Peugeot’s family car has grown up, but will PHEV know-how attract fleet drivers? John Challen reckons so.

Peugeot has committed to offering an electrified version of every model by 2024

Peugeot is currently undergoing something in the way of a re-invention of itself in the UK.

For starters, there’s a new company logo, an updated website and also a revamped corporate identity.

And then there’s the cars. This includes a commitment to offer an electrified version of every model by 2024; a move that will hopefully help further improve Peugeot’s low-emission vehicle mix. Figures over the past few months indicate that the percentage within the French manufacturer’s portfolio was 19.4% by the end of 2021, while the YTD figure for 2022 was hovering around 21%.

The new 308 is the latest product to help Peugeot meet its goals. The family car has been launched with its estate (308 SW) stablemate at the same time, but we’ll stick to the hatch for now. It has undergone a makeover inside and out and is now offered in petrol, diesel and hybrid form – with PHEV options available for the first time in 308. In addition, Peugeot says that an all-electric version is coming in 2023.

Inside the cabin, the major highlights are the latest-generation i-Cockpit and i-Connect, for improved driver interaction and connectivity. There is also more room inside for driver and passengers – adding to the comfort levels and helped by an overall increase in length of 11cm.

Safety-wise, there’s plenty of new technology onboard as standard including long-range (75m) blind spot monitoring and a 180° reversing camera and 360° park assist. Depending on the trim level, there are plenty of other systems available, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic high beam and traffic sign recognition.

Five trim levels are on offer. The base Active Premium model is well equipped, with 16-inch alloys, LED lights and a 10-inch infotainment screen. For an extra £1,850 and the Allure model drivers benefit from bigger alloys, ambient lighting and a connected 3D nav system, along with i-Connect voice assistant. Allure Premium adds Drive Assist 2.0 into the mix as well as wireless smartphone connectivity. The GT models see upgrades to wheels and some driver comfort features such as heated steering wheel and lumber support.

Fleet drivers will be particularly interested in the two plug-in hybrid models, especially the 180 e-EAT8, with its 8% BiK rate. That model combines a 150hp PureTech engine with a 110hp electric engine motor. CO2 emissions are from 25g/km and there’s an electric-only range of up to 37 miles (WLTP).

For a bit more power, there’s the 225 e-EAT-8 (BiK: 12%), powered by a 180hp engine and the same 110hp motor. There’s a slight increase in CO2 (26g/km) and drop in EV driving range (36 miles WLTP). Both versions feature a 12.4kWh lithium-ion battery and eight-speed manual gearbox.

Petrol and diesel options are limited to one model each: the 1.2-litre PureTech 130 S&S EAT8 and 1.5-litre BlueHDi 130 S&S EAT8 respectively.

In Brief

What is it? Hatchback

How much? From £25,270

Economy? 43.5-281.1mpg

Emissions? 24-147g/km

Key fleet model:  Hybrid 180 e-EAT8

Pro’s: Infotainment; fun to drive; quality

Cons: Dashboard visibility; rear space

7-word summary:  Peugeot plug-in tech adds major fleet appeal

Also consider:  Volkswagen Golf /  BMW 1 Series / SEAT Leon