2021 Peugeot 308 : Specs, Features, Test Drive & Review

new Peugeot 308 , completely reformulated, arrives boasting of its own identity, but above all of a general level of quality, technology and equipment, with which it wants to reign in the C segment, always with the permission of the Volkswagen Golf , of course.

In relation to the previous model, it is much more striking and at first glance, but also larger and it has grown in all its dimensions. In its third generation, the Peugeot compact shows a serious evolution at all levels.

Peugeot 308 2021: We drive the fiercest compact

Characteristics of the Peugeot 308 2021

The Peugeot 308 2021 grows in all its dimensions despite being arranged on the well-known EMP2 platform . Its battle, for example, reaches 2,675 meters while its body goes up to 4.37 meters long , 1.85 wide and 1.44 high. Thus, it is not surprising that it is more imposing than the previous model, a metamophosis similar to that experienced by its younger brother, the 208.

Like this one, it features a flatter hood and slimmer optics accompanied by fang-shaped daytime running lights. These optical groups also have a different, finer and more complete light signature in the GT and GT Pack finishes that incorporate Matrix led lighting . The rear, on the other hand, has a more sporty style with a more prominent spoiler and a more horizontal drop of the rear window. A trend also similar to that of other category rivals, and that will be repeated in the family variant of the compact, that is, the 308 SW that has also been presented recently.

Hybridization and new i-Cockpit as great advances

Inside the new 308 comes the latest generation of the Peugeot i-Cockpit , the brand’s revolutionary driving position. This new generation of the compact will once again be a showcase for the Peugeot of the future with a new version that has a more advanced digital panel, while the infotainment system will also receive an update to offer greater agility and connectivity.

Along the same lines, the new Peugeot logo also deserves a separate mention. This more retro badge replaces the silhouette of the lion’s entire body with one of its head inside a shield, and that in fact was already seen in the Concept Peugeot e-Legend , thus also giving way to a new brand image.

In the mechanical part, the main novelty comes from the hand of two plug-in hybrid engines, these being the so-called Hybrid 180 and Hybrid 225 , with powers of 180 and 225 horsepower. Both use a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 12.4 kWh, so that they can approve an electric range of 60 and 59 kilometers , respectively. When recharging the electrical energy, the driver can use alternating current to complete a full charge in 7 hours (8-amp socket) or 3.5 hours (16-amp socket) at a power of 3.7 kW. Optionally, you can opt for a 7.4 kW charger that reduces the waiting time to about two hours.

The rest of the mechanics remain the same as the outgoing model, so we have two 1.2-liter Puretech gasoline engines with 110 and 130 horsepower , as well as a 1.5-liter BlueHDi diesel that develops 130 hp . All of them can be associated with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, as well as a six-speed manual, except for the less powerful gasoline option that is only associated with the latter. It remains to be seen if the French brand subsequently launches a high-performance version in the form of the Peugeot 308 PSE (Peugeot Sport Engineered) that will replace the GTi version that we knew so far, although it seems that this possibility is ruled out.

Peugeot 308 test drive

For our introduction to the roads of the French Côte d’Azur, we chose the 130-horsepower Puretech and 130-horsepower BlueHDi versions , both with six-speed manual gearboxes in both cases and as an option, there are the EAT8 automatics from torque converter). The reason for this choice is simple: they will be the best sellers and are the most interesting from the point of view of the power-efficiency-acquisition cost ratio.

In the case of the Puretech, it is the 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, with 230 Newton / meter of torque at 1,750 laps, with which it approves a 0 to 100 in 9.6 seconds, reaches a maximum speed of 210 kilometers / hour and achieves an average consumption of 5.5 liters per 100. The refinement shown by this engine is excellent , as it does not sound or vibrate as before. In addition, he has a good push from underneath and on our route he has scored a great 8.0 liters through mountain sections without making an efficient drive.

Diesel, meanwhile, is a mechanical four-cylinder in line with 1,499 cubic centimeters and 300 Newton / meter of torque at 1,750 revolutions. At first, it is a little louder than the Puretech, although it has also managed to reduce vibrations and loudness. The gearbox still has the rubbery feel so characteristic of the group, with quite short ratios. As soon as 2,000 revolutions are reached, the driver is informed from the dashboard to engage one more ratio, all in the search for maximum efficiency. As with the 308 Puretech, there are two riding modes, Normal and Eco.; with the latter there is a slight loss of performance. The official figures that it approves are the following: 0 to 100 in 10.6 seconds, maximum speed of 207 kilometers / hour and average consumption of 4.3 liters at 100 . The route has passed through the same place as with the Puretech and the expense figure has remained at 6.8 liters.

