Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Peugeot 308 review – premium family hatchback

"The Peugeot 308 is a comfortable, stylish family hatchback with a great interior but it’s not the most practical”

Carbuyer Rating

4.0 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.0 out of 5

Read owner reviews

Pros

  • Good to drive
  • Pleasant interior
  • Tech is easy to use

Cons

  • Less practical than some rivals
  • Unusual steering wheel size and position
  • No manual gearbox pushes prices up

Verdict – is the Peugeot 308 a good car?

The 308 isn’t the most spacious family car around – it’s bigger inside than a Toyota Corolla yet less practical than the last 308 – but it’s a great all-rounder that brings together comfort, efficiency, smart looks inside and out, enjoyable handling and plenty of hi-tech equipment. It’s also not the most affordable family hatchback, but if you want an automatic or hybrid car, it’s well worth considering. There’s also a 308 SW estate version with more boot space and similarly striking looks, should you need it, and the E-308 if you’re looking to make the switch to an electric car.

Peugeot 308 models, specs and alternatives

The Peugeot 308 is the French brand’s family hatchback, sitting above the 208 supermini in its lineup. It’s a striking car to look at, but there’s a lot more to it than just futuristic styling – this time around the Peugeot 308 can be had as a petrol, diesel, mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid or even fully-electric E-308, which we’ve reviewed separately, so it offers an incredible amount of choice.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Rivals to the Peugeot 308 include household names like the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf and Vauxhall Astra, as well as other family hatchbacks like the SEAT Leon, Citroen C4 and Hyundai i30. The 308 also shares many of the same components with the aforementioned Astra and C4, given that they fall under the same Stellantis parent brand, but the Peugeot 308 is positioned as a slightly more upmarket model compared with those two, starting from just under £30,000 – that’s over £10,000 more than the C4 and £5,000 more than the Astra.

Best hatchbacksThe 10 best hatchbacks to buy in 2024

The 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine has 131bhp and will suit most drivers, but the latest mild-hybrid option costs under £1,000 more and boasts improved fuel economy and performance, so it looks worth springing for. There are very few diesel hatchbacks left on sale these days, so the 1.5-litre BlueHDi option is refreshing to see – it’s £600 more expensive than the mild-hybrid and doesn’t boast much better fuel economy, though, and is only really suited to high mileage drivers.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

There are two plug-in hybrids available, using a 1.6-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor. The cheaper of the two produces 177bhp, while the more expensive model makes 222bhp. Both models can travel up to 36 miles on electricity alone, and their lower emissions make it a cheaper tax proposition for company-car drivers.

Advertisement - Article continues below

These models can be recharged at home overnight at a standard rate of 3.7kW, and unlike some plug-in hybrids, the 308 is available with faster charging as an option. Equipped with a 7.4kW charger (an extra £400 at the time of writing), you can use a home wallbox or public charger to fill the battery in about two hours.

The new 308 is good to drive, striking a nice balance between handling and comfort. The Ford Focus is often considered to be the benchmark in the class for handling and the Skoda Octavia is the same for comfort. The 308 sits somewhere in between the two.

Peugeot is in the process of positioning itself as a more premium brand than before, and it’s safe to say that one of the best aspects of the 308 is the interior. It feels well made and the materials are good quality, much like you’d find in a more expensive car like an Audi A3. There are some areas that look a little drab but its design is mostly excellent.

There’s also a 10-inch display with a second touch-sensitive panel below it. This looks very modern and is easier to use than the screens in other Peugeots (such as the 3008 SUV). It’s very responsive too, in a big improvement over the previous model.

