Peugeot 308 Review 2024

Peugeot 308 At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The new Peugeot 308 is a likeable and stylish offering in the family hatchback class. With a decent driving experience, upmarket cabin, better tech and new plug-in hybrid options it's more compelling than the old car, although it lags behind the class best when it comes to practicality.

+Striking design. Smart, interesting cabin. Much improved tech over old 308. Pleasant driving experience.

-Should be roomier in the back for a family hatch. No manual gearbox available on any engine. Taller drivers might struggle with quirky driving position.

New prices start from £33,035, brokers can source from £35,866

For countries that share a border, France and Germany don't half do things differently when it comes to cars. It's been the same for decades, but even comparing the latest Peugeot 308 with the Volkswagen Golf is like comparing foie gras with currywurst. In this review we'll see why the new 308 doesn't just copy the Germans.

For starters, look at it. The old Peugeot 308 wasn't a particularly bold design but it was subtly elegant for a mainstream family car. The new model might have very similar proportions in hatchback form, but the details are definitely more showy.

That deep, striking grille, the fang-like LED running lights, the sharp side creases and the intricate tail-light design definitely help the new 308 stand out, particularly next to the classy but unexciting Golf. For detail lovers it's worth noting this car is the first to show off Peugeot's chunky new lion's head badging.

Step inside and things have evolved significantly over the old car, too. Yes, the unusual i-Cockpit driving position, with its diddy steering wheel and high-set dials, remains, but there's now full digital dials (some with 3D projection) on every model, plus a brand-new infotainment system with clever customisable shortcut buttons. The overall shape of the dashboard is quite dramatic, too. 

The new Peugeot 308 is longer and wider than before, but has a lower roofline to improve aerodynamics. We were hoping for more rear seat space, but offers a decent-sized boot, good storage and plenty of comfort up front. 

Key additions to the range include - for the first time on the 308 - a pair of plug-in hybrids alongside petrol and diesel offerings. Offering up to 225PS and the ability to travel up to 40 miles on a charge, expect them to be very popular - particularly as the majority of 308s will be shifted to fleet buyers. 

The 1.2 Puretech 130 petrol and 1.5 BlueHDI diesel are familiar territory, but next year we'll also see a fully electric version of the 308 with a 250-mile range to rival cars such as the Volkswagen ID.3. Will we see the return of the 308 GTI? It remains to be seen, but we're not so sure...

Still, the standard car puts up a good fight next to a sea of similarly sized family hatch rivals including the SEAT Leon, Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, Ford Focus and Renault Megane. In some ways (design and projected residual values) it's also an affordable competitor for the Mercedes A-Class, Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series, too. 

Want a second opinion? Check out heycar's review of the new Peugeot 308.

Ask Honest John

Best medium-sized petrol hybrid under £30,000?

"I'm looking to buy a new, medium-sized petrol hybrid for under £30,000. I've tried a Toyota Corolla and the new Honda Civic, both are good. Are there any other cars I should consider before making a decision?"
We're assuming you're not looking at a plug-in hybrid, but a 'self-charging' hybrid instead? There aren't many more medium-sized hybrid hatchbacks to choose from, but the Peugeot 308, Vauxhall Astra and Skoda Octavia iV are well worth considering as plug-ins. Another hybrid car to consider is the new Kia Niro.
Answered by Lawrence Allan

What's the best hybrid estate car?

"I am looking to change my 10-year-old Golf diesel. I would like a car with similar fuel costs and am told the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports hybrid is good. What do you think? "
The Toyota Corolla is a full hybrid (one with a small battery which charges itself as you drive) rather than a plug-in hybrid where you can charge a larger battery at home. Toyota does offer a plug-in hybrid RAV4, but for a similar-sized plug-in car we'd recommend checking out the new Peugeot 308 PHEV estate, the Astra Sports Tourer hybrid or the Skoda Octavia iV estate.
Answered by Lawrence Allan
More Questions

What does a Peugeot 308 cost?

Buy new from £35,866(list price from £40,050)