Peugeot 308 (2025) Review

Peugeot 308 sales have crossed 1.3 million units since launch. This stylish hatchback has proven itself against mainstream rivals and premium alternatives. Starting at £28,240, it competes confidently with the Ford Focus and VW Golf, while taking on the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series.

A closer look at the Peugeot 308 reveals remarkable versatility through its petrol, diesel, and hybrid powertrains. The plug-in hybrid models stand out with their impressive 40-mile electric-only range - ideal for daily commutes. The car's extended wheelbase creates more cabin space than its predecessor, giving rear passengers extra room. Every model comes with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

In stark comparison to this old belief about French cars' reliability, the 308 ranks consistently high in dependability tests. The car comes in two variants - a standard hatchback and a practical SW estate. The estate version offers generous storage of up to 1,634 litres with folded seats. Both versions make the 308 a compelling choice that demands consideration.

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What Is the 2025 Peugeot 308 and Who Is It For?

The 2025 Peugeot 308 catches your eye as one of the most striking family hatchbacks you can buy today. Unlike the understated Volkswagen Golf or Ford Focus, the 308 makes a statement with its ornate design elements, fine brightwork, and intricate lamp details. This isn't your average family car—it blends everyday practicality with a dash of style.

Body Styles: Hatchback vs SW Estate

You can choose between two body styles of the 308, each bringing its own appeal. The hatchback gives you that sleek, compact look most people know well, while the SW (Station Wagon) estate adds extra space without losing its good looks. The SW might look even better than the hatchback with its flowing roofline.

The SW really shines when it comes to space. You get a huge 608-litre boot that grows to 1,634 litres once you fold the rear seats. The hatchback's cargo space is smaller but offers the same roomy cabin. The new SW stretches 6cm longer than its predecessor, with more space between the wheels and a longer rear end to give you extra boot space and legroom.

Need to move something big? The SW lets you fit items up to 1.85m long—perfect for those DIY store runs. Both models come with clever features like one-touch folding rear seats that create a flat floor when you need to carry larger items.

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Target Audience: Private vs Company Buyers

Different buyers love the 308 for different reasons. Private owners appreciate its eye-catching design, upscale interior and smooth ride. The car sits nicely between everyday models like the Seat Leon and premium alternatives, adding that special French touch that makes it stand out.

The 308 really makes sense as a company car choice, thanks to its plug-in hybrid options. These versions offer big tax benefits for business users that you should think about. The latest plug-in hybrid can drive up to 49 miles on electricity alone, which means a benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax rate of just 9%—that's 4% lower based on 2025/2026 rates.

Company car drivers can save between £24 and £55 monthly on both 308 and 308 SW models. The long electric range works great for shorter commutes if you can charge regularly, letting you run almost entirely on electric power for daily drives.

New for 2025: Design and Tech Updates

The 2025 model year brings nice improvements to the 308 range. Though this generation started in 2021, Peugeot has added fresh features and design touches to keep up with the competition.

Look for styling cues from the updated 508 and newer 3008, including a new front grille, fresh wheel designs, and updated rear lights. These changes keep the car's unique look while matching Peugeot's latest style.

Step inside the 2025 model and you'll find an upgraded 10-inch touchscreen system with customizable 'i-Toggle' touch buttons (Allure trim and up) that let you create shortcuts to your favourite functions. The cabin feels more premium than most rivals, with quality materials and a stylish curved dashboard.

Under the hood, the 2025 model keeps Peugeot's wide range of options. You can pick from hybrid petrol, plug-in hybrid petrol, and all-electric versions, though diesel options are going away. The plug-in hybrids now pack a bigger 17.2kWh battery instead of the old 12.4kWh one, giving you much more electric range.

Safety features got better for 2025, with improved driver assistance systems. The car comes loaded with innovative technology to help keep you safe and matches what you'd expect from a modern family vehicle.

The 2025 Peugeot 308 works well for both style-conscious private buyers and practical company car drivers. It offers something different from the usual choices, mixing French design flair with everyday usefulness.

Engine Options and Performance Breakdown

The 2025 Peugeot 308 comes with an amazing range of engine options that suit every driver's needs. You can choose from standard petrol engines, state-of-the-art plug-in hybrids, or go fully electric. This shows Peugeot's dedication to giving drivers choices as they move toward electric vehicles.

