Name: New Peugeot e-308 models and Specifications
Brand: Peugeot

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115kW

1.2 Hybrid 136

The Hybrid 180 has an official electric-only range of more than 40 miles and is capable of reaching motorway speeds without using the petrol engine.

1.6 Hybrid

The more powerful of the two PHEVs has a combined 222bhp from the petrol engine and electric motor.

1.6 Hybrid 225

Mid-spec Allure is our favourite trim as it comes with 17in alloy wheels, front parking sensors and a rear-view camera, drive modes and sat-nav.

Allure

This is a higher-spec model with a sportier look, courtesy of larger 18in alloy wheels and side skirts. You also get a heated steering wheel, part leather seats and full LED matrix headlights.

Estate

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

1.6 Hybrid 225 GT 5dr e-EAT8

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1.2 Hybrid 136 Allure 5dr e-DSC6

1.6 Hybrid Allure 5dr e-EAT8

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1.2 Hybrid 136 GT 5dr e-DSC6

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1.6 Hybrid GT 5dr e-EAT8

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115kW Allure 54kWh 5dr Auto

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115kW GT 54kWh 5dr Auto

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Peugeot e-308

Introduction

Performance & drive

Interior

Passenger & boot space

Costs & verdict

The Peugeot e-308 and e-308 SW are both expensive. They’ll cost more to buy outright than equivalent versions of all their closest electric rivals, including the Cupra Born, MG5 and VW ID 3, while even the most expensive version of the MG4 costs thousands less.

Worse news&nbsp;is that even the excellent Tesla Model 3 RWD – which is better in almost every area – costs less than the e-308 Allure.

To keep costs down, we’d stick with the entry-level Allure trim. Luckily, it comes with plenty of standard equipment, including 18in alloys, automatic air conditioning, adaptive cruise control, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. If you’d like extra niceties such as keyless entry and the driver display and parking aid upgrades, you’ll need to jump up to range-topping GT.

When it comes to charging, every e-308 has a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/fastest-charging-electric-cars/n26105">maximum charging rate</a> of up to 100kW. With a fast enough charger, it should be possible to charge from 20-80% in around half an hour. Most rivals can accept a faster rate, while the Model 3 also gives you access to the brilliant Supercharger network.

If you plug it into a 7kW <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/electric-car-home-chargers-rated/n25830">home wall box</a>&nbsp;the e-308 should charge from 20-80% in about four hours and 25 minutes, or from empty to full in just over eight hours.&nbsp;

As for reliability, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/peugeot">Peugeot</a> as a manufacturer came 21st out of 32 brands in the 2023 <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/reliability-survey-most-reliable-cars/n26137">What Car? Reliability Survey</a>. That puts it at a similar level to Volkswagen, above Renault and MG, but below Hyundai and Kia. You get a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty, with the battery covered separately for eight years or 100,000 miles.

There is no safety rating specifically for the Peugeot e-308. However, the regular <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/308/hatchback/review/n17380">Peugeot 308</a> was tested by experts at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-safest-cars-on-sale-today/n19724">Euro NCAP</a> and was given a four-star rating, which is one less star than most rivals. It scored well in most areas but the testers commented that the protection for the driver’s chest was fairly weak.

<h2 dir="ltr">Costs overview</h2>

Strengths Plenty of standard equipment&nbsp;

Weakness Expensive compared with rivals; the maximum charging rate is fairly average

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Every version of the Peugeot e-308 – including the e-308 SW – gets a battery with a usable capacity of 51kWh and an electric motor driving the front wheels with 154bhp. There are currently no other options in the line-up.

That's enough power for 0-62mph time of 9.8 seconds, which is slightly slower than the Vauxhall Astra Electric (9.2 seconds) and the slowest Cupra Born (7.3 seconds), but quite a bit behind the slowest Tesla Model 3 (which is slightly cheaper than the e-308 and takes around 5.8 seconds).

Likewise, the e-308 SW is slower than&nbsp;rival electric estate cars, including the MG5, which covers 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds. That’s not to say that either version of the e-308 feels too slow for everyday driving, it’s just that their respective rivals get up to motorway speeds with slightly more vigour.&nbsp;

What’s more, if you're shopping for a small electric car or an electric estate, outright pace probably isn’t at the top of your list – electric range is a big consideration too. The e-308 and e-308 SW’s official figures of 257 miles and 254 miles don’t particularly stand out against rivals but are close to that of the Born and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id3/hatchback/review/n21832">VW ID 3</a>. The e-308 SW also has a slightly longer range than the MG5 officially (250 miles).

