2023 Peugeot 308

308 GT highlights:

• Matrix LED headlights
• LED tail lights incl. 3D claw effect
• 18-inch Kamakura alloy wheels
• Peugeot 3D i-Cockpit
  • 10-inch 3D digital instrument cluster
  • 10-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
  • AM/FM/DAB radio
• Alcantara seats with leather-effect bolsters
• Adamite green top stitching
• Leather multifunction steering wheel
• 8-colour ambient lighting
• Frameless electrochromatic rear-view mirror
• Auto climate control with clean air function
• Electric, heated, power folding mirrors
• One-touch electric windows front, rear
• Acoustic tinted windscreen
• Keyless entry, push-button start
• Wireless phone charger
• 6-speaker audio
• 2 x USB front (1 x USB-A, 1 x USB-C)
• 2 x USB rear (1 x USB-A, 1 x USB-C)
• Front, rear parking sensors
• Visio Park 180-degree reversing camera

308 GT Premium adds:

• 18-inch Portland matte black alloys
• Panoramic opening glass sunroof
• Hands-free electric tailgate (GT Premium Wagon)
• Nappa leather with charcoal grey top stitch
• Electric driver’s seat
• Heated front seats
• Massage function for front seats
• 2-position adjustable boot floor (GT Premium Wagon)
• Active Lane Positioning Assist (centring)
• 360-degree HD cameras (front, rear)
• Focal 10-speaker premium audio (GT Premium Hatch)

The GT Sport Plug-In Hybrid adds:

• Acoustic vehicle alert system
• Hybrid drive mode
• Mode 2 type 2 cable

There’s a lot to like about the latest 308. It’s still distinctly French, but is also as mainstream as it’s ever been – for all the right reasons.

It’s made huge strides in terms of ergonomics and technology, particularly assistance and infotainment features, and the attention to detail in the cabin execution has elevated the Peugeot beyond even premium German alternatives.

The Pug also drives well, is impressively efficient and offers a practical boot – especially as a wagon. Plus, it stands out in traffic, offers vibrant colour options missing in today’s automotive world, and Peugeot has made the ownership proposition as competitive as ever.

If ongoing costs have been a barrier to you owning a French brand, Peugeot has recently introduced very competitive service packages – $1000 for three years, and $1800 for five.

Compared to paying as you go, that represents a saving of up to $689. It also makes the Peugeot 308 quite competitive against rival makes. Service pricing details for the 308 GT Sport Plug-in Hybrid will be announced closer to its launch next year.

The three-cylinder petrol engine won’t set your pulse racing. There’s good low-down response and a thrummy, characterful engine note under acceleration, but it doesn’t quite live up to the GT branding.

Peugeot’s 0-100 claim of 9.7 seconds will no doubt draw criticism in the comments section, but like a lot of modern turbocharged engines and low-output EVs designed for predominantly city use, it gets up to 60km/h with more than enough pace for the average buyer.

With that said, the 308 is a GT in the way it effortlessly cruises along, with a cabin that’s well insulated for the segment, pliant and balanced ride, as well as linear, accurate driver controls.

It’s also more than capable of sitting at 110km/h for extended periods of time, particularly in GT Premium models fitted with Lane Positioning Assist that, combined with the adaptive cruise control, facilitates Level 2 semi-autonomous driving.

Even under harder throttle the turbo triple is hardly thrashy or too loud, though some may find its gravelly tone unrefined compared to a more powerful four-cylinder engine. It sort of performs like a diesel, without the clatter.

The eight-speed automatic is one of the better shifters in the Peugeot-Citroen catalogue, and unlike the Citroen C5 X is decisive at low speeds. Even when flicked to ‘manual’ using Sport mode, it’s responsive to inputs from the paddles.

Combine this with a taut, enthusiastic chassis, and you have the basis of a fun little car. If only there was a more powerful version of the 1.2-litre turbo available – perhaps the 114kW/240Nm tune from the related 2008 SUV would suffice, but alas the 308 doesn’t seem to offer this spec anywhere.

This will be somewhat addressed by the 165kW/360Nm 1.6-litre PHEV next year with its brisk 7.5-second 0-100 claim, though that’s certain to come with a hefty price jump, and the added weight of the lithium-ion battery may blunt the sharp handling. We won’t know for sure until it lands in the first half of next year.

I enjoyed some of the twistier sections of our test route, which took us up Saddleback Mountain in some parts. In these tighter, technical sections of road, the 308 was particularly well equipped for some fun.

The lack of grunt is less of an issue given you’re rarely reaching the speed limits here, low-speed corners allow you to make the most of that small steering wheel with quick ratio, and you can enjoy the hunkered down, eager dynamics.

Like the wider Peugeot passenger line-up, the 308 range is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Scheduled maintenance is required every 12 months or 15,000 kilometres – whatever comes first.

There is 412L of boot space available in the 308 Hatch and 608L in the 308 Wagon.

Fold the rear seats and that expands to 1295-1323L in the Hatch, and 1634L in the wagon. The GT Premium Hatch quotes a little less due to the subwoofer, which eats into the underfloor area – it has 384-1295L.

The 308 Wagon also offers a 40:20:40 split rear bench for added practicality when stowing longer items. The 308 Hatch retains a 60:40 split.

The premium pricing, particularly for the entry-level 308 GT, is dear against competitors that offer more features from the base level. It’s also likely to get a four-star safety rating from ANCAP unless there are drastic changes to the local specification.

For many buyers the three-cylinder petrol engine’s outputs also won’t cut it, and the Peugeot badge doesn’t have the same allure as Audi’s four rings or the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star to justify opting for what will be perceived as an entry-level powertrain despite its merits. The quirky i-Cockpit design may also prove to be a turn off.

But if you’re looking for something a little nice, different, unusual even, the Peugeot 308 is a lovely little thing. Also, for all my readers with good taste, the 308 Hatch’s Olivine Green no-cost hero is irresistible.