Hybrid joins Peugeot 308 line-up

BY PETER BARNWELL | 20th Nov 2024

PEUGEOT is about to add a hybrid (HEV) variant to its 308 GT small car line up in Q1 next year.

The model joins two petrol (ICE) variants in one of the most competitive segments Down Under.

The new five-door hatch is priced from $48,990 plus on-road costs, the same price as the existing ICE-powered GT Premium hatch, but $16k less than the discontinued 308 GT PHEV.

It is in for a torrid time against the likes of Toyota’s Corolla hatch hybrid from $35,260 and the new Euro-sourced Hyundai i30 48V mild hybrid hatch from $36,000 both excluding on-road costs.

But in comparing apples with apples, the well-equipped 308 is more likely up against higher-priced versions of the above and the Honda Civic e:HEV LX at $55,000 drive-away.

The newcomer runs a tiny 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine hooked up to an electric traction motor driving the front wheels through a revised six-speed dual-clutch transmission with a combined 100kW and 230Nm.

Combined fuel consumption is a surprising 4.2 litres per 100km of premium unleaded despite having a regenerative braking system topping up the 0.9kWh battery which Peugeot says “recovers driving range enabling the potential for more than 50 per cent of driving to be in 100 per cent zero-vehicle emission electric mode, (depending on driver inputs and driving conditions)”.

Claimed CO2 emissions of 95g/km are 20.8 per cent combined lower compared to the purely combustion engine model.

The handsome 308 GT Hybrid hatch, rolling on 18-inch alloys, follows through with the same styling inside and out as other variants, design Peugeot says, “speak French sophistication with fuel efficiency in mind”.

Interior features include a centre console mounted with 10.0-inch display complemented by an iCockpit driver’s console of the same dimensions and built-in air quality sensors that detect and measure various pollutants in the air blocking out unwanted vapours and particles.

Other appealing features include: all LED exterior lights, a leather-clad heated steering wheel, customisable ambient lighting, leather-like upholstery, panoramic opening glass sunroof and premium hi-fi system.

The technology offering is centred on the usual infotainment and extensive ADAS kit covering off long-range blind spot detection, lane departure warning with unmarked road edge detection, active lane following assist (semi-autonomous driving), advanced driver attention alert, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control with stop and go function.

It is not known if a permissions function to select or deselect ADAS features not required is provided on the 308 GT Hybrid.

“The new 308 GT Hybrid marks yet another step in Peugeot Australia’s advanced approach to bringing a new era of hybrid products to Aussie roads,” said Peugeot Australia general manager David Owen.

“A highly connected and innovative hatch for the modern, electrified world, the all-new Peugeot 308 GT Hybrid will play a key role in turning the brand into an Aussie benchmark for new technology as we drive toward electrification.

“In terms of driving behaviour, the finely engineered hatch strikes a perfect balance between behaviour, comfort, and handling for true driving pleasure and efficiency offering lower emissions driving as well as uncompromised quality, safety, and technology, all at a great price.”

Peugeot Australia has stated intentions of a “continued electrification journey” in the Australian market alluding to its Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and passenger vehicle ranges transitioning to hybrid powertrains, a move that started with the 3008 (dropping ICE and PHEV variants) and is now extending to ICE variants of the 308.

The Peugeot 308 GT Hybrid is covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

2025 Peugeot 308 pricing*: