Name: Peugeot 308 (2022 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Peugeot 308
Rating: 70

Summary

Now in its third generation, the Peugeot 308 is a mid-sized family hatchback and estate car – the latest iteration being the first car to wear the new-look Peugeot badge.

Challenging mainstream rivals like the Ford Focus, SEAT Leon and Volkswagen Golf, the Peugeot 308 is structurally identical to the latest iteration of the DS 4 and is available as a petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid model. A battery-powered version, the e-308, is set to arrive sometime in 2023. All models are fitted with an automatic gearbox.

With sharper exterior styling and an upmarket interior trim fitted with Peugeot’s latest on-board tech features and infotainment, the third-generation 308 has received a positive reception from the UK media since its arrival in early 2022 – Business Car describes the new-look 308 as “a vast improvement over its predecessor”, while Auto Express calls it an “accomplished all-rounder with its sights set firmly on the best cars in this class”.

Reviewers often highlight the Peugeot 308 for its wide range of efficient engines and its comfortable and refined cabin. Auto Trader adds that a new 308 is a durable choice as well as a sensible one – thanks to the brand’s “strong reputation for reliability”.

“Rivals offer more space and keener handling, though”, What Car? comments, adding that the Ford Focus and SEAT Leon offer more driver appeal and more practicality in the rear. Car magazine also warns that Peugeot’s unique dashboard design “looks fab but can be a stressfest to use day-to-day”. Many UK publications are also not too impressed by the 308’s pricing – explaining that top-spec models don’t offer enough value-for-money – particularly the range-topping plug-in hybrid model.

As of September 2023, the Peugeot 308 holds an Expert Rating of 70%, based on 27 reviews published by the UK media.

Peugeot 308 highlights

Low running costs
Comfortable cabin
Agile handling
Plenty of on-board tech as standard
Intuitive infotainment

Peugeot 308 lowlights

Rear seats rather cramped
Rivals have more driver appeal
i-Cockpit dashboard not universally popular
Top-spec models get expensive

Key specifications

Body style: Medium hatchback and estate car
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £28,050 on-road

Launched: Winter 2021/22
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel automatic GT Premium hatchback
Score: 7 / 10
“Not long ago almost every family hatchback offered a diesel option. But buyer demands have dramatically shifted in recent years to make cars like this Peugeot 308 BlueHDi an exception to the norm. There are still plenty of positives, with the usual 308 technology, design and build quality on offer, but we’d stick with petrol power.” (Alastair Crooks)
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Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“With its striking good looks, the Peugeot 308 is a desirable five-door hatchback, but it sacrifices practicality and isn’t great to drive.” (Paul Adam)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Peugeot’s posh push is more obvious than ever in the latest 308. It looks and feels like a premium product, while it drives well. There are still a few foibles around infotainment and the i-Cockpit, while you can get much more space in an Octavia. But this is another strong competitor in a sector where you’re not exactly lacking in choice.”
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Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid GT Premium Estate
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Peugeot 308 SW estate looks great and boasts plenty of tech, but this pricey plug-in model is not the pick of the range.”
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Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“All-new Peugeot 308 goes after the VW Golf with a compelling combination of French style, clever tech and plug-in hybrid power.”
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Autocar+

Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic GT Premium estate
Score: 8 / 10
“Blends practicality and French flair in an attractive package that offers a welcome alternative in its class.”
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Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid Allure hatchback
Score: 8 / 10
“Peugeot reinvents its family hatchback with a sharp new look and the option of a plug-in hybrid powertrain.”
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Business Car+

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid GT Premium hatchback
Score: 8 / 10
“Perhaps the biggest compliment we can pay the 308 is to say it is a vast improvement over its predecessor and if the items we’ve highlighted can be addressed, and providing you can get on with the driving position, then the 308 hybrid should definitely be on your radar come 2022.”
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Car+

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“The 308 has a huge boot and its technology impresses. Peugeot’s new infotainment system is a huge step up over its previous systems and the i-Toggle widget bar makes it easy to operate all of the car’s cabin functions from the touchscreen.”
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Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The Peugeot 308 SW is certainly versatile thanks to a big boot and the option of petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid power.” (Tom Jervis)
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Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Peugeot 308 is a comfortable, stylish family hatchback with a great interior but it’s not the most practical.” (Andy Goodwin)
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Carwow+

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Peugeot 308 is arguably one of the most eye-catching hatchbacks on sale, but its plush interior, intuitive infotainment tech and comfortable cruising ability mean it’s not just a pretty face. Its tiny steering wheel might take some getting used to, though.”
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Company Car Today+

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid Allure hatchback
“The Peugeot 308 is good to drive and good to look at, while being packed with some excellent technology and offering buyers a choice between conventional engines and plug-in hybrids in the same car.”
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Driving Electric+