The Model 3 RWD, meanwhile, will officially cover up to 318 miles and, unlike the e-308, many rivals offer versions with bigger batteries and longer ranges. You can buy a Born, for example, with a 341-mile official range, while the MG4 EV Extended Range offers 323 miles.

So, do the e-308 and e-308 SW stand out in other areas on the road? Well, the handling is competent rather than exciting. The steering, although a little numb, is accurate and you can place the car through a corner confidently, while the body stays impressively flat in the process.

The Born is more agile, offering even better, more naturally weighted steering and the Model 3 is in a different league entirely.

The e-308 rides pretty well over most surfaces. It has a slightly firm edge, so the initial impact from road imperfections and potholes can be rather harsh, but they’re dealt with quickly and there’s no unwanted wallowy feel on undulating roads. There is quite a bit of road noise to contend with in the interior, though.

<h2 dir="ltr">Driving overview</h2>

Strengths Decent ride comfort; consistent brake-pedal feel

Weaknesses Underwhelming acceleration; average range between charges

Fuel 

Gearbox

0-62 MPH

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OUR PICK

16-hybrid

16-hybrid-225

115kw

The fully electric Peugeot e-308 has a lot in common with the regular petrol-powered Peugeot 308. That's obvious, you might think.

After all, while they draw their power from different sources, only an extra letter separates their names, and they look pretty much the same. The same goes for the estate version – the Peugeot e-308 SW. It’s based on the 308 SW&nbsp;but is fully electric.

However, did you know that the e-308 also has much in common with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/astra-electric/hatchback/review/n25859">Vauxhall Astra Electric</a>?&nbsp;You see, while the two cars have different names, wear different badges and look distinct inside and out,&nbsp;underneath they are virtually identical, sharing the same batteries and motors.

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7MLLrE9FTHg?si=a9uNS_l4CA_8s_Pw" width="560"></iframe>

So, how do you separate these rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-cars/n17000">electric cars</a>? Well, you can read this review to find out how the Peugeot e-308 differs from the Astra Electric&nbsp;and other models you might be considering, including, say, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/born/hatchback/review/n23703">Cupra Born</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4 EV</a>.

What’s more, we’ll also give impressions on the e-308 SW and tell you how it compares with&nbsp;its main rival as an electric estate car, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg5/estate/review/n22011">MG5&nbsp;EV</a>.

The layout of the Peugeot e-308 and e-308 SW’s interior is identical to what you'll find a petrol or diesel <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/308/hatchback/review/n17380">Peugeot 308</a> (or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/308/estate/review/n17314">Peugeot 308 SW</a>).

That means it gets Peugeot's iCockpit layout, which gives you a small steering wheel you look over – rather than through – to see the digital driver display. Some people find that set-up really awkward, so try before you buy.

In entry-level Allure trim, the e-308's driver display is fully digital, while upgrading to range-topping GT adds a 3D effect. The idea behind the 3D tech is that it puts important numbers closer to the driver’s vision, but the reality is that it feels like a bit of a gimmick rather than something that actually helps you.

Aside from the small steering wheel, the driving position is sound, offering lots of manual adjustment in the steering wheel and seat (including for lumbar support). Helpfully, the good driving position means you also get a good view of the road ahead, at junctions and behind.

What’s more, to make parking even more of a doddle, all e-308s come with standard-fit rear parking sensors and a reversing camera, while the top-spec GT also gets front parking sensors. You can add an optional 360-degree camera, making things even easier.

Bright LED headlights come as standard, making for great visibility at night, while range-topping GT models swap them for full matrix LED headlights that adapt their full beam automatically so they don't dazzle oncoming drivers.

Every e-308 gets a 10.0in touchscreen <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-car-infotainment-systems-tested-and-rated/n21269">infotainment system</a>&nbsp;which is generally impressive in its look and layout, although the response time could be a little sharper. Wireless <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a> phone-mirroring are included standard, allowing you to run your smartphone apps on the infotainment screen.

Below the main screen there is a separate panel with touchscreen shortcut buttons that are configurable and are helpful for hopping between different menus. Unfortunately, the climate controls are mostly controlled through the touchscreen, which is fiddly and distracting while driving.