The 308 is available in Active, Allure and GT trim levels, though the mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric E-308 are unavailable in base-spec Active, starting from mid-range Allure and above. All are well equipped; you get a 10-inch digital dial display, smartphone connectivity, LED headlights, climate control, 16-inch alloys and plenty of safety kit even on entry-level versions. As you move up the range, luxuries such as wireless phone charging, sat-nav, keyless entry, larger alloys and a 360-degree parking camera are added.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Charlie writes and edits news, review and advice articles for Carbuyer, as well as publishing content to its social media platforms. He has also been a regular contributor to its sister titles Auto Express, DrivingElectric and evo. As well as being consumed by everything automotive, Charlie is a speaker of five languages and once lived in Chile, Siberia and the Czech Republic, returning to the UK to write about his life-long passion: cars.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Renault Captur review – a stylish, good-value small SUV
Renault Captur front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
8 Oct 2024

Renault Captur review – a stylish, good-value small SUV

Toyota Prius review – desirable and efficient, but lacks boot space
Toyota Prius front quarter
In-depth reviews
30 Sep 2024

Toyota Prius review – desirable and efficient, but lacks boot space

Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid review – an upmarket, understated plug-in SUV
Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid
In-depth reviews
30 Sep 2024

Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid review – an upmarket, understated plug-in SUV

Mazda CX-80 review – spacious seven-seat diesel or plug-in hybrid SUV
Mazda CX-80 front tracking
In-depth reviews
27 Sep 2024

Mazda CX-80 review – spacious seven-seat diesel or plug-in hybrid SUV

Most Popular

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
1 Oct 2024

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500

Like the new Skoda Elroq? Our alternative picks cost over £10k less
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
4 Oct 2024

Like the new Skoda Elroq? Our alternative picks cost over £10k less

The best-selling cars in the UK 2024
Best-selling cars in the UK 2024
Best cars
4 Oct 2024

The best-selling cars in the UK 2024

Top 10 best diesel cars on sale today
Best diesel cars
Best cars
28 Jun 2024

Top 10 best diesel cars on sale today

Diesel cars are a great choice for drivers who cover long distances on the motorway – we cover the 10 best
Hot car deal: striking-looking Peugeot 308 hatchback for £186 a month
2022 Peugeot 308 driving
Deals
20 Feb 2024

Hot car deal: striking-looking Peugeot 308 hatchback for £186 a month

Our hot car deal for February 19th is the smart and sophisticated Peugeot 308 for £186 a month
Peugeot E-308 arrives with 257-mile electric range
Peugeot E-308
News
20 Sep 2023

Peugeot E-308 arrives with 257-mile electric range

Peugeot has announced pricing and trim levels for its important electric E-308 family hatchback
What is Peugeot i-Cockpit?
Peugeot i-Cockpit
Tips and advice
6 Jun 2023

What is Peugeot i-Cockpit?

Peugeot offers one of the most striking car interiors on the market – we explain what makes it so different
Peugeot 308 SW estate review
Peugeot 308 SW - front 1
In-depth reviews
16 May 2023

Peugeot 308 SW estate review

"The Peugeot 308 SW is certainly versatile thanks to a big boot and the option of petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid power"
Vauxhall Astra vs Peugeot 308 vs Citroen C4: rivals comparison
Vauxhall Astra vs Peugeot 308 vs Citroen C4
News
2 Sep 2022

Vauxhall Astra vs Peugeot 308 vs Citroen C4: rivals comparison

The Vauxhall Astra, Peugeot 308 and Citroen C4 are three family hatchbacks under the same parent-company – but how do their specs compare?
New Peugeot 308 gets £25,270 price tag
2021 Peugeot 308 - front 3/4 dynamic
News
17 May 2022

New Peugeot 308 gets £25,270 price tag

Two plug-in hybrid options and a hi-tech interior for the Peugeot 308 as the brand looks to take on prestige brands
New Peugeot 308 vs Ford Focus vs Volkswagen Golf: which should you buy?
Ford Focus vs Volkswagen Golf vs Peugeot 308 header
News
15 Apr 2022

New Peugeot 308 vs Ford Focus vs Volkswagen Golf: which should you buy?

All three of these family hatchbacks are well-accomplished cars, but which one is the best fit for you?
Skip advert
Advertisement
Top 10 best small estates
Skoda Octavia Estate
Best cars
16 Feb 2022

Top 10 best small estates

If you have lots of things to transport, but don't want a large SUV with expensive running costs, a small estate could be the answer. They are stylish…
Peugeot 308: old vs new
Peugeot 308: old vs new
News
19 Nov 2021

Peugeot 308: old vs new

The new 2022 Peugeot 308 hatchback is now on sale but should you buy a used 308 instead?
Top 10 best nearly new cars
Renault Captur
Best cars
4 Oct 2021

Top 10 best nearly new cars

If you can’t justify buying a brand-new car but want all the latest features, a nearly new car will appeal. Here are the best
New Peugeot 308 SW estate on sale now for £25,200
2021 Peugeot 308 SW estate - front 3/4 static
News
30 Jul 2021

New Peugeot 308 SW estate on sale now for £25,200

Bold new Peugeot 308 SW is more practical and offers plug-in hybrid power
Peugeot 308 hatchback review (2013-2021)
Peugeot 308 hatchback
In-depth reviews
24 Mar 2021

Peugeot 308 hatchback review (2013-2021)

"The Peugeot 308 hatchback is an attractive alternative to rivals that’s comfortable, spacious and reliable"
Updated 2020 Peugeot 308: prices, specs and release date
News
17 Nov 2020

Updated 2020 Peugeot 308: prices, specs and release date

Peugeot’s rival to the Ford Focus gets extra equipment and options; prices start at £21,310
Peugeot 308 SW estate review (2014-2021)
peugeot 308 sw (2014-2021)
In-depth reviews
3 May 2019

Peugeot 308 SW estate review (2014-2021)

"The Peugeot 308 SW is a small estate car with a huge boot, economical engines and plenty of interesting features"
Top 3 used economical petrol hatchbacks for £17,500
Carbuyer Top 3 used economical petrol hatchbacks for £17,500: Honda Civic, Peugeot 308, VW Golf
Tips and advice
15 Feb 2019

Top 3 used economical petrol hatchbacks for £17,500

“Dear Carbuyer, I’m after an economical petrol hatch with low running costs. What are my options for £17,500?”
Peugeot 308 GT Line review
Road tests
16 Oct 2018

Peugeot 308 GT Line review

The 308 GT Line offers the looks of a hot hatchback, with supermini running costs
Skip advert
Advertisement
Peugeot 308 GTi hiatus; 208 GTi sales halted
News
21 May 2018

Peugeot 308 GTi hiatus; 208 GTi sales halted

Modifications will see the 308 GTi return in October, as 208 GTi production is halted
Peugeot 308 GTi hatchback (2015-2019)
Peugeot 308 GTi hatchback
In-depth reviews
16 Jan 2018

Peugeot 308 GTi hatchback (2015-2019)

“The Peugeot 308 GTi is a great-to-drive and economical hot hatchback with subtly sporty looks and a comfortable interior”
Used Peugeot 308 buying guide: 2007-2014 (Mk1)
Used car reviews
6 Oct 2016

Used Peugeot 308 buying guide: 2007-2014 (Mk1)

Economical engines, a comfortable drive and decent equipment make the original 308 a sound buy
Peugeot 308 GTi: price, specs and release date
News
18 Jun 2015

Peugeot 308 GTi: price, specs and release date

Flagship 308 hot hatchback will compete with the Ford Focus ST and Honda Civic Type R
Peugeot 308 GT
Car trim reviews
8 Apr 2015

Peugeot 308 GT

"Peugeot's warm-hatch may not be the quickest or most responsive, but its dashing good looks and the choice of an estate make it a tempting option."
Peugeot 308 range updated
News
17 Oct 2014

Peugeot 308 range updated

Two new models added to Peugeot 308 range offer buyers more choice

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024