PEUGEOT 308 DIESEL HATCHBACK 2.0 HDi 163 GT 5dr Auto

Peugeot's third generation 308 is much improved. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

Peugeot's 308 family hatch gets far more polish in this third generation guise, with smarter packaging, extra engineering options and a bit more useful technology. The result is a more desirable product than you might expect from this familiar Gallic brand. You might be surprised at how much you'd like it.

Background

You might not have ever thought of the Peugeot 308 family hatch as being truly aspirational but maybe it's time to start. Peugeot's been making Focus-class models for half a century and we're already on the third generation of the one badged '308'. This is the most up-market version yet, in keeping with the Peugeot brand's more premium positioning within the Stellantis Group. The last 308 wasn't really a car many customers would have chosen in preference to a Golf, let alone anything premium, but this MK3 version might be. Everything's different - even the front Peugeot grille badge. And the sharky looks clothe a cabin that could just be the segment's most sophisticated. Premium values with mainstream value? Is that what we've got here? Let's find out.

Driving Experience

All combustion models come only with 8-speed EAT8 auto transmission and under the bonnet, there's a mix of something old and something new. Surprisingly, Peugeot is still offering its usual 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel in 130hp form. The mainstream alternative is a Hybrid 136 e-DSC6 petrol variant that uses a 1.2-litre three cylinder turbo petrol engine mated to a dual-clutch 6-speed auto with an electric motor built into the transmission casing. On the move, the Hybrid system's 136bhp 1.2-litre three cylinder petrol engine and the electric motor can operate together - or separately. And, unlike with a mild hybrid system like that fitted to say, a Golf eTSI, here the car can be driven for short urban distances (under 18mph) on electric power alone. The motor also assists the engine under acceleration. Want to be able to plug your 308 in? Well for this, your starting point lies with the petrol Plug-in Hybrid unit. The Plug-in Hybrid 195 e-DSC7 model combines a 1.6-litre PureTech petrol engine with a 109hp electric motor and a 17.2kWh battery now large enough to take this 195hp 308 up to 49 miles between charges. The last powertrain option is the full-electric E-308 variant. This uses a 54kWh battery incorporating a sophisticated chemical composition which makes possible a 248 mile range figure. This battery powers a front axle-mounted 156bhp motor which will get you to 62mph from rest in about 8 seconds. What about autonomous drive technology? After all, a car of this kind these days isn't quite complete without it. To satisfy this need, the French maker is offering its 'Peugeot Drive Assist 2.0' set-up. Previously, Stellantis Group tech relied on stop-and-go cruise control and lane-keep assist, but this evolved set-up can now automatically adapt the speed of the car around corners, operating at speeds up to 112mph.

Design and Build

This third generation 308 certainly makes a pavement statement. As usual, there are hatch and estate body styles, both of which have plenty of overtaking presence. This MK3 design introduced a longer-looking bonnet and a lower-looking 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. In profile, owners of the previous generation model might notice the extra 11mm of length and the prominent creases that have appeared over the wheel arches, which sit below a stronger shoulder line. At the rear, there are tail lights with three 'claw' style lighting elements.  And inside? Well if you thought the exterior was different, take a look in the cabin. Yes, there's still Peugeot's i-Cockpit layout with its small steering wheel, but that now sits beneath a very avant garde 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 is available in two forms - basic 'i-Connect' and more sophisticated 'i-Connect plus', which 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. Out back, a 55mm wheelbase increase makes the rear cabin noticeably more spacious than before. And boot space for the hatch is rated at 412-litres, better than most class rivals. If you want more, you'll need the alternative SW estate, which offers 608-litres before you start folding seats. Those figures apply to the conventionally-engined and E-308 variants. For the Plug-in Hybrid, you're looking at 361-litres for the hatch and 548-litres for the SW.

Market and Model

To reflect all the fresh technology, prices have risen a little. Expect a starting point for the hatch of just under £32,000, with the brand's usual 'Allure' and 'GT' trim levels. There are two body styles - hatch and SW estate (the latter starting from around £29,000). There are no plans to reprise the Cabriolet body shape that featured with the first generation 308. You'll need around £38,000 to get either the Plug-in Hybrid version or the E-308 model. 'Allure'-spec gets you 17-inch 'Halong' diamond cut alloy wheels, horizontal chrome stamping on the grille, chromed exhaust surrounds, signature LED daytime running lights and a gloss black connecting strip between the rear lamp clusters. Also added are front parking sensors and dark tinted rear side and tailgate windows. Inside at 'Allure' level, there's upholstery part-trimmed in 'Isabella' synthetic leather, ambient lighting for the door panels, an 'AQS 3' air quality system, a 'Visio Park 1' 180-degree colour reversing camera, a rear seat ski hatch and LED-lit sun visors with concealable mirrors. Plus the infotainment screen features 'OK Peugeot' voice recognition. There's also a 'Drive Assist Pack' with various camera safety features including Adaptive Cruise Control. Things start to get really luxurious at 'GT' level, marked out by 18-inch 'Kamakura' alloy wheels, a dark chrome chequered radiator grille, extended front and side lower body sills, Lion emblem badging on the front wings and, on the SW version, gloss black roof rails. The headlights gain intelligent 'Matrix' technology, which the tail lamps play a sequential 'welcome sequence' when you unlock the car. A 'Driver Sport Pack' adds a personalised colour theme to the digital instrument display and sport adjustment for the steering and accelerator pedal. The steering wheel gains heat, green stitching and full-grain leather, plus there's a 'Mistral' black roof liner and aluminium door sills.

Cost of Ownership

The BlueHDi diesel engine delivers up to 59.6mpg on the combined cycle and up to 124g/km of CO2. The alternative Hybrid 136 e-DSC6 petrol variant manages up to 62.6mpg and up to 102g/km. What about the Plug-in Hybrid variant? Well as we mentioned in our 'Driving Experience' section, up to 49 miles of WLTP-rated battery running is claimed from the 17.2kWh battery and the car is combined cycle fuel-rated at up to 242.7mpg; the BiK tax-beating CO2 reading is rated at up to 26g/km. A 3.7kW onboard charger is fitted as standard to this PHEV model, enabling a 0-100% charge in 4 hours and 20 minutes, reducing to just over 2 hours with the optional 7.4kW onboard charger. What about the E-308 full-electric model? That has a 54kWh battery (51kWh usable) which offers a 248 mile driving range. The brand claims a recharge rate from 20 to 80% in under 25 minutes using a 100kW charger. With 308 PHEV and E-308 models, using 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

Peugeot isn't just building a car with this third generation 308. It's building a reputation. For too long, this much-loved brand lost sight of what made people want its products. Now, it's setting out to build desirable machines once more, models that aren't simply playing catch up or trying to copy the big sellers. Sure enough, this is vehicle with a definite feel of its own. It's not going to appeal to everybody but it is now a car that the company can rightly feel proud of - a contender good enough to worry the best in the business. After all, it gets so many things so right. French family hatchbacks in this class haven't always been able to justify themselves, either in terms of quality or in the harder discipline of pounds and pence running costs, but this one performs beyond expectations in both these areas. Overall, what's on offer here is a car that's continuing to restore Peugeot's reputation for building elegant, comfortable and understated vehicles. A car that gives the brand a shot at making good on its upmarket aspirations. It's been a long time coming.

Body Glass

Intermittent rear wash/wipe

Athermic windscreen

Electric front windows + one touch + anti-pinch

Electric rear windows with one touch/anti-pinch

Automatic lights on and rain sensitive wipers

Brakes

Anti-lock Brake System / Electronic Brakeforce Distribution / Emergency brake assist

ESP and ASR traction control with deactivation switch

Carpets/Rugs

Carpet mats

Driver Aids

Cruise control + speed limiter

Power asisted steering - speed related

Rear parking aid

Driver Convenience

Remote headlamp adjustment from fascia

Electric boot release on tailgate

Driver Information

Trip computer

Rev counter

Service interval indicator

Digital clock

Ignition key in warning chime

External temperature gauge

Audible lights on warning

Colour information display

Driving Mirrors

Electric folding door mirrors

Body colour door mirrors

Double angled driver's door mirror

Electrochrome rear view mirror

Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Chrome interior trim

White dials and matrix with chrome surround

Engine

Diesel particulate filter

Entertainment

Security coded audio

6 speakers (4 speakers/2 tweeters)

Speed dependent audio volume control

Steering column mounted multifunction controls

Radio/MP3 CD player with aux input

Peugeot connect with USB and bluetooth

Exterior Body Features

Body colour front/rear bumper aprons

Roof mounted sports aerial

Body coloured side protection mouldings

Body colour door/boot handles

Panoramic opening glass roof with electric blind

Sports aluminium front grille

Exterior Lights

Front fog lights

Xenon headlights including headlight washers

Double optic headlights with clear polycarbonate lenses

Headlamp delay illumination

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Pollen filter and air recycling

Heating/air conditioning outlet in rear

Climate controlled digital dual zone air-conditioning

Interior Features

Leather steering wheel

Height/reach adjust steering wheel

Storage compartment under load area floor

Boot net

Lidded glovebox with illumination and lock

Front seat centre armrests

12V socket in rear of vehicle

Tie down hooks in luggage area

Air conditioned glove box

Two shopping hooks under rear parcel shelf supports

12V accessory power point in centre console

Ashtray and cigar lighter

Luggage area underfloor compartment

3 grab handles with rear coat hook

Sunglasses holder

Storage compartment in parcel shelf

Front door stowage bins incorporating drinks holders

Two rigid boot stowage compartments on sides

Cupholders + storage compartment in rear centre armrest

Interior Lights

Courtesy lights

Front and rear map reading lights

Boot light

Instrument lighting dimmer

Packs

Visibility pack - 308

Comfort pack - 308

Ambiance Pack

Safety

Rear door child safety locks

Front side airbags

Front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters

Tyre pressure sensor

Front and rear curtain airbags

Automatic illumination of hazard warning lights

Retractable steering column and brake pedal

Two force limiting rear seatbelts

3 point seatbelts on all rear seats

Steering column airbag

Driver SMART airbag

Front passenger SMART airbag with deactivate switch

Seats

Heated seats

Reclining front seats

Front seat back map pockets

Height adjustable driver's seat

Fully adjustable front head restraints

Active front seat backrests

Isofix on 2nd row rear seats

Height adjustable passenger seat

60/40 split folding rear seat back and squab

Security

Locking wheel bolts

Deadlocks

Automatic boot locking

Car location device via plip key

Remote control central locking with two plip keys

Remote control closing for electric windows

Rolling code transponder immobiliser

Thatcham cat 1 ultrasonic alarm

Automatic door lock/re-lock after 30 seconds

Panic button

Vanity Mirrors

Driver + passenger vanity mirrors

Wheels - Alloy

18" Lincancabur alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Temporary steel spare wheel

Emissions - ICE

HC: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 5

CO2 (g/km): 164

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Gears: 6 SPEED

CC: 1997

Transmission: AUTO

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 88

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 85

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 16

Cylinders: 4

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Combined (mpg): 46.3

EC Extra Urban (mpg): 56.5

EC Urban (mpg): 34.9

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

General

EURO NCAP Pedestrian test - Star Rating.: 3

EURO NCAP Front and Side Impact test - Star Rating.: 5

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Generation Mark: 1

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Badge Power: 163

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Coin Series: GT

Coin Description: HDi 163

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

Based On ID: N

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Performance

Engine Torque - MKG: 33

Engine Torque - RPM: 2000

Engine Torque - NM: 320

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 240

Engine Power - RPM: 4400

Engine Power - KW: 118

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - PS: 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 10.6

Top Speed: 127

Engine Power - BHP: 163

Tyres

Wheel Style: LINCANCABUR

Space Saver?: No

Alloys?: No

Tyre Size Front: 225/40 R18

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Tyre Size Rear: 225/40 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TEMPORARY

Vehicle Dimensions

Wheelbase: 2608

Length: 4276

Width: 1821

Width (including mirrors): N

Height: 1519

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1650

Max. Loading Weight: 425

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 60

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 420

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1947

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Max. Roof Load: 75

No. of Seats: 5

Minimum Kerbweight: 1522

Driver Aids

Front parking aid

Driver Information

Peugeot Connect colour satellite navigation + bluetooth

Peugeot connect media navigation - NG4 3-D colour display w/MP3 storage + bluetooth with GSM phone and jukebox

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Interior Features

Leather upholstery with heated seats

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Aluminium

Metallic - Shark grey

Metallic - Nera black

Metallic - Babylon red

Metallic - Ipannema Blue

Paint - Solid

Solid - Bianca white

Trim - Leather

Leather - Black + heated seats

Trim - Part Leather

Cloth/leather - Black