In terms of quality, the e-308's interior compares well with direct rivals. The materials look and feel pleasant, and it’s easily better than what you find in an MG4 or VW ID 3.

<h2 dir="ltr">Interior overview</h2>

Strengths Classy fit and finish; wireless smartphone mirroring standard

Weaknesses View of driver display might be blocked for some drivers; infotainment touchscreen response time could be snappier

The e-308 performs well enough in important areas but rivals are more competitively priced

Continuing the trend, the Peugeot e-308 and e-308 SW both have an identical footprint to their regular counterparts (the 308 and 308 SW), meaning the space inside is also largely identical.

As a result, even your tallest friends won’t find themselves struggling for head or leg room, while the decent interior width means you won’t be rubbing shoulders with your front-seat passenger.

You also get plenty of storage spaces, with helpful cubbies strewn around, including within the standard armrest and large door bins.

Rear space varies more between the e-308 and e-308 SW. The hatchback offers more than enough space for children but tight head room for adults, although it's more accommodating than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/zoe/hatchback/review/n152">Renault Zoe</a> and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/500/hatchback/review/n84">Fiat 500 Electric</a>.

If rear space is important to you, the estate version is a better option.&nbsp;That said, even the e-308 SW is fairly tight in the rear, offering less head and leg room than the MG5 or conventional <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/estate-cars/n16998">estate cars</a> including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/focus/estate/review/n8">Ford Focus Estate</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/leon/estate/review/n17368">Seat Leon Estate</a>.&nbsp;

As you might expect, the e-308 SW also has the largest boot of the two versions, offering 608 litres of space with the rear seats in place. That's not as much as the Leon Estate, but it’s more than the Focus Estate and MG5 offer. What’s more, you get versatile rear seats that split 40/20/40 and fold flat, which is really handy when you have rear-seat passengers but need to load long items into the boot.&nbsp;

The hatchback e-308 gets the same 361-litre capacity as the 308&nbsp;plug-in hybrid (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">PHEV</a>), which is down on the 412-litre boot the regular 308 gets. It’s pretty much the same size as the boot in the MG4, but the Cupra Born’s is bigger. The hatchback's rear seats split 60/40 to fold down.

Disappointingly, neither version of the e-308 comes with a front boot, so you’ll lose some boot space to your charging cables.&nbsp;

<h2 dir="ltr">Practicality overview</h2>

Strengths Decent storage space up front; good space for the driver and front passenger; e-308 SW offers flexible rear seating

Weaknesses Rear head room not impressive; no dedicated space for a charging cable in the boot; no front boot

allure

The Peugeot e-308 has a good interior and is comfortable on the move, but doesn’t stand out from rivals and it’s more expensive to buy than most of them. It’s a similar story with the e-308 SW estate car – it has a smart interior and flexible rear seats, but the MG5 EV is ultimately better value for money.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test </li> <li>Quick charging times and compatibility with the most ubiquitous types of public charging points </li> <li>Priced to be within the grasp of more than just the privileged few </li> <li>As with any car, ride comfort, practicality and ownership costs can’t be ignored</li></ul>

We define an electric car as one that runs purely on battery power and has no tailpipe to puff out nasty chemicals.

The best of the breed offer sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test cycle.

Electric

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Huge boot and excellent practicality</li> <li>Plenty of interior space so you can carry passengers as well as luggage </li> <li>Strong engines to pull a heavily laden car</li> <li>Comfortable ride, especially on the motorway</li> <li>Low running costs for company car drivers</li></ul>

If you’re after bags of space but you don’t want to commit to the van-like dimensions and styling of an MPV, there are some great estate cars on offer that should do the job.

Tricks to look out for include an electric tailgate&nbsp;that opens automatically when you wave your foot under the rear bumper; this is&nbsp;particularly handy if you’re trying to load in a heavy or&nbsp;bulky item. You should also look for handles in the side of the boot itself that can drop down the rear seats; these are much more convenient than having to walk around the side of the car to do it.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of practical space </li> <li>Low running costs </li> <li>A comfortable ride </li> <li>A healthy equipment list </li> <li>Quality materials and thoughtful touches inside </li> <li>Rock-solid reliability</li></ul>

Family cars arguably have the toughest brief of all: they have to be good at pretty much everything. They’re used as the daily drive, on the school run or work commute (often both), and have to be able to cope with a family’s clutter on weekends and holidays.

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