Model reviewed: Plug-in hybrid hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Peugeot 308 is a plug-in Volkswagen Golf rival that stands out thanks to its styling, interior and handling – however, its boot capacity and rear cabin space aren’t class-leading.” (Richard Ingram)
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Model reviewed: Plug-in hybrid estate range
Score: 8 / 10
“Plug-in hybrid power helps the new Peugeot 308 SW offer refinement, efficiency and a good amount of on-board technology – however, rear cabin space falls short compared to rivals.”
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Electrifying.com+

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid hatchback
Score: 8 / 10
“The formerly frumpy Peugeot 308 has become cool. It’s a useful size for a family, and a 37-mile plug-in range (let’s be generous and say 30 in real life), should see it beat commutes on electric power.” (Tom Ford)
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Evo+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Stylish, content heavy and good enough to drive, the 308 is more interesting than a rival Golf, but then it’ll cost you.” (Jordan Katsianis)
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Heycar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The latest Peugeot 308 proves that settling for a mainstream family hatch doesn’t have to mean compromising on style and feel-good factor. Some compromises remain, but with a well-sorted driving experience, punchy engines, a quality feel and greatly improved tech it’s a strong choice.”
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Honest John+

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Peugeot 308 gets a significant update as it moves into its third generation – with the handsome new hatchback seeing a new design, new logo, upgraded interior and introduction of hybrid engines into the line-up.”
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Parkers+

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 7.8 / 10
“Smooth new Peugeot 308 challenges the class-leading hatchbacks”
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The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic Allure Premium estate
Score: 8 / 10
“While it probably won’t go down in history as one of Peugeot’s great estates, the 308 SW is still good enough that it should be on your shortlist if you’re in the market for a car like this.”
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Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid 225 GT Premium
Score: 8 / 10
“if it’s drag-strip grunt you are looking for, along with company-car-tax friendly benefit-in-kind, then the Peugeot 308 PHEV will do nicely. It’s a very expensive proposition for private buyers, but if you plug in at every opportunity, it’s also low CO2, low tax and high-style family motoring.”
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 7 / 10
“With its eye-catching design, impressive equipment levels, and comfortable ride, the Peugeot 308 SW makes a compelling case for itself.”
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Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 7 / 10
“Fresh design inside and out, with quality execution, lots of tech and more competent dynamics.”
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What Car?+

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 6 / 10
“The 308 has its strengths, including a smart interior and plenty of standard equipment. Sadly, it’s outclassed in far too many areas to trouble the class leaders. We reckon the Hybrid 180 in Allure trim makes the most sense.”
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Model reviewed: Estate range
Score: 8 / 10
“It may lack the dynamic polish of the best in its class, but if you’re looking for a comfortable and classy estate that’s sure to turn heads, the 308 SW deserves a space on your shortlist.”
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Which?+

Model reviewed: SW (estate) range
“The Peugeot 308 SW is an extremely stylish estate and the diesel engine proved very economical in our tests. It’s also enjoyable to drive due to its excellent automatic gearbox and safe handling characteristics. Front space is also generous, but the infotainment system isn’t the easiest to use.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: May 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 76%
Child protection: 84%
Vulnerable road users: 68%
Safety assist: 65%

The Peugeot 308 has been given a four-star rating from Euro NCAP – the estate variant was the model crash tested but the safety body says that this rating applies to the hatchback variant too.

Shy of a full five-star rating, Euro NCAP comments that the 308 has “plenty of crash avoidance technology, but does not have some of the latest advancements introduced in the market”, and that the car was not “equipped with a centre airbag for far-side crash protection, a countermeasure which is increasingly common on modern cars”.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: 308 1.2-litre Petrol

Overall score: 2 stars
Date tested: July 2022
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 3.8 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 4.7 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 3.2 / 10

The 1.2-litre petrol version of the Peugeot 308 hatchback was tested by Green NCAP in Summer 2022, receiving a two star rating – a score that is common for combustion-powered models. This rating thus only applies to the petrol-powered 308, not diesel or plug-in hybrid variants.

“Like other smaller petrol engines, the three-cylinder power unit gets in trouble under constant high load where it emits very high amounts of carbon monoxide”, testers commented.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	130 g/km	A	128 – 132 g/km	A – A
Diesel models	130 g/km	A	117 – 132 g/km	A – A
Plug-in hybrid models	24 g/km	A	23 – 27 g/km	A – A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	41 miles	D	39 – 42 miles	D – D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	24	B	15 – 50	A – F

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£162	A
Year 2	£462	A
Year 3	£716	A
Year 4	£905	A
Year 5	£1,198	A
Overall	£3,443	A

The Peugeot 308 has very low running costs, according to data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, Clear Vehicle Data. We don’t have fuel consumption data, but CO₂ emissions are very low which suggests that fuel consumption will be similarly competitive.

Insurance costs are also good, while scheduled servicing and maintenance costs should be cheaper than most rivals as the results here are excellent.