigue on long journeys.
For the best ride comfort, consider models with 16-inch wheels. They’re likely to offer the smoothest experience. That said, the plug-in hybrid felt slightly firmer, likely due to the added weight of the battery.
The steering is light, compact, and direct, which some drivers will appreciate. However, it may take time for others to get used to. And it could be off-putting for those who prefer a more conventional steering feel.
All in, The Peugeot 308 is impressively comfortable, particularly on longer journeys. However, it’s not as sharp to drive as a Ford Focus, and its stop-start gearbox makes city driving less enjoyable.
Interior & Tech
Adviser Rating: 4.2/5
Get inside the 308 and it feels more premium than many competitors. Most surfaces you touch regularly are finished in soft-touch plastics, and in general design feels modern and well considered. The dash sweeps cleanly throughout the cabin, and there’s a neat blend of textures across. That being said, harder plastics do appear lower down, particularly on the door cards and centre tunnel.
It’s on equal terms with the Seat Leon for material quality. Still everything in the Peugeot feels solid and well screwed together.
All versions come with lumbar support as standard. However, the driving position isis awkward for many drivers.
Peugeot’s signature small steering wheel adds a sporty feel, though it can block the driver’s view of the digital instrument panel depending on your height. Fortunately, it’s manual to adjust, hence most people will find a setup that works for them.
Top-spec GT adds further touches like a leather steering wheel and a massage function for the driver. These add to the sense of luxury, but even lower trims feel far from bare.
Infotainment & Controls
The 10-inch infotainment touchscreen comes standard. Graphics are crisp and modern, and there’s a row of virtual shortcut keys to help with navigation. Unfortunately, it’s not the most intuitive system. Menus are layered, and some key functions, for example, climate control, require diving into the screen. In competitors like the Corolla or Civic, a simple rotary dial handles this with far less distraction.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, and there’s a dedicated button to access them. Voice control is also available for tasks like adjusting the temperature or setting navigation. It worked fine for us, but often times struggle to respond when there’s some background noise.
Visibility and Convenience
Every 308 gets rear parking sensors. Allure trim and above adds a reversing camera, whereas GT models come with sensors front and rear. A 360° camera is available as an option. Visibility is good in most directions, though the rear view is limited by thick pillars and a small window.
Eco LED headlights are standard on lower trims. GT models upgrade to matrix LED headlights.
There are two USB ports in the front and, from Allure trim upwards, two more in the rear. Wireless charging is also included on mid-range models and up.
To sum up, we’d say it looks like a premium hatch, feels like one too. But the steering wheel and touchscreen climate controls are genuinely frustrating.
Space, Practicality, & Comfort
Adviser Rating: 4/5
The front seats of the 308 are adequate. Even tall drivers will find enough head and legroom, and shoulder width is generous too. There’s a good sense of separation between occupants, helped by the wide central tunnel and slim dashboard.
Storage is also well thought through. There’s a deep cubby beneath the central armrest, another below the dashboard, and two cupholders with a sliding cover to keep things tidy. The phone tray ahead of the gear selector includes a wireless charging pad on Allure trim and above. A pair of USB ports and a 12V socket are within reach, and the glovebox is felt-lined and larger than in older Peugeots. Door bins are wide enough for large bottles, whereas the layout feels tidy and cohesive throughout.
Rear Seat Space and Usability
Rear seat space is somewhat compromised. If you’re tall (let’s say about 6ft) and sitting behind someone the same height, legroom and headroom are both limited. Knees press up against the seat in front, and headroom becomes tight near the roofline. It’s fine for short trips but not so great for longer ones.
The middle seat specifically is not so practical. The central tunnel and limited shoulder room mean three adults will feel cramped. That being said, the rear bench is fine for two average sized adults or children.
ISOFIX points are included however positioned behind zipped covers, which looks neat but makes them harder to access. On the plus side, the rear doors open wide, so fitting child seats is not a struggle.
You’ll find more storage in the back, too. There are large door bins, slim pockets on the seat backs, and a small cubby below the rear air vents. The fold-down centre armrest includes cupholders, but it’s fiddly to pull down due to the lack of a release tab. A ski hatch is included on Allure trim and up, although the opening is narrow, which limits what you can actually pass through.
Boot Space and Flexibility
Boot space is one of the 308’s stronger points. Petrol and diesel models offer 412 litres, which is more than you’ll get in a Ford Focus, VW Golf or Audi A3. The space is wide and square, with only a small loading lip, so lifting in luggage is fairly easy. You don’t get an adjustable boot floor, though, and the rear bumper sticks out slightly, which adds a bit of reach when loading heavier items.
