Peugeot 308 Hybrid 2022: The best compact car now

Sharp lines and prominent air intakes characterise the front end and emphasise the determination of the new Peugeot 308. The eye is caught by the large radiator grille with an attractive pattern and aggressively drawn LED headlights, while the daytime running lights look like fangs. Further accents are set by the long, outlined bonnet and the two-tone 18-inch wheels. The flowing profile flows into a sporty rear end with a roof spoiler and diffuser insert in high-gloss black. The cool appearance is underlined by the LED tail lights with 3D effect and a dynamic illumination of the claws.

The plug-in hybrid drive of the Peugeot 308 Hybrid 225 offers 165 kW/225 hp and impresses with its versatility: on one side the drive delivers decent power for driving pleasure, but can also drive up to 59 kilometres purely electrically according to the realistic WLTP cycle.

Key data: The 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine generates 133 kW/181 hp and the electric motor 81 kW/110 hp. Together, the engines produce a respectable system output of 165 kW/225 hp and a maximum torque of 360 Nm. In combination with a 8-speed automatic transmission, the front-wheel drive Peugeot 308 Hybrid 225 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 235 km/h. A 12.4 kWh battery provides the power for the electric drive which is limited to a top speed of 135 km/h.

Three driving modes are available: "Electric", "Hybrid" and "Sport". The electric range of 59 kilometres stated by Peugeot proves to be realistic and is sufficient for most daily driving acitivites. In addition, the "Brake" function can be used to recover more energy when the accelerator pedal is released. "e-Save" can be used to store the battery's electric energy, for example to use green lanes in cities to pass urban traffic jams.

In "hybrid" mode, the system decides depending on the situation whether the electric motor, the petrol engine or both drives are used. During everyday driving, the Peugeot 308 is incredibly quiet and suppresses most surface bumps. As long as the battery delivers energy, the Peugeot 308 Hybrid 225 reaches an average fuel consumption of about 3.0 l/100 km during our drive through cities, on country roads and on the motorway.

We switch to "Sport"-mode, which uses the power of both engines for maximum performance. One step on the accelerator and you feel the punch of the Peugeot 308 Hybrid. If you floor the accelerator, the petrol engine sounds a little rough and strained. But on a winding country road you are surprised by the sporty character. The steering is a bit light, but impresses by an immediate response.

Despite the extra weight due to the hybrid system and the battery, the Peugeot 308 stays flat on the road even when changing the direction quickly. The small steering wheel supports the agility. Only when driving fast through tight bends, the front tires start slipping. Furthermore the "Sport"-mode sharpens the characteristic of the accelerator and the gear change and amplifies the engine noise.

In addition to the Peugeot 308 Hybrid 225, there is also a smaller plug-in hybrid with a system output of 133 kW/180 hp. It’s the same electric motor used in both variants. The only difference: the Peugeot 308 Hybrid 225 has a slightly more powerful petrol engine.

Driving efficiently and saving money with a plug-in hybrid is possible if it is charged as often as possible and energy is always available for electric driving. As standard, the 12.4 kWh battery of the Peugeot 308 Hybrid is charged with up to 3.7 kW. In this case, the charging process from 0 to 100 % takes about 3 hours 50 minutes. If only a home socket with 1.8 kW is available, the charging process takes approx. 7 hours 5 minutes. Optionally, Peugeot offers an onboard charger with 7.4 kW, which reduces the charging time to ca. 1 hour 55 minutes.

A few years ago, nobody would have thought it: the interior of the new Peugeot 308 (2022) is one of the best in compact class. It's more than just the modern design. In terms of material and build quality, the interior gives a very high-quality impression. Soft touch surfaces dominate the interior. Hard, but well-made plastic is used only in the lower area and in parts of the centre console. Sporty, elegant accents are set by aluminium applications. The seats are also very comfortable and offer plenty of lateral support. In the front 2 meter tall people can sit comfortable. In the rear space is only sufficient for adults of average height in Europe.

The new infotainment system of the Peugeot 308 called "i-Connect Advanced" is a real highlight. In the GT trim, the driver looks at a fully digital and configurable instrument cluster with a cool 3D effect. The 10-inch or 25.4-centimetre cockpit clearly displays many information and has various display modes such as navigation, radio/media, driver assistance systems and energy flow.

The modern display and simple operation of the 10-inch touchscreen in the centre of the cockpit are very similar to those of a smartphone. The individual functions can be viewed quickly and the handling is easy as using a smartphone.

And even more: The user can individually assign certain functions and applications of the infotainment system to the so-called "i-Toggles". The "i-Toggles" are touch-sensitive surfaces or virtual buttons and can be used to save individual telephone numbers, the preferred setting of the air condition, specific navigation destinations and much more. A single keystroke is then all that is needed to execute the desired function. Also on board: a voice control system that responds to the command "OK Peugeot".

In addition, “Mirror Screen” wirelessly connects up to two smartphones with the infotainment system at the same time, allowing smartphone apps to be operated via the vehicle's touchscreen - and this works with both “Android Auto” and “Apple CarPlay”. For wireless charging of smartphones, there is a wireless smartphone charger in the centre console. In addition, four USB-C ports are available.

The new Peugeot 308 is equipped with a comprehensive range of driver assistance systems for added safety and comfort. To name just a few: semi-autonomous driving with automatic speed control and lane positioning, automatic emergency braking with recognition of pedestrians and cyclists by day and night, traffic sign recognition, parking assistant with cross-traffic warning, 360-degree camera for parking and many more.

The boot space of the new Peugeot 308 normally has a capacity of 412 litres and 1,323 litres with the rear seats folded - but only as a pure combustion car. The battery of the hybrid system reduces the load space, but the Peugeot 308 Hybrid still offers 361 litres and respectively 1,271 litres. Storing the loading accessories in a bag is a practical idea. However, it would be an advantage if the bag could be fixed to the load floor with a Velcro fastener; this way, the bag slides around in every corner during passionate driving.

It’s a big success. The new Peugeot 308 has a cool design, a strong range as a plug-in hybrid and a great handling - a real all-rounder. The interior follows with its high quality and modern technologies. This plug-in hybrid makes sense for anyone who can charge the car whenever needed. The Peugeot 308 has already received its first important award and was voted as the "German Car of the Year 2022" in the "Compact" category.