Distinctive all-new Peugeot 308 revealed

One of the UK’s most popular lease choices is back. Not that it actually went anywhere, but it’s still back. For several decades, Peugeot has been a key player in the mid-sized hatchback and estate car markets, offering family-friendly models renowned for their distinctive design, driving pleasure, and dynamic road handling. The brand-new Peugeot 308 is now carrying that torch for the next generation.

With a new model range, new powertrain options, the latest technology, and more than a hint of French flair, Peugeot is bringing the new 308 and 308 SW range to the UK this autumn.

Available to order very soon, Peugeot is offering the latest 308 and 308 SW models with four powertrains:

• electric,
• plug-in hybrid,
• hybrid,
• and diesel.

There are also three trim levels: Allure, GT and GT Premium.

For the first time, the front of the new 308 boasts a new design with an illuminated Peugeot emblem taking centre stage.

The new grille features a body-coloured treatment that seamlessly integrates into the body, and a new headlight signature with three slim LED ‘claws’ which also function as the daytime running lights and indicators. Brand-new diamond-cut alloy wheels are available in 17-inch on the Allure trim and in 18-inch on the GT and GT Premium trims – unless you opt for the all-electric model which comes as standard with the 18-inch wheels across all trims.

Interior space is also generous, with both the hatchback and estate versions of the new Peugeot 308 featuring a roomy boot space and split folding rear seats to accommodate the occasional larger load.

A clean and welcoming interior design mirrors the stylish exterior.

The dashboard is designed to free up maximum space for the benefit of the front occupants, seamlessly integrating the instrument cluster, 10-inch central touchscreen, and the main vehicle controls. With a head-up instrument cluster and a compact steering wheel, everything is naturally positioned in front of the driver's eyes and within easy reach, including the controls located on the central part of the dashboard, which are slightly oriented towards the driver.

The new digital instrument cluster is fitted as standard, and there are five configurable ‘i-Toggles’ beneath the central touchscreen that you can set up as shortcuts to your preferred settings for things like the air conditioning, favourite phone contacts, audio settings, navigation to home, and so on. The new Peugeot 308 range also comes as standard with complete connectivity, including wireless smartphone mirroring functionality, over-the-air updates, and four USB-C ports (two in the front and two in the rear).

In terms of powertrain options, Peugeot is firmly of the opinion that it should be encouraging the transition to electric vehicles.

The powertrain choice

The new Peugeot 308 is available with a single diesel option – a 130bhp 1.5-litre BlueHDi four-cylinder engine coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission that makes it the ideal choice for intensive long-distance driving – but all other powertrains involve the application of electricity in one way or another.

Peugeot’s introduction to electrification is a 145bhp hybrid powertrain paired with the six-speed electrified e-DSC6 dual-clutch automatic transmission. Capable of offering an all-electric zero-emission mode around town, the petrol-electric hybrid system provides an extra boost of power when needed, as well as helping to reduce emissions and improving fuel economy up to almost 50mpg.

The new Plug-in Hybrid variant combines an electric motor with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine for a peak power output of 195bhp. This second-generation plug-in hybrid powertrain includes a 17.2kWh battery that now provides an additional 12 miles of range, giving an all-electric driving capability of 53 miles. A seven-speed e-DCS7 dual-clutch automatic transmission guarantees quick and smooth gear changes, and the battery can easily be recharged overnight, taking around two hours with a 7.4kW charger.

The range-topping option is the new all-electric Peugeot E-308.

The 156bhp electric motor is paired with a 58.4kWh battery that uses a more powerful 400v architecture and regenerative braking to maximise the range. That means the latest E-308 can offer an extended range of up to 281 miles, making it one of the standout performers in its segment. An 11kW onboard charger comes as standard, delivering 20% to 80% charging times as low as three hours and 35 minutes from an 11kW charger. Using a 100kW DC rapid charger, it is possible to complete that same 20% to 80% charge in around 30 minutes.

Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are also standard across the range for the new all-electric E-308 and E-308 SW. If such a thing would be useful to you, Peugeot also offers a V2L (vehicle to load) adapter, enabling the car's high-voltage battery to power external electrical devices.

We don’t have an exact date for the UK launch of the new Peugeot 308 and 308 SW range, but as it’s scheduled for later this Autumn, we doubt you’ll need to wait very long if you’re interested in leasing one of the new Peugeot 308s.