1.2 PureTech Petrol: 0-62mph in 9.7s

The base model 308 comes with a turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder PureTech petrol engine. This little powerhouse pumps out 130hp and 230Nm of torque, getting you from 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds. Don't let its small size fool you - this engine packs quite a punch in the mid-range.

The PureTech model has some clear advantages over its siblings. We tested it and found that its lighter weight - just 1,288kg compared to over 1,600kg for plug-in versions - makes a big difference. The car feels more agile and responsive, and maybe it's the most fun 308 to drive on winding roads.

Fuel economy numbers look good on paper, with official figures between 43.5–52.1mpg depending on the model. Our ground testing showed mid-40s mpg was easy to achieve with gentle acceleration, making it a practical choice for daily use.

Hybrid 136 and Plug-in Hybrid 180/225

Peugeot has added more electric options for 2025. Their mild hybrid (HYBRID 136) combines a petrol engine with a small electric motor and self-charging battery. This setup gives you better low-end power and improved economy, reaching 62.6mpg—beating even the diesel version.

The plug-in hybrid range offers two power levels—Hybrid 180 and Hybrid 225. Both use a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an 81kW (109bhp) electric motor, but the 225hp version gets a more powerful petrol engine. These models are quick off the mark - the 180hp version hits 62mph in 7.6 seconds, while the 225hp shaves off just 0.1 seconds.

The new plug-in hybrid system brings several upgrades:

• A bigger 17.2kWh battery (previous was 12.4kWh)
• Electric-only range now reaches 49 miles
• Lower emissions at just 18g/km (13g/km less than before)
• A new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox

You get three driving modes—Hybrid, Electric, and Sport. Hybrid mode is the default, switching between petrol and electric power to save fuel by favouring electric power where possible.

Your charging habits will determine the actual fuel economy. Short trips with a charged battery might use almost no petrol. The economy drops to around 30mpg once the battery runs out because of the extra hybrid system weight.

1.5 BlueHDi Diesel: Long-Distance Efficiency

High-mileage drivers should consider the 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel. It matches the petrol's 130hp but offers more grunt with 300Nm of torque, focusing on efficiency rather than speed.

Official figures show the diesel 308 can achieve between 54.1–65.4mpg WLTP testing. Our motorway tests consistently hit around 50mpg without trying. Green NCAP tests proved its efficiency with just 3.8 l/100km (about 74mpg) during their On-Road Light Load test.

The diesel takes a bit longer to reach 62mph at 10.6 seconds. But its strong torque makes it feel responsive enough for everyday driving.

Electric e-308: 257-Mile Claimed Range

The e-308 tops the range as the all-electric option. It uses a 54kWh lithium-ion battery to power a front-mounted electric motor, producing 156hp (115kW) and 270Nm of torque. While electric cars are known for quick acceleration, the e-308 takes a modest 9.8 seconds to reach 62mph.

Peugeot says you can drive up to 258 miles on one charge under WLTP testing. Ground testing in winter with mixed driving, including highways, showed a more realistic range of 155-200 miles.

The e-308's charging system works well. It can rapid charge at up to 100kW, filling from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes. A full charge at home using a 7.4kW wallbox takes around 7 hours 20 minutes.

Driving Experience: Ride, Handling and Refinement

The Peugeot 308 family hatchback offers an interesting middle ground between comfort and sportiness. This car doesn't excel at either sharp handling or luxurious cruising. Instead, it takes a balanced approach that handles everyday driving well enough.

Suspension Comfort on UK Roads

The Peugeot 308's ride quality gets better as your speed increases. The suspension feels a bit restless around town, and you'll notice this especially on uneven surfaces where things can get quite bumpy. You should go for the Allure trim with 17-inch wheels if comfort is your priority. These smaller wheels do a much better job of smoothing out the ride than the larger 18-inch options.

Regular petrol and diesel versions give you the smoothest ride. The PHEV models feel slightly stiffer because they carry an extra 300kg of battery weight. This difference isn't huge and doesn't really affect the overall comfort. The car handles bigger bumps like potholes and drain covers pretty well. You'll find it more forgiving than sporty alternatives such as the SEAT Leon.

Long-distance driving really shows what this car can do. The 308 feels most at home on motorways where the ride becomes smoother and more settled. The Skoda Octavia and Toyota Corolla still offer better comfort overall if that's your main priority.

Steering Feel and Body Control

The 308's unique i-Cockpit interior design comes with a smaller-than-usual steering wheel that makes everything feel sportier and more agile. This compact wheel tricks you into thinking the car is more nimble than it actually is. The steering responds well and has good weight to it. You can point the car exactly where you want, but there's not much feedback from the front wheels.

