PEUGEOT

PEUGEOT 308 HATCHBACK 1.6 Hybrid GT 5dr e-EAT8

Fuel

FuelPetrol/PlugIn Elec Hybrid

Transmission

TransmissionAutomatic

Acceleration

0 - 62 mph7.6s

EC Combined (mpg)

EC Combined-

Peugeot's 308 family hatch looks pricey but appealing in this plug-in HYBRID form. You can also have a full-EV version, but the PHEV variant probably makes more sense as an all-round proposition with its 37 mile EV range capability, claimed three-figure fuel cycle reading and notably efficient CO2 return, which offers low BiK tax status. Other brands offer this kind of capability too, but this 308 delivers it with a bit more flair.

PLUG QUIZ

Peugeot's third generation 308 offers an interesting but pricey alternative in plug-in HYBRID form. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

Peugeot's 308 family hatch looks pricey but appealing in this plug-in HYBRID form. You can also have a full-EV version, but the PHEV variant probably makes more sense as an all-round proposition with its 37 mile EV range capability, claimed three-figure fuel cycle reading and notably efficient CO2 return, which offers low BiK tax status. Other brands offer this kind of capability too, but this 308 delivers it with a bit more flair.

Background

There's quite a premium to pay if you want your next family hatch equipped with Plug-in Hybrid technology. Is it worth it? That's a difficult question to answer and a lot will depend on the type of driving you do and how frequently you're going to remember the plug your car in. What we do know is that the Stellantis Group of brands offer some of the best PHEV options in this segment, the same technology used with Vauxhall's latest Astra and with this car, Peugeot's third generation 308. We tried the top HYBRID 225 variant to find out where PHEV power really adds up with this Gallic contender.

Driving Experience

You might wonder what you're going to get here. After all, the light, agile handling of the standard 308 has to be affected by adding an extra 344kgs of weight brought about by the Hybrid system - doesn't it? If you don't feel the need to weigh your 308 down with the weight of three baby Asian elephants, we'd understand completely; you can certainly feel the difference all that bulk makes when turning into tight corners at speed. But the attraction of being able to drive your 308 for up to 37 miles without troubling fossil fuel is certainly strong, providing you can stomach the substantial price premium the brand wants for its PHEV tech. As usual with the company's Plug-in models, there's the curious combination of frugal electrification tinselled around a 180hp 1.6-litre petrol turbo PureTech engine dropped from mainstream use because it wasn't economic enough. Here, it's embellished by a 109hp electric motor powered by a 12.4kWh battery and depending on model choice, two system outputs are available: 180hp or, for quite a bit more, the 225hp version we tried, a largely pointless extra spend because it has exactly the same torque output and only improves the lesser version's 7.6s 0-62mph sprint time by a tenth of a second. PHEV 308 motoring comes with its own three district driving modes, but in reality, you'll almost always use only one of them - 'Hybrid', which optimises alternation of electric and internal combustion power. The other two options are 'Electric' (which allows for 100% electric driving but uses up your EV range pretty quickly); and 'Sport' (which uses only engine power for maximum performance, but will nullify the reason why you paid so much for this variant in the first place).

Design and Build

Apart from specific badgework and an extra charging flap, there are no obvious styling cues that set this HYBRID version apart. This third generation 308 certainly makes a pavement statement. There are hatch and estate body styles, both of which have plenty of overtaking presence. There's a long bonnet and a low nose bearing the latest, rather different Peugeot badge on its grille. Flanking this are slim LED headlights complemented by Peugeot's fang-like LED daytime running lights. At the rear, there are tail lights with three 'claw' style lighting elements.  Inside, there's Peugeot's i-Cockpit layout with its small steering wheel, which sits beneath a digital instrument panel, with clever 3D image tech borrowed from the brand's smaller 208 supermini. The tall, sloping dashboard features a sharp-looking 10-inch touchscreen display which has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity and offers widescreen navigation from TomTom. Beneath this monitor is a row of freely configurable touch-sensitive controls, called 'i-Toggles'. Each one offers a shortcut to a major function, such as radio, climate control or 'phone. Back seat space (just about enough for two adults) is about average for the class. And, as usual with PHEVs, you'll have to accept a reduction in boot capacity because of the larger battery beneath the floor. The conventional model's 412-litre capacity falls to 368-litres here (it's 548-litres in the SW estate version). With the seats folded, there's 1,271-litres (1,574-litres with the SW).

