Used Peugeot 308 for sale: everything you need to know
The Peugeot 308 has been a huge success for the French company, with more than 1.5 million examples sold around the world. That’s despite it competing in of the most hotly-contested car market segments, with a near-endless list of rivals.
Peugeot’s distinctive styling certainly helps the 308 stand out from more conservative family hatchbacks such as the Volkswagen Golf, Hyundai i30 and Kia Ceed. Interested parties also have the Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic to consider. Oh, and don’t forget the SEAT Leon, along with models related to the Peugeot 308 such as the new Vauxhall Astra.
Should you buy a Peugeot 308?
The Peugeot 308 name will be familiar to UK drivers, but the latest model looks very little like those that came before. If you want a family hatchback with a little more style and pizzazz, a Peugeot 308 could be a great choice.
It’s impossible to talk about the Peugeot 308 without mentioning how it looks. For Peugeot, this is one of the key attributes of the car. Driving one would certainly make a statement on the school run, especially the higher trim-level cars, which feature 3D-effect LED lighting.
The bold theme continues inside, where Peugeot has built upon the radical i-Cockpit layout found in the previous 308. This means a small steering wheel and a high-mounted instrument panel atop the angular dashboard. Adjusting to the layout may take a while, but everything inside feels well made and bolsters the upmarket image.
Peugeot has ensured that every 308 comes loaded with plenty of technology. Even the cheapest versions use a 10-inch multimedia touchscreen, with higher grades gaining a separate touch panel underneath for key functions. Safety equipment levels are also generous.
Heading onto the open road, Peugeot has positioned the 308 between the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus in terms of driving experience. This means a slightly firmer ride than the Golf, but with a level of agility that comes close to rivalling the Focus. It strikes a strong middle ground between the two, and feels all the better for this balance between comfort and handling.
The availability of hybrid powertrains certainly gives the 308 sufficient appeal to rival the Volkswagen Golf and Vauxhall Astra. That impressive interior could even see the 308 challenge premium-brand hatchbacks from the likes of Audi and BMW. With the 308, Peugeot demonstrates that a family car does not have to be boring.
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What's the best used Peugeot 308 model to buy?
For most people's needs, we reckon the entry-level Puretech 130 petrol engine is the best choice in Allure trim. It might be the most affordable model but it certainly doesn't feel slow or lacking in refinement, while it'll also be fairly efficient.
If efficiency matters above all else, though, we'd be looking at one of the plug-in hybrid models. They're not as cheap to buy, but if you do lots of driving about town the ability to cruise around on electric power alone makes them super smooth, while you'll be able to recoup the extra outlay in reduced fuel and tax costs if your annual mileage is sufficient.
Used Peugeot 308 fuel economy and performance
The Peugeot 308 is offered with a choice of four engines. These include petrol and diesel options, along with a pair of plug-in hybrids. All come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.
Peugeot 308 1.2 PureTech 130: The sole purely petrol model in the 308 range is a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 130PS. It’s more than adequate for driving around town, and does not feel flustered on the motorway. Accelerating from 0-62mph takes 9.7 seconds, with average fuel economy of up to 52.1mpg.
Peugeot 308 1.5 BlueHDI 130: For those who do a larger annual mileage, the diesel option in the 308 range is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine. Like the petrol, it too produces 130PS. The 0-62mph time increases to 10.6 seconds, but average fuel economy improves to 65.3mpg.
Peugeot 308 Hybrid 180: Peugeot offers the 308 with a choice of two plug-in hybrid options. Both use the same turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine as a base, with a 110PS electric motor attached. The 180PS hybrid can accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds, and run on electric power only for up to 44 miles.
Peugeot 308 Hybrid 225: With a total output of 225PS, the top plug-in hybrid powertrain is reserved for GT models only. The extra oomph sees the 0-62mph time fall to 7.5 seconds, with a top speed of 146mph. Driving on battery power alone, the Hybrid 225 can cover up to 40 miles.
What used Peugeot 308 trim levels are available?
The Peugeot 308 is offered with a choice of five trim levels. There is a comprehensive level of standard equipment across the range, so no 308 buyer should feel short-changed.
Peugeot 308 Active Premium: The entry level for the Peugeot 308 is the Active Premium model. From Eco LED headlights to rear parking sensors and climate control air-con, there is plenty of equipment included.
Peugeot 308 Allure: Moving up to the Allure trim level brings an extra degree of luxury to the Peugeot 308. A set of 17-inch alloy wheels with a diamond-cut finish, plus a front grille with chrome details, mean it certainly looks smart on the outside. Front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera and satellite navigation are some of the niceties found inside.
Peugeot 308 Allure Premium: Opting for Allure Premium adds additional features over the standard Allure trim. Along with extra safety equipment, these cars benefit from keyless entry and start, plus wireless smartphone charging and connectivity.
Peugeot 308 GT: For a 308 with a sporty look, go for the GT model. Features include matrix LED headlights, rear LED lights with a Peugeot ‘lion’s claw’ design and 18-inch alloy wheels. On the inside are seats finished in a mixture of leather and Alcantara, along with a button to engage Sport mode.
Peugeot 308 GT Premium: Topping the 308 range is the GT Premium, which adds any last remaining items of equipment not included elsewhere. A set of 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, a Focal Premium audio system, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and heated front seats are the highlights here.
Used Peugeot 308 dimensions and boot size
The Peugeot 308’s exterior dimensions are:
Length: 4365mm
Width: 1850mm
Height: 1465mm
Ground clearance: 134mm
The Peugeot 308’s boot space is:
Used Peugeot 308 road tax
Because the two hybrid versions of the Peugeot 308 are rated as alternative fuel vehicles, they come with a £10 discount on their annual road tax bill, so they will cost you £170 for a year's tax. The petrol and diesel engines in the 308 come with a standard £180 charge for 12 months of road tax.
How much is it to insure a Peugeot 308?
As a family hatchback, the Peugeot 308 should be an affordable car to insure. The cheapest model will be the 308 Active Premium, with both petrol and diesel versions in insurance group 19 (out of 50). Moving up the range, petrol and diesel models are invariably in lower insurance groups than hybrids. The flagship Hybrid 225 model in GT Premium trim gains a group 30 rating.
Read our full Peugeot 308 review
