Peugeot's 300 family started out 90 years ago this year. Beginning in 1932 with the original 301 (not to be confused with the sedan designed for emerging markets), the 300 series grew to one of the most popular names in compact cars across Europe and other markets. Even though this lineup went down a little during the 2000s, by the 2010s, the second generation 308 showed the world that Peugeot was slowly starting to get back in the running.
Through the latter half of the 2010s, Peugeot experienced a true renaissance, and they are finally making desirable, good cars that you might buy with your heart, and your head. However, the 300 series has a new challenge in the modern automotive world; crossovers. Even though Peugeot does have a fair share of crossovers to offer to its consumers, they're not giving up on the hatchback segment, and the new 308, which HotCars recently sampled, demonstrates exactly that.
10 One Of The Best-Looking Hatchbacks
The first thing that juts out about the new 308 (in a good way) is the exterior styling. The 308 showcases Peugeot's evolved design direction, and it's easily one of the best-looking cars in the segment. The lines are sharp, but also clean, and thoroughly modern no matter what angle you look at it from.
This example is a GT, which means it gets additional trinkets like beefed up rocker panels and 18" alloy wheels. Combined with the stunning Elixir red paint, the new 308 is definitely a head-turner, and the pictures really don't do it justice.
9 Electrification
Some of the biggest news about the new 308 is the electrified powertrains. An EV is due in a few years' time, but for now, the main topic of discussion are the plug-in hybrid versions. Peugeot offers two here.
The lower powered version is called the Hybrid 180, which teams a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder with an electric motor, totaling, you guessed it, 180 hp, and about 37 miles of EV-only range. The Hybrid 225 bumps power up to 225 hp, while retaining that EV-only range and generally decreasing emissions and fuel consumption. Sadly, Peugeot won't offer a PSE version, or AWD on the 308, but that 225 hp output is certainly knocking on the door of hot hatchback territory.
8 The New Face Of Peugeot
The all-new 308 is the first Peugeot model to wear the automaker's redesigned logo. Rather than a prancing lion, for lack of a better term, this new logo is very minimalistic, displaying a lion mid-roar, as well as the word PEUGEOT spelled out directly above.
The 308 proudly wears the new logo, not just on the front and rear, but also on the front fenders, just like a Ferrari. Much like said Italian supercar, the badges are optional here as well, and they definitely make for an interesting look.
7 Surprisingly Fun To Drive
Most Peugeot models in history are well-known for being set up for comfort. The previous two generations of the 308 weren't exactly the last word in spirited driving, and the Mazda 3 and Ford Focus consistently ran rings around them. Not anymore. The 308 does comfort very well, but it also reacts very well to spirited driving.
Even the diesel, which is the one HotCars sampled, does very well when you mash the accelerator out of a corner. The 130 hp may seem like a lowly figure, but it feels a fair bit faster than its 0-62 time of 10.6 seconds would suggest, and it's about as refined as a modern diesel gets. This one is paired with the 8-speed automatic transmission, which is very smooth and competent.
6 Attention To Detail
Peugeot definitely outdid itself when it comes to the attention to detail on this car. Just about everything on the 308, regardless of what it does, has some type of stylistic flair, without forgoing the function. The sculpted side mirrors, for example, with their unusual vertical turn signal.
The controversial shift lever, which we're starting to see more on PSA Group vehicles, feels good to throw into gear, and they even managed to make that look nice. The list goes on, like the 3D effect taillights, the tailgate release tucked under the black trim line on the rear, and the lock button on the key fob that can be used to flash the lights.
5 The New Interior Is An Improvement
Inside, the new 308 features the latest evolution of Peugeot's i-Cockpit, an interior design that kicked off a few years ago. The latest generation, as seen here, makes an effort to improve the ergonomics, the infotainment technology, the material quality, and the general look.
For the most part, this has worked out very well. The new 3D instrument cluster looks very clean and is very easy to read, and very configurable as well. The new infotainment system has new, very sharp graphics and is relatively easy to navigate. There is still the issue of potentially not seeing the instruments with the steering wheel at a certain height, but it's not as bad as it used to be. Interior storage and space for the driver, as well as adjustments in the driving position, are all excellent.
4 Technology Galore
The new 308 is packing the latest and greatest tech. Debuting for the first time on this car is Peugeot's all-new i-Connect infotainment system. It has very clean and sharp graphics, and is surprisingly easy to navigate. However, you still need to use the screen to adjust the AC, and it's not the easiest thing in the world.
The infotainment system is basically fully featured, with a Wi-Fi hotspot, voice commands, a 360-degree camera, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Confusingly, even though Apple CarPlay is wireless, Android Auto isn't. Heated seats are, weirdly, optional, even though this car included a heated steering wheel. Generally speaking, the infotainment system is pretty solid, but the promised software update would make it even better.
3 Rear Seat Space Could Be Better
One area where the 308 falls a little short is passenger space in the rear. Thanks to the sloping roof, headroom is a little compromised, and legroom isn't the best. It's not terrible, but if you are fairly tall, you might struggle with the back seats, especially if the driver and passenger are also tall and have their seats slid back.
Still, there are some decent amenities in the rear. The middle seat can act as an arm rest, with two cup holders, and there's also a pass-through to the cargo area. Furthermore, there are netted storage pouches on the backs of the front seats, as well as two USB-C ports for rear passengers. Incidentally, all the USB ports in the car are USB-C, so you might need a new cable.
2 Cargo Space Is Pretty Good
The new 308's cargo capacity is pretty good for the class. The ICE-only models in the range have a capacity of 14.5 cubic feet (412 liters), which bests the VW Golf's cargo capacity. The PHEV models have a slightly smaller 12.7 cubic feet (361 liters) due to the battery pack.
Folding down the rear seats gives you 46.7 cubic feet (1,323 liters) on the ICE-only models, and 44.8 cubic feet (1,271 liters) on the PHEV versions. While not the best in class, the 308's cargo capacity is very good, even on the plug-in hybrid version.
1 Pretty Pricey
Peugeot has declared itself as one of the more premium brands under the Stellantis umbrella. As a result, the 308 is a surprisingly pricey hatchback. This GT version is a fair bit more expensive than an identically optioned Seat Leon, Škoda Octavia or Mazda 3.
It is pricey all things considered, but it could be worth paying the price of admission. The new 308 is a fantastic-looking, great-driving hatchback that's packed with technology, and it goes to show that Peugeot has definitely dug itself out of the rut it was stuck in for most of the previous two decades. An excellent automobile, overall.