Market and Model

There's a big price step up to get yourself a 308 Plug-in Hybrid derivative. From launch and at the time of this test in early 2024, the least you could pay for a 308 PHEV was around £38,000, which gets you the lesser 'HYBRID 180' variant. Further up the range, you'll have the option of finding around £1,500 more for the quicker 'HYBRID 225' version we tried, but by the time you've budgeted for that, you'll be paying plenty. At the time of testing, the top 'HYBRID 225' 'GT' model listed at just over £42,000. Yes, you heard that right. At the time of this test, we didn't yet have a guide price for the alternative full-electric e-308 model, but if you were to budget a fraction above the figures that Peugeot's asking for the PHEV versions, you probably wouldn't be too far out. For the HYBRID variants, there are two trim levels: 'Allure' and 'GT'. As for the value proposition, well the identically-engineered Vauxhall Astra Plug-in HYBRID-e would save you around £700 over a base 308 HYBRID 180 variant: but a comparable Volkswagen Golf e-Hybrid would cost you about £1,600 more. Even if you're shopping at the very top of the range with the HYBRID 225 'GT' model we tried, you won't pay very much more than you'd need for an equivalent Volkswagen Golf GTE - and you'd be getting heaps more standard equipment.

Cost of Ownership

The petrol HYBRID 308 derivatives quote three-figure combined cycle figures (up to 281.1mpg for the HYBRID 180 and up to 266.2mpg for the HYBRID 225 variant), but the reality is that the 1.6-litre turbo petrol unit that features in these derivatives won't be especially economic once the 36-37 mile EV range in either case is used up. Which means in reality that you can probably expect running cost returns somewhere between the conventional PureTech and BlueHDi 308 model versions. Where the HYBRID models do hold a cost advantage is with their low 8% Benefit-in-Kind tax exposure, made possible by a CO2 return that can be as low as 23g/km for the HYBRID 180 variant (the lowest is 24g/km for the HYBRID 225 version). A Hybrid meter gauge on the dash helps you drive economically (stay out of the 'Power' section and keep the needle in 'Eco' for best results). And you can monitor your Zero emissions running via a neat Cyan LED 'Zero Emissions Driving' indicator light in the frameless rear view mirror. From a household plug, both PHEV variants will be replenished in just over seven hours. You'll find 3.7kW single-phase charging supported as standard, which means recharges will take three hours and 50 minutes. A 7.4kW on-board charger is available as an option and with that fitted you're your 308 HYBRID is plugged into a wallbox, the battery will take one hour and 55 minutes to be topped up. The plug-in hybrid 308 variants offer a thermal pre-conditioning function too. Via the 'MyPeugeot' smartphone app or by using the vehicle's touchscreen, owners can schedule a wake-up time for the battery. This means that the cells can be at the optimal temperature for efficiency from the time you start up, plus of course the interior can also be pre-cooled or pre-heated too.

Summary

So where does all that leave us? The answer will depend on whether you buy into the pricey Plug-in Hybrid concept. And whether you're equally convinced by the way that this third generation 308 serves it up. You may not like the sharky looks. And the unusual 'i-Cockpit' dash design is certainly divisive - try before you buy. Those used to the previous generation model might find the ride a little firm. And, especially with the HYBRID models, the pricing certainly pushes this car uncomfortably close to what's being charged for premium brand compact hatchbacks of similar size. Overall though, what's on offer here is a car that's continuing to restore Peugeot's reputation for building elegant, comfortable and technologically advanced models. And a car that gives the brand a shot at making good on its upmarket aspirations.

  • Front and rear electric windows with one touch/anti pinch
  • Tailgate with heated rear windscreen and wiper blade
  • Automatic triggered rear windscreen wiper in reverse gear
  • Dark tinted Rear side and tailgate windows
  • Acoustic and tinted windscreen

  • Automatic post collision braking
  • Anti-lock Brake System + Electronic Brakeforce Distribution + Emergency Brake Assit
  • Electronic Stability Programme
  • Front/rear disc brakes
  • Electronic parking brake
  • Hill start assist

  • Carpet mats

  • Bluetooth telephone facility
  • Smartphone charging plate
  • Wireless apple car play/android Auto

  • Compact automatic gearbox impulse selector
  • Sport pedals with foot rest
  • Multi driving mode selector - Electric/HYBRID /Sport mode
  • Speed limit recognition and recommendation
  • Intelligent speed adaptation
  • Lane keep assist
  • Driver attention warning

  • Peugeot connect SOS and assistance
  • Service interval indicator
  • Multi function trip computer
  • Mirror screen with mirror link, apple carplay and android auto
  • Exterior temperature indicator with ice warning
  • 10" capacitive colour touchscreen with connected 3D navigation includes Peugeot Connect SOS and assistance
  • PEUGEOT i-Cockpit with compact steering wheel
  • PEUGEOT i-Cockpit with configurable 3D headup instrument panel

  • Frameless electrochrome rear view mirror with ZEV indicator
  • Power folding door mirrors
  • Nera black door mirrors
  • Electric operated/heated door mirrors

