Driving the plug-in hybrid version of Peugeot latest generation 308 hatchback. A
car far classier to its predecessor in every way – fabulous styling, nicely executed
and a new design language for the French car maker. Launched last November
the new 308 has hardly been a sales success – just 41 national sales in the first
six months. I previously drove the 1.6-litre turbo 308 GT Sport Premium eight
speed auto at $48,990. A fabulous driver in a model that really lifted the previous
308 into premium territory. And while it offers exceptional style, performance and
presence its simply overpriced. More surprising, the fact that Peugeot Australia
saw the need to add a plug-in hybrid variant some $16,000 dearer to the 308 GT
Sport Premium. With a claimed 60kms of pure electric range the most I could
achieve on my home charger was 40kms. And whilst it offers the ability to charge
on the run via regenerative braking, I hardly gained any battery charge after
200km of driving. There’s so much to like with the pure petrol Peugeot 308 GT
Sport Premium however the high price overrides all other considerations, as for
the plug-in hybrid model at $71,409 drive-away its simply not a proposition. I’m
David Berthon

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