Body control sits right in the middle of its class. The car leans more in corners than a Ford Focus or SEAT Leon because it takes a gentler approach to handling. This setup puts comfort first, which means you'll notice some floating sensation on winding country roads at higher speeds.

Your choice of engine makes a big difference in how the car handles. Standard petrol versions feel much lighter and more eager to turn. This comes down to carrying much less weight than their hybrid siblings. The electric e-308 handles well enough but won't excite you. The steering stays precise for easy manoeuvring, though it's not as sharp as sportier EVs in this category.

Noise Levels at Motorway Speeds

The 308's refinement follows the same middle-ground philosophy. The car keeps outside noise at bay pretty well at lower speeds. Once you hit motorway speeds, tyre noise becomes more obvious. Add some wind noise from the door mirrors and you get a decent but not outstanding sound level.

Hybrid engines give you the quietest ride. The Hybrid 136 runs smoothly and only gets loud when you push it hard. The switch between electric and petrol power happens so smoothly you barely notice it. The e-308 electric version beats the Vauxhall Astra Electric for quietness at speed, but the Volkswagen ID.3 and Renault Megane E-Tech still do a better job of keeping noise out.

Regular motorway drivers get some useful features in the 308. Higher-spec models come with automatic cruise control and lane-keeping assistance, which really help on longer trips. Some versions even let you change lanes just by using your indicators, making those long journeys less tiring.​

Peugeot 308 Interior: Design, Comfort and Layout

The Peugeot 308's interior strikes a perfect balance between style and substance. Its cabin stands out among family hatchbacks with a dramatic dashboard design and premium feel that sets this French car apart from its rivals.

i-Cockpit Driving Position Explained

The i-Cockpit layout is the most distinctive feature of the Peugeot 308's interior. This innovative design places a compact steering wheel lower than usual, with digital instruments mounted high so drivers look over the wheel instead of through it. Since its introduction in 2012, this setup has become Peugeot's signature interior feature.

The i-Cockpit gives many drivers an engaging, almost go-kart-like experience. The design remains controversial though. Shorter drivers adapt to the configuration easily, but anyone over 5'10" might find it challenging. The biggest problem occurs when tall drivers put the wheel in its highest position - it often blocks the entire gauge cluster. A test drive becomes vital before buying the 308.

Material Quality and Cabin Finish

The 308's interior quality shows Peugeot's attention to detail. Soft-touch plastics, stylish fabric trim on the dashboard, and robust switchgear create an upscale environment. The quality exceeds the Volkswagen Golf and matches the Mazda 3.

The 2025 model continues this premium approach with materials that look good and last. High-touch surfaces feel luxurious, while harder plastics appear only in less visible areas like lower door panels. The solid construction shows real progress compared to earlier models.

A 10-inch HD touchscreen dominates the dashboard, with an i-Toggle widget bar below for quick access to favourite functions. This smart addition helps reduce the frustration of touchscreen-only controls. Quick-access buttons make it easy to reach radio, navigation and climate settings.

Front and Rear Passenger Space

The front seats offer plenty of room. Head and leg space won't be an issue, and there's enough shoulder room to stay comfortable. Storage options include carpeted door bins that prevent rattling, a deep centre armrest compartment, and a dedicated phone space near the front console.

The rear seats tell a different story. Adult passengers will find their knees touching the seats in front if sitting behind someone their size. Foot space is tight and headroom might be an issue. The Ford Focus or Skoda Octavia might work better if you need to carry tall rear passengers regularly.

Kids will find enough space in the back, though wide C-pillars and dark window tints on some models might make it feel cramped. The estate version (SW) offers slightly more room with its longer wheelbase, extra side window, and better headroom. ISOFIX points come standard behind zippered covers - they look neat but can be awkward to use with child seats.

Infotainment and Tech Features

The Peugeot 308's technology marks a huge step forward for the French carmaker. The 2025 model's digital features blend user-friendly interfaces with advanced connectivity. These improvements show Peugeot's commitment to creating a more integrated cockpit that's easier to use.

10in Touchscreen and i-Toggle Shortcuts

A crisp 10-inch touchscreen sits at the centre of the Peugeot 308's dashboard, showing off the car's new infotainment system. The screen is sharper and responds faster than previous Peugeot models. The innovative i-Toggle widget bar below the main display makes this system stand out. You can set up five personal shortcuts to your most-used functions with this clever feature.

