Test drive

Peugeot 308, restyling in the name of electrification: test drive of the 195 hp plug-in hybrid version

Updated design, more technological interior and an even wider engine range

by Giulia Paganoni

26 February 2026

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Key points

Design: three-claw light signature
Interior: more comfort and technology
Motorisation: from electric to diesel
Driving the 195 hp plug-in

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Peugeot 308 gets a makeover, focusing firmly on the French manufacturer's multi-energy strategy. The list price starts at around 33,000 euro for the saloon version and just over 34,000 euro for the station wagon.

Designed in France and produced at the Mulhouse plant, the compact lion car now offers four different fuel solutions: electric, plug-in hybrid, hybrid and diesel. A proposal that includes both saloon and station wagon versions and designed to meet the needs of an increasingly diversified clientele, including private individuals and company fleets. The platform remains unchanged and is the familiar EMP-2 and not the more modern Stla Medium that debuted more than two years ago in the Peugeot 3008 and was later adopted by the Jeep Compass, Citroën C5 Aircross as well as the DS N.7 and N.8

Peugeot 308 e 308 station wagon, tutte le foto del restyling
Photogallery17 foto

Design: three-clawed light signature

The restyling focuses mainly on the front end, which is now more modern and distinctive. The new light signature with three slender claws, a hallmark of the brand, stands out, along with the body-coloured grille. In the centre is the illuminated logo, available on the Gt and Gt Exclusive versions.

In profile, one notices the new alloy wheels, up to 18 inches, featuring specific materials and finishes. The rear also echoes the claw motif, positioned on either side of the black fascia above the Peugeot emblem, for a consistent and recognisable look.

Interior: more comfort and technology

The cabin has been updated with new seat fabrics, which are also available with a heating function depending on the trim. Ergonomics are improved with a 10-inch central touchscreen and five practical i-toggles, which provide quick access to the main functions.

The driving position remains one of the highlights, dominated by the i-Cockpit with compact steering wheel and raised digital instrument cluster. 3D graphics are available as an option on the Gt trim and standard on the Gt Exclusive.

Motorisation: from electric to diesel

On the technical front, the 156 hp electric version adopts a 55.4 kWh net battery, which allows a range of up to 450 kilometres in the Wltp cycle, some 34 km more than the previous configuration.

The plug-in hybrid variant - the protagonist of the road test - is fitted with a 14.6 kWh net battery and offers up to 85 km range in electric mode (Wltp), an increase of around 20 km over the previous generation.

The Hybrid with 145 hp and 230 Nm of torque and the diesel with 130 hp and 300 Nm complete the range.

Driving the 195 hp plug-in

The most powerful version in the range is the 195 hp plug-in hybrid, which combines a 150 hp 1.6-cylinder four-cylinder petrol engine with a 92 kW (125 hp) electric unit for a total system output of 195 hp. A particularly interesting solution for the business world as well, thanks to the tax benefits provided for this type of power supply.

During the test drive, we appreciated the general comfort, good responsiveness between bends and the sprint guaranteed by the electric support: 0-100 km/h is covered in 7.6 seconds. Fuel consumption as measured by the on-board computer was between 2.2 and 2.3 l/100 km, in line with the manufacturer's claims.

With this update, the Peugeot 308 confirms its versatile vocation, with a technological and mechanical offer capable of accompanying the transition towards increasingly electrified mobility.