Peugeot 308

 

Peugeot's 308 is a family hatchback that boasts styling like a people carrier, and has almost as much room on the inside, too. As well as offering plenty of space, including a huge boot, the 308's interior is comfortable, well equipped and well made. The diesel engines are powerful and at speed the Peugeot is quiet and refined, so it's a great motorway companion. Just like the smaller 207, there's a larger, more practical SW estate model and convertible 308 CC available. However, all cars suffer from the same problem: the 308 feels very similar to the 307 that preceded it, so today it seems outdated and bland.

 

Watch our overview of the Peugeot 308 range
Watch our overview of the Peugeot 308 range
Peugeot 308 hatchback

Peugeot 308 hatchback

5 doors

Price £15,345 - £20,395

2.10 /5
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  • Pros:
    • Solid, classy interior
    • Very safe
    • Excellent comfort at speed
  • Cons:
    • Poor resale values
    • Reliability record is below average
    • Basic kit on entry cars

A recent facelift has freshened up the 308's looks, while new eco-friendly engines make it a more attractive prospect. To improve economy further, around 25kg has been slashed from the kerbweight of each model and some cars feature the latest generation of low-rolling resistance tyres. There's plenty of safety equipment, and its high-class interior makes it feel like a more expensive car. The diesel engines are powerful and at speed the Peugeot is comfortable and quiet, so it's a great motorway companion. Despite the revisions, though, it can't live with the VW Golf and Ford Focus.

See full Peugeot 308 hatchback range
Peugeot 308 SW MPV

Peugeot 308 SW MPV

5 doors

Price £16,245 - £22,345

4.10 /5
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  • Pros:
    • Fantastic practicality
    • High quality cabin
    • Seven-seat option
  • Cons:
    • High list prices
    • Reliability is below average
    • Difficult gearchange

Like the hatchback on which it's based, the 308 SW has a classy cabin, but this car's trump card is its huge amount of space inside. The 308 SW is also available with a seven-seat layout, thanks to an extra pair of seats in the back, which makes it attractive if you have a large family. 

See full Peugeot 308 SW MPV range
Peugeot 308 CC cabriolet

Peugeot 308 CC cabriolet

2 doors

Price £22,445 - £27,695

4.00 /5
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  • Pros:
    • Bold looks
    • High-quality, comfortable interior
    • Excellent folding roof
  • Cons:
    • Limited boot space with hood stowed
    • Leisurely performance
    • Styling won't appeal to all

The convertible version of the 308 comes with an electrically operated metal roof, so it offers similar comfort with the roof up, and wind in the hair motoring when the roof is down. However, the 308 CC is heavier than the 308 hatchback thanks to the folding roof system and extra body strengthening, so it's not as economical or as enjoyable to drive. The 308 CC is only offered in higher specification levels, so all cars come with plenty of standard equipment.

See full Peugeot 308 CC cabriolet range