Why the Peugeot 308SW PHEV didn't do it for me ! | 4K

Why is it the Peugeot 308SW PHEV just didn't do it for me. I learned to drive in Peugeot cars and have a lot of love for the brand. I spent a week with the 308SW plug-in hybrid and really enjoyed the car to drive but there were a couple of things that really challenged me. This is one of the most difficult to balance reviews I have made so far.
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Video Contents
00:00 - Intro
00:36 - Why I love Peugeot
02-45 - Front and Rear
03:48 - Joining the front to the back !
05:05 - Boot and rear space
07:01 - That steering wheel !
13:59 - Early morning start
15:22 - Great to drive
18:04 - The challenge with the PHEV !
19:34 - Final thoughts
#PetrolPed #Automotive #Peugeot308SW

[@willielarsson9651]

Sorry but this car has absolutely nothing going for it. The last straw was the rear legroom, shocking, you'd much rather have sightly less boot space and more leg room.

[@alanwayte432]

At least it’s not a small SUV and it’s attractive and well built

[@jimmyc38]

I have the 225 GT Premium coming to nearly 2 years old now. It’s starts off in full EV, and ICE will NEVER come on (in EV mode). I get over 30 miles this time of the year (20 plus in the winter) and the HOLD you talk about is called e-save, which can charge to 6 miles, 12 miles or max. When I drive to Heathrow (130 ish miles) I’ll get on average 53 mpg on HYBRID mode, this is achieved by using satnav and the car tries to rinse the EV battery steadily for the trip, there’s is a knack to do this too. When my EV battery is depleted, it essentially acts as a self charging hybrid. Interesting that you reviewed