  • Steering column mounted multifunction controls
  • DAB Digital radio
  • Voice recognition for radio, navigation and telephony features
  • Peugeot customisable iToggles

  • Extended lower body sills to the front and side
  • Peugeot aluminium door sills
  • Lion emblem badging on front wings
  • Dichroic hybrid badging
  • Model designation badges on front and rear
  • Rear lower bumper gloss black diffuser effect trim
  • Dark chrome chequered radiator grille
  • Twin exhaust pipes with chrome surround
  • Gloss black finish B pillar
  • Gloss black rear cluster connecting strip
  • Body colour rear spoiler
  • Body colour door handles

  • LED rear number plate lights
  • High beam assist
  • Full LED matrix headlights with automatic adjustment
  • Peugeot signature LED daytime running lights
  • Rear full LED 3D Peugeot new claw effect lights with sequential welcome sequence upon unlocking the vehicle
  • LED side indicator lights integrated into door mirrors
  • Rear reversing lights

  • Automatic air conditioning with AQS 3

  • Clean cabin technology
  • Piano keys gloss black plated toggle switches to access main functions of the vehicle
  • Electric power steering with reach and rake adjustable steering column
  • Front central console with two cup holders
  • 12V socket
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Roof lining - Mistral black
  • Mode 3 type 2 cable for wallbox charging
  • Central front armrest with storage compartment
  • Multifunction full grain leather steering wheel with admite green stitching & GT badging
  • 2 front USB socket including 1 USB type c
  • 2 rear USB socket including 1 USB type c
  • Sunvisor with concealable mirrors and LED lighting
  • Ski hatch with central rear armrest with cup holder
  • Manual driving mode - change gear manually via steering mounted paddles

  • 8 Colour personalisable ambient lighting
  • LED Glovebox light

  • Drive assist pack with rear cross traffic alert- 308
  • Visibility pack with automatic magic wash windscreen wipers - 308
  • Driver sport pack - 308 PHEV

  • Front optimised safety headrests and rear retractable headrests (x3), height adjustable
  • Active safety brake with night function/cyclists/pedestrians
  • 2x Isofix child seat fitting on outer rear seats
  • 3x Rear three-point retractable seatbelts with force limiters in the outer rear seats
  • Front three point retractable seatbelts with force limiters
  • Adaptive driver and front passenger airbags with passenger airbag deactivation function
  • Child locks on rear doors
  • Tyre pressure sensor
  • Front and rear curtain airbags
  • Driver/front passenger side airbags

  • 1/3 to 2/3 split folding rear seats
  • Seatbelt unfastened on the move audible and visual alert for front and rear seats
  • Dynamic front seats

  • Automatic door locking when moving off
  • Electronic code immobiliser
  • Automatic hazard light activation upon heavy brake application
  • Deadlocking system
  • Locking wheel nuts
  • Acoustic vehicle alert system (AVAS)
  • Thatcham cat. 1 alarm with anti lift sensor
  • Peugeot open and go system includes keyless entry with push start button

  • 18" Kamakura diamond cut alloy wheels

  • Tyre repair kit

  • Battery Charge Slow Time (Minutes): 235
  • Battery Charge Slow kW: 3.7
  • Battery Charge Slow Percentage: 0-100
  • Battery Charge Fast Time (Minutes): 115
  • Battery Charge Fast kW: 7.4
  • Battery Charge Fast Percentage: 0-100
  • Battery Charge Rapid Time (Minutes): N
  • Battery Charge Rapid kW: N
  • Battery Charge Rapid Percentage: N
  • Battery Charge Super Charge Time (Minutes): N
  • Battery Charge Super Charge kW: N
  • Battery Charge Super Charge Percentage: N
  • Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2
  • Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8
  • Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000
  • Battery Capacity in kWh: 12.4
  • Battery Leased: False
  • Battery Type: Lithium-ion
  • WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - Min: 18
  • WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - Max: 20.1
  • WLTP - AER (km) - City - Min: 76
  • WLTP - AER (km) - City - Max: 63
  • WLTP - AER (miles) - City - Max: 39.1
  • WLTP - AER (miles) - City - Min: 47.2
  • WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - Max: 3.1
  • WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - Min: 3.5

  • Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6
  • Noise Level dB(A): 68
  • CO: 0.37
  • HC: 0.015
  • NOx: 0.034
  • HC+NOx: N
  • Particles: 0.0003

  • WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Low - Min: 164
  • WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Low - Max: 177
  • WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Medium - Min: 140
  • WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Medium - Max: 145
  • WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - High - Min: 123
  • WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - High - Max: 130
  • WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Extra High - Min: 152
  • WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Extra High - Max: 161
  • WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Comb - Min: 142
  • WLTP - CO2 Ch Sus (g/km) - Comb - Max: 150
  • WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 26
  • WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - Min: 24
  • WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - Max: 30

  • Engine Code: EP6FADTXHPE
  • Cylinders: 4
  • Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE
  • Number of Valves: 16
  • Camshaft: DOHC
  • Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION
  • Catalytic Convertor: True
  • Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE
  • Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
  • Transmission: SEMI-AUTO
  • Gears: 8 SPEED
  • Cylinders - Bore (mm): 77
  • Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 85.8
  • CC: 1598

  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: False

  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Low - Min: 39
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Low - Max: 36.1
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Medium - Min: 45.7
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Medium - Max: 44.1
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - High - Min: 52
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - High - Max: 49.1
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Extra High - Min: 41.9
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Extra High - Max: 39.7
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb - Min: 44.9
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb - Max: 42.5
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Low - Min: 7.3
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Low - Max: 7.8
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Medium - Min: 6.2
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Medium - Max: 6.4
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - High - Min: 5.4
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - High - Max: 5.7
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Extra High - Min: 6.7
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Extra High - Max: 7.1
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb - Min: 6.3
  • WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb - Max: 6.6
  • WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - Min: 1
  • WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - Max: 1.3
  • WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - Min: 281.1
  • WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - Max: 213.7

  • Service Interval Mileage: 20000
  • Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12
  • NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N
  • NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N
  • NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N
  • NCAP Safety Assist %: N
  • NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N
  • Badge Power: 180
  • Badge Engine CC: 1.6
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
  • Generation Mark: 3
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: True
  • Special Edition: False
  • Special Order: False
  • Based On ID: N
  • Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: False
  • Coin Series: GT
  • Coin Description: Hybrid
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000
  • Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3
  • Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

  • Engine Power - KW: 132
  • Engine Power - RPM: 6000
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 266
  • Engine Torque - NM: 360
  • Engine Torque - RPM: 1750
  • Engine Power - BHP: 180
  • Engine Power - PS: True
  • 0 to 60 mph (secs): False
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.6
  • Top Speed: 140
  • Engine Torque - MKG: 36.7

  • Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP
  • RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

  • Alloys?: True
  • Space Saver?: False
  • Tyre Size Rear: 225/40 R18
  • Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT
  • Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY
  • Tyre Size Front: 225/40 R18
  • Wheel Style: KAMAKURA

  • Width (including mirrors): 2062
  • Height: 1441
  • Height (including roof rails): N
  • Length: 4365
  • Width: 1850
  • Wheelbase: 2680

  • Minimum Kerbweight: 1603
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 2120
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 40
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 361
  • No. of Seats: 5
  • Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1500
  • Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750
  • Max. Loading Weight: 517
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1271

  • Heated front windscreen: £200

  • Front and rear parking sensors: Included
  • Visio Park 1 with 180 degree Colour reversing camera: Included
  • Visio Park 3 with 360 colour camera system + semi automated parking assistance: £500

  • 7.4 kW triphase on board charger: £300
  • 3.7 kW monophase on board charger: Included

  • FOCAL premium HiFi 10HP system with 4 tweeter, 2 woofer, 1 central speaker and subwoofer: £800
  • 6 speakers radio with mp3 compatible: Included

  • Metallic paint: Included
  • Pearlescent paint: £695
  • Special metallic paint: £545
  • Cielo panoramic glass roof with interior blind: £1,100

  • Fraxx knit tri-material alcantara with isabella leather effect and cloth upholstery: Included

  • Nappa Naboo full grain leather pack - 308: £2,050
  • Nappa Mistral full grain leather pack - 308: £2,050

  • Metallic - Olivine green: £0

  • Pearl - Elixir red: £695
  • Pearl - Vertigo blue: £695
  • Pearl - White: £695

  • Special metallic - Cumulus grey: £545
  • Special metallic - Nera black: £545

  • Driver seat lumbar adjustment: Included
  • Driver and front passenger seat height adjustment: Included
  • Driver and front passenger seat manual adjustment in longitudinal and back rest angle: Included

  • Detachable towbar with 13 pin + Trailer Sway Mitigation: £790

  • Fraxx knit tri-material alcantara with isabella leather effect and cloth upholstery - Black: £0

  • Leather - Nappa naboo full grain leather pack - Blue: £2,050
  • Leather - Nappa mistral full grain leather pack - Black: £2,050

Whilst every effort is made to verify and ensure the accuracy of the data, the information should only be used as a guide and no purchasing decision should be made without verification of the data from either the manufacturer or franchised dealer. Our offers may be on a different model year to that represented by this data and so specification may differ accordingly.

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