In both, the i-Cockpit convinces us once again and allows a fast and efficient handling of the car. Dynamically, the 308 responds very well and there is a greater neutrality of reactions, with a slight tendency to understeer when we go fast in corners. The i-Toggles at the bottom of the console, touch buttons located on another screen, are used to have direct access to certain functions such as, for example, the home address and air conditioning, which is always operated via the screen as there are no physical controls. Under the i-Toggles is the base for wireless charging of mobile phones.

At the level of space and despite the increase in exterior dimensions (the width is maintained compared to the previous model), the 308 is not one of the most livable compact in the segment, especially at the rear. The SW does not stand out either, as an Octavia Combi measures practically the same and gains in interior habitability thanks to its more rational and less sporty forms. In addition, the two bodies of the Peugeot have a somewhat complex access due to the angle of the door , which is around 70 degrees, as well as the shape of the hole itself, low and straight back . Yes, the 34 liters of capacity distributed among the different glove boxes and chests inside are significant.

Without neglecting safety

With regard to driving aids and safety systems, the third generation of the French compact may be equipped with the vehicle blind spot detector, traffic sign reader, cross traffic alert, emergency braking with pedestrian recognition and cyclists, as well as a fatigue detector. Later this year, the so-called Drive Assist 2.0 pack will be offered , which combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistant, so that the car will be able to overtake automatically.

Peugeot 308 and Peugeot 308 SW data sheet

Length: 4.36 meters 5P – 4.63 SW
Width: 1.85 meters
Height: 1.44 meters
Battle: 2.67 meters 5P – 2.73 meters SW
Weight: 1,254 kilos (1.2 Puretech 110 5P) – 1,300 kilos (1.2 Puretech 110 SW)
Trunk: 412 / 1,323 5P (361 hybrid versions) – 608 / 1,634 SW (548 / 1,574 hybrid versions)
Engines: 1.2 Puretech (110 and 130 hp) / 1.5 HDi (130 hp) / Hybrid (180 and 225 hp)
Transmission: 6-speed Manual or 8-speed Automatic EAT8
Prices: From 23,200 euros 5P, from 24,100 euros SW

Range and prices of the Peugeot 308

The new generation of the French compact will be available with a total of seven different colors (Olivine Green, Vertigo Blue, Elixir Red, Pearly Pearl White, Banquise White, Artense Gray and Nera Black Pearl) and the finishes Active Pack, Allure, Allure Pack, GT and GT Pack . It is already on sale and the first units will arrive during the month of October. The SW costs 900 euros more for the same equipment and motorization. You can expand the information on the Peugeot 308 SW here.

Peugeot 308 Active Pack 1.2 PureTech 110 CV: 23,200 euros.
Peugeot 308 Active Pack 1.2 PureTech 130 CV: 24,500 euros.
Peugeot 308 Active Pack 1.2 PureTech 130 CV EAT8: 26,200 euros.
Peugeot 308 Active Pack 1.5 BlueHDI 130 CV: 26.00 euros.
Peugeot 308 Active Pack 1.5 BlueHDI 130 CV EAT8: 27,700 euros.
Peugeot 308 Active Pack Hybrid 180 CV EAT8: 34,700 euros.
Peugeot 308 Allure 1.2 PureTech 130 CV: 27,000 euros.
Peugeot 308 Allure 1.2 PureTech 130 CV EAT8: 28,700 euros.
Peugeot 308 Allure 1.5 BlueHDI 130 CV: 28,500 euros.
Peugeot 308 Allure 1.5 BlueHDI 130 CV EAT8: 30,200 euros.
Peugeot 308 Allure Hybrid 180 CV EAT8: 36,900 euros.
Peugeot 308 Allure Pack 1.2 PureTech 130 CV: 27,900 euros.
Peugeot 308 Allure Pack 1.2 PureTech 130 CV EAT8: 29,600 euros.
Peugeot 308 Allure Pack 1.5 BlueHDI 130 CV: 29,400 euros.
Peugeot 308 Allure Pack 1.5 BlueHDI 130 CV EAT8: 31,100 euros.
Peugeot 308 Allure Pack Hybrid 180 CV EAT8: 37,800 euros.
Peugeot 308 GT 1.2 PureTech 130 CV EAT8: 31,900 euros.
Peugeot 308 GT 1.5 BlueHDI 130 CV EAT8: 33,400 euros.
Peugeot 308 GT Hybrid 180 CV EAT8: 40,100 euros.
Peugeot 308 GT Hybrid 225 hp EAT8: 41,600 euros.
Peugeot 308 GT Pack 1.2 PureTech 130 CV EAT8: 33,900 euros.
Peugeot 308 GT Pack 1.5 BlueHDI 130 CV EAT8: 35,400 euros.
Peugeot 308 GT Pack Hybrid 180 CV EAT8: 42,100 euros.
Peugeot 308 GT Pack Hybrid 225 CV EAT8: 43,600 euros.