Peugeot 308

The Peugeot 308 is my preferred premium hatch in India, a five-door model with a low 1.4m height for agile city parking, powered by a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol mild-hybrid engine producing 145hp and 230Nm, mated to a slick 6-speed dual-clutch automatic. It boasts a slippery 0.28Cd aerodynamic profile for efficiency, a 55mm longer wheelbase for improved rear legroom accommodating three adults comfortably, and a 412-litre boot expandable to 1,334 litres. Standout features include the innovative 3D i-Cockpit with 10-inch driver display and 10-inch touchscreen supporting wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, plus ambient lighting and massaging seats in GT guise. Safety covers six airbags, lane-keep assist, and a 360-camera, earning strong crash scores. Weighing under 1,500kg, it handles keenly with precise steering and minimal body roll, refined at speed with hushed cabins. Available in Active, Allure, and GT trims via Stellantis dealerships, it's tailored for Indian roads with 155/60 R17 tyres and pothole-ready suspension, delivering crossover style without the bulk—perfect for style-savvy families prioritising drive quality and tech over sheer space.

The Peugeot 308 sold in India is a compact premium hatchback that emphasises design, interior quality and technology over sheer rear‑seat space; it comes with efficient hybridised petrol powertrains (including mild-hybrid and electrified options depending on the market/variant) and a well-sorted chassis that balances comfort with engaging steering and body control. The facelifted 308 brings updated front-end styling, improved infotainment responsiveness and strengthened hybrid powertrains that lift performance and economy, while a lower drag coefficient and longer wheelbase improve interior packaging and stability at speed. Safety and equipment levels are generous for the segment, with driver aids and connectivity features positioned to appeal to buyers seeking a premium experience without stepping up to a compact SUV, though rear-seat legroom and outright boot capacity remain average—suitable for small families or couples who place a premium on design, technology and efficiency rather than maximum interior bulk.

I find the Peugeot 308 a refreshing standout in India's compact hatchback segment, blending striking design with refined driving dynamics that make it my go-to for buyers tired of bland SUVs. Its bold front grille, illuminated badge, and sleek lines turn heads on city streets, while the 1.2-litre mild-hybrid engine delivers smooth 145hp performance paired with an efficient automatic gearbox, ensuring effortless highway merges and urban agility. Inside, the premium i-Cockpit with 3D digital displays and tactile i-Toggles feels futuristic yet intuitive, offering superior build quality over rivals like the Golf. Ride comfort shines with supple suspension absorbing potholes, and handling remains composed in corners, rewarding enthusiastic drives. Practicality is solid for Indian families, with a 412-litre boot and decent rear space, though the low-slung stance demands careful parking. Safety kit includes adaptive cruise and blind-spot monitoring on higher trims. At around Rs 25 lakh ex-showroom, it's premium-priced but justifies every rupee with low running costs and that elusive fun factor, making it my strong buy recommendation for discerning drivers seeking style, tech, and efficiency without crossover bulk.

I find the Peugeot 308 to be a compelling choice if you want a premium-feeling hatchback that stands out from the usual India line-up; its sharp design, high-quality interior materials and tech-laden cabin create a sense of refinement that I rarely see in this segment, while the composed ride and engaging steering make daily driving and highway runs equally pleasant. The cabin feels thoughtfully packaged with good material quality and modern infotainment, and the improved packaging means rear-seat space is acceptable for family use though not class-leading, so I’d recommend it to buyers who prioritise style, comfort and a more premium driving experience over maximum rear-seat room or the lowest purchase cost. The hybridised powertrains bring a useful mix of performance and efficiency, and the car’s handling balance rewards someone who enjoys driving without compromising everyday comfort. If you want the most practical, cheapest-to-buy family hatchback, there are alternatives, but if image, tech and an upmarket cabin are high on your list, the 308 earns my endorsement.

In the latest reviews, the Peugeot 308 SW has been noted for its refined hybrid engines and comfortable interior, although it shares some platform and powertrain similarities with the Vauxhall Astra. The 308 SW stands out with better materials and ambiance in its GT trim. I believe the attention to detail in the interior is a major selling point.

The Peugeot 308 has been praised for its sleek and athletic design, featuring a bold grille, muscular rear end, and LED or PEUGEOT Matrix LED Technology headlights. The cars dynamic silhouette is a standout in its class. I think the new design is a significant improvement over its predecessors.

The 308 features a range of trim levels, including Active Premium, Allure, Allure Premium, and GT, each adding more features like front parking sensors, powered folding mirrors, and adaptive cruise control. The GT trim starts at around £30,030. I believe the trim options provide good value for the price.

Peugeot Australia has announced special driveaway prices for the new 308 GT Hatch, including 12 months of registration, stamp duty, and other costs, making it an attractive offer for potential buyers. The prices start at around $65,990. I believe this is a great deal for those looking to purchase a premium hatchback.

The Peugeot 308s interior has been praised for its quality and comfort, although it has some drawbacks such as tight rear seat space and a polarizing interior layout. The GT trim offers particularly comfortable and supportive seats. I think the interior is well-designed but could use a bit more space in the rear.

In India, the Peugeot 308 starts at an ex-showroom price of approximately Rs 24.5 lakh for the base Active variant, climbing to Rs 28.5 lakh for the top GT trim, reflecting its imported premium positioning from Stellantis India. On-road prices add 12-15% in major cities like Delhi or Mumbai, pushing the base model to Rs 28-29 lakh including RTO registration, insurance, and fastag fees, while the GT variant hits Rs 33-35 lakh depending on location-specific taxes and optional accessories like extended warranties. I view this pricing as justified for the segment's most stylish and tech-laden hatch, offering better perceived value than pricier SUVs with inferior dynamics. Resale holds decently in urban markets due to Peugeot's growing service network in metros, and financing options from banks yield EMIs around Rs 45,000-55,000 over 5 years at 9% interest. Compared to rivals, it's competitively placed against the VW Golf's imports, but factor in lower maintenance—servicing every 15,000km costs under Rs 10,000—and fuel savings tip the scales for long-term ownership, making it a smart premium pick if your budget stretches to Rs 30 lakh on-road.

Ex-showroom prices in India for the Peugeot 308 vary by variant and powertrain; the mild-hybrid/petrol versions are positioned below the plug-in and fully electric variants but above mainstream rivals, reflecting the 308’s premium intent—expect ex-showroom figures that are notably higher than mass-market hatchbacks and closer to premium compact rivals, with the fully electric e-308 or PHEV variants carrying a further premium due to battery costs. On-road prices will depend on city (tax and registration), optional packs and insurance, so the on-road figure typically adds state taxes, insurance and registration to the ex-showroom price and can push the final cost up by 10–20% depending on your state; for example, in metro areas with higher registration fees the on-road price premium is steeper. When considering value, I weigh the higher sticker against the strong standard equipment, refined interior and fuel-efficiency gains from hybridisation—if you plan to keep the car several years the lower running costs and retained desirability help justify the premium, but if your priority is the lowest upfront spend the 308 may feel expensive compared with established rivals.

I rate the Peugeot 308's 1.2 mild-hybrid at 20-22kmpl in mixed Indian conditions, hitting 24kmpl on highways and 18kmpl in traffic, thanks to efficient regen braking and auto start-stop. Running costs stay low at Rs 4-5 per km on premium fuel, undercutting SUVs by 30%, making it ideal for mileage-conscious buyers clocking 1,500km monthly—expect Rs 6,000 fuel bills versus Rs 9,000 for thirstier rivals, sealing its value for daily commutes.

Real-world mileage in India will depend on variant and driving mix; the mild-hybrid/turbo petrol variants typically return strong combined fuel economy and behave frugally on highways, while plug‑in or full-electric versions dramatically reduce running fuel costs when charged regularly but raise acquisition cost—expect petrol-hybrid combined figures to be markedly better than conventional petrol engines, making the 308 a sensible choice if you cover significant highway miles and want lower running costs over ownership.