Plug-in hybrid models sacrifice some space. Their battery pack under the boot floor reduces capacity to 361 litres. That’s enough for five carry-on suitcases in our test, but it’s a noticeable step down from the standard car.
The rear seats fold in a 60/40 split, as you’d expect. The folding mechanism is simple and can be reached from behind the car. Once folded, the load space is reasonably flat, though there’s a ridge behind the seats which can get in the way if you’re trying to slide items forwards.
There are also nets and tie-down hooks in the boot. Oddly, there’s no 12V socket back there, which is a minor but surprising omission in a car of this type.
Fuel Economy & Running Costs
Adviser Rating: 3.7/5
The 308 offers a decent range of efficient engines, whether you pick petrol, diesel, or hybrid. Every version is front-wheel drive and comes with an automatic gearbox as standard.
The 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel are both relatively frugal.
Official figures suggest around 50mpg for the petrol and close to 60mpg for the diesel, depending on specification. The Hybrid 136 goes one better, with an official return of 60mpg, though this depends heavily on how and where you drive.
On our test route, the petrol version returned 44mpg. That’s acceptable for the segment, though the Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid did better under the same conditions, averaging just over 50mpg. Real-world fuel use will vary depending on driving style and conditions, so your results may differ.
For lower running costs and tax benefits, the plug-in hybrids are worth a look.
Both PHEV 180 and 225 versions emit just 25g/km of CO₂. That makes them ideal for company car drivers. Road tax is free in the first year, and benefit-in-kind rates are as low as they get.
Charging the PHEV models from a standard three-pin socket takes just over seven hours. Opt for the 7.4kW onboard charger (a cost option) and use a home wall box, and that figure drops to one hour and 40 minutes.
If you want to eliminate fuel stops entirely, the Peugeot e-308 might suit you better. It’s not the cheapest to buy, but running costs will be lower if you can charge at home.
Reliability & Safety
Adviser Rating: 3.8/5
Every Peugeot 308 comes with a three-year warranty, covering up to 60,000 miles. That’s fairly standard for the class, though does not come close to the generous as Kia’s seven-year package or Toyota’s ten years.
That being said, the plug-in hybrid’s 12.4kWh battery pack is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles, which matches most competitors in this segment.
In terms of safety, the 308 earned four stars out of five in Euro NCAP crash testing. That result is slightly disappointing when compared with five-star rivals like the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus. The issue lies mainly in adult occupant protection, which scored 76%. That’s not unsafe, but lower than expected for a modern family car. Child occupant protection was stronger at 84%, roughly matching those of its rivals.
The 308 also scored 68% for vulnerable road users and 65% for safety assist.
Although those figures are not a benchmark, the list of standard safety features is at least comprehensive.
All versions include:
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Lane-keeping assistance
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Cruise control
- Traffic-sign recognition
- Speed limiter
That’s a strong base level, even if the overall safety rating falls short.
Higher trims and options do have more advanced systems. These include:
- Semi-automatic lane-changing system
- Adaptive cruise control
- Curve speed assist function
Furthermore, Airbag coverage is reasonable. The 308 features front, side, and curtain airbags, though noticeably misses knee airbags and rear chest-level side airbags.
A Thatcham category 1 alarm comes as standard, including an anti-lift sensor, and hazard lights are automatically triggered during heavy braking.
On the reliability front, it’s too early to draw firm conclusions. The current-generation 308 is still relatively new, and so far, there have been no major recalls. That could change with time, as earlier 308s have experienced mixed reliability records.
Some Peugeot models in general have suffered from electrical issues and minor trim faults in ownership surveys.
For now, the car looks well put together and offers a decent safety package. However, if you want the best-in-class crash protection, then you should consider rivals with stronger Euro NCAP scores.
Our Verdict
The Peugeot 308 looks like a premium hatchback and, in many ways, feels like one too. But when you dig into the details, it’s not quite the all-rounder it claims to be.
It rides well, feels solid, and has a great cabin, if you can live with the awkward driving position and overcomplicated touchscreen controls. As for the engine range, it covers all the bases, but none of them stands out for performance or refinement.
It’s more comfortable than a Ford Focus, but not as fun. It’s cheaper than a Corolla plug-in hybrid, but not as efficient.
If looks and comfort matter most, the 308 is easy to like. But for the same money, other hatchbacks will do more, more of the time, with fewer compromises.
For more expert insights, stay tuned to Car Adviser.
