The third generation Peugeot 308 hatchback arrived last November, a big step
up, a far more stylish car, more highly equipped, more premium but also more
expensive. I previously drove the 1.6-litre turbo 308 GT Sport Premium at $48,990
however Peugeot Aust has now added a plug-in hybrid variant based on the same
specification but $16,000 dearer. With optional Pearl White paint at $1,050 all up
price of the 308 plug-in hybrid, $71,409 drive-away. Well above its true station as
it simply doesn’t have the same badge cachet of an Audi, BMW or Mercedes. For
$16,000 it gives you according to Peugeot a laboratory based electric driving
distance of 60 kms. The most I could get out of a full charge however was 40kms,
not enough for the daily return commute. And this is just so common with plug-in
hybrids. I drove this car to Terrigal return hoping in hybrid mode it would charge
the battery by regenerative braking, but I got little benefit. The pure petrol 308
models offer a fantastic performance, in fact I really like the 308’s style, its classy
and different. It comes with a five-year /unlimited kilometre warranty however the
local importer needs to knock on the French factory door and ask for a far more
accommodating price. I’m David Berthon

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