These i-Toggle shortcuts really shine in everyday use. You can create custom shortcuts to almost any function by holding down one of the widgets. Whether it's tuning to your favourite radio station or setting up navigation to a specific place, it's all there. This smart design helps solve a common headache in modern cars - you won't need to dig through endless menus for basic tasks.

Peugeot has moved most cabin functions to the touchscreen, including climate controls. Yet the physical shortcut buttons under the i-Toggle menu give quick access to common features. This mix of touch and physical controls creates a good balance between clean looks and easy use.

Voice Control and Smartphone Integration

The 2025 Peugeot 308 comes with advanced voice control that works when you say "OK Peugeot". Better trim levels get a more advanced voice recognition system compared to the simple voice control in entry-level Active models. The latest models now work with ChatGPT artificial intelligence, so you can have natural conversations with your car.

This AI lets you do much more than standard voice controls ever could. You can ask questions, set up navigation, or change vehicle settings while keeping your hands on the wheel. The system understands everyday language, which makes driving safer and less distracting.

Every 308 has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto built in. The two base trims need a wired connection, but higher specs offer wireless connectivity. GT models also come with wireless phone charging.

Digital Driver Display and Navigation

A 10-inch digital instrument panel at eye level works alongside the central touchscreen. This display can be customised fully and shows information "like a hologram," with data arranged by importance. The 3D effect adds depth to the display, making key information easier to spot.

Navigation comes standard in all trims except the basic Active. The system gives you live traffic updates and warns about speed cameras. USB ports are available in front and back seats from the Allure trim up, keeping everyone connected on the move.

The sound system deserves attention too. All models start with six speakers, but GT trim offers an optional premium Focal system with extra speakers for better sound. Music lovers will appreciate this upgrade to their tech experience.

These tech features focus on keeping distractions low while staying functional. From the placement of digital displays to voice control options, everything works together to keep your eyes where they should be—on the road ahead.

Boot Space and Practicality

Storage capacity makes a big difference in choosing a family car. The Peugeot 308 comes in two styles, and each one has its own advantages based on what you need.

Boot Capacity: Hatchback vs SW

The regular 308 hatchback gives you 412 litres of boot space with the back seats up, which grows to 1,323 litres when you fold them down. This beats several competitors like the Hyundai i30, Toyota Corolla and SEAT Leon. The plug-in hybrid models have less space because of their battery under the boot floor - 361 litres normally or 1,271 litres with folded seats.

Need more room? The 308 SW estate is your answer with a huge 608 litres of boot space that expands to 1,634 litres with the seats down. The hybrid SW still offers plenty of space at 548 litres, growing to 1,574 litres when folded. You can fit things up to 1.85m long in the SW - perfect for those DIY store runs.

Seat Folding and Storage Flexibility

Both versions have practical seat-folding systems, but they work differently. The hatchback uses a 60/40 split setup, while the SW gives you more options with its 40/20/40 split. The SW also has handy levers in the boot to drop the back seats without going to the side doors.

Peugeot has done a nice job with the storage layout. The boot's square shape makes it easy to pack boxes and regular-shaped items. You might also get side hooks, luggage nets, and hidden compartments under the floor, depending on which model you pick. Unfortunately, you'll only find a 12V socket in the boot if you go for the higher-end models.

Rear Seat Usability for Adults

This is where the 308 faces its biggest challenge. The back seats feel cramped, especially if you're tall. Put a six-footer behind another six-footer, and knee room gets very tight with little foot space under the front seats.

The thick C-pillars and dark tinted windows in some hatchback models can make it feel a bit enclosed. The SW estate helps a bit thanks to its straighter roof, extra side window, and slightly better headroom.

Average-sized adults and kids will find the back seats comfortable enough. The seats feel good, and the almost flat floor means someone can sit in the middle without too much fuss on shorter trips.

Safety and Reliability Ratings

Safety credentials are a vital factor when buying a family car. The Peugeot 308 shows mixed results in this area. It has some impressive features but doesn't match the class leaders in certain aspects.

Euro NCAP: 4-Star Safety Score

The Peugeot 308 earned a four-star Euro NCAP safety score while many rivals got maximum ratings. Adult occupant protection received a 76% rating, which led to this somewhat disappointing result. Tests revealed weak chest protection for drivers during frontal impact scenarios.

The 308 performs better in other areas. It scored a solid 84% for child occupant protection. The car achieved 68% and 65% for vulnerable road user protection and safety assist systems. The Vauxhall Astra got a similar four-star rating, yet competitors like the Ford Focus earned the full five stars.

Standard Driver Assistance Features

The 308 has a detailed suite of safety technology on all trim levels. Standard equipment includes:

• Blind-spot detection
• Speed limiter and cruise control
• Lane-keeping assistance
• Traffic sign recognition
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) that can detect pedestrians and cyclists

Models with higher specifications offer semi-automatic lane-changing capability. The hazard lights turn on automatically during heavy braking to warn other drivers of potential dangers. The car then applies brakes after an impact to prevent secondary collisions.

Peugeot's Brand Reliability Ranking

Peugeot's reliability data shows adequate but not exceptional performance. The brand ranked 19th out of 31 manufacturers in the 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey. Ford, Skoda and Toyota achieved better positions in this ranking.

Specific reliability data for the latest 308 model is still limited, though previous versions have shown mixed results. The car comes with the industry-standard three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty. Battery packs in plug-in hybrid models get extra coverage with an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty.

The 308's safety and reliability credentials provide decent protection for occupants. However, it doesn't stand out against key competitors in this segment.

Peugeot 308 Pricing, Trims and Value

Peugeot 308 range prices start at £28,000. The top-specification plug-in hybrid models cost around £42,000. These prices put it at the higher end of the family hatchback segment.

Active, Allure and GT Trim Comparison

Peugeot has made the 308's trim structure simpler with three main levels for 2024-2025. The Active trim comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights and a six-speaker sound system. Allure trim adds more features like 17-inch 'Halong' diamond-cut alloys (18-inch 'Ottawa' design on Electric versions), dark tinted rear windows, and a reversing camera plus customisable i-Toggles. This mid-range option gives buyers the best balance of equipment and value.

GT trim sits at the top with Matrix LED headlights, 18-inch 'Kamakura' alloys and GT styling elements that include the dark chrome chequered grille. The interior features ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel and upgraded upholstery with green stitching. These additions boost the premium feel but come with a hefty price tag that's hard to justify based on value alone.​

Plug-in Hybrid vs Petrol Cost Analysis

The 308 PHEV starts at £38,110, while the SW estate costs an extra £1,200. Lower running costs offset this upfront investment if you keep charging regularly. Standard petrol and diesel engines cost less to buy but use more fuel and have higher tax obligations, especially for business users.

Peugeot's service plans cover three to five years. Monthly payments start at £10 for petrol or diesel models and go up to £20 for plug-in hybrid variants.

Company Car Tax and BIK Benefits

The 308's electrified options make it an excellent company car choice. The electric e-308 has the lowest benefit-in-kind (BIK) rate at 2%, which means 20% taxpayers pay just £19 monthly. PHEV variants also save money with 9% BIK rates—4% lower than before. This saves drivers between £24 and £55 monthly compared to regular engines.

Standard petrol and diesel models have higher BIK rates of 30-31%. Company car tax payments range from £146 to £199 monthly depending on the specification and body style.

Conclusion

The 2025 Peugeot 308 makes a strong case as a family hatchback that sits perfectly between mainstream competitors and premium options. The car's eye-catching exterior design and premium interior quality showcase a uniquely French approach that makes it stand out in today's similar-looking market. Everyone can find something in its diverse powertrain range - from fuel-efficient petrol engines to plug-in hybrid versions that can run up to 50 miles on electricity alone.

All the same, buyers should think about a few trade-offs. The 308's i-Cockpit layout brings fresh ideas but remains a bit controversial, especially when you have tall drivers who might find it hard to get comfortable. The back seat space doesn't match up to roomier rivals like the Skoda Octavia, though the generous boot space makes up for it, particularly in the practical SW estate version.

Business users will definitely love the tax advantages of the hybrid models. Their low BIK rates create big monthly savings compared to regular engines. On top of that, the upgraded tech package with customizable i-Toggle shortcuts and ChatGPT integration shows Peugeot's dedication to creating a modern, intuitive experience.

This car shines as a stylish, comfortable cruiser rather than a sporty ride. The four-star Euro NCAP rating might raise an eyebrow, but detailed standard safety features provide good protection. The Peugeot 308 should top your list if unique design and premium feel matter more than class-leading practicality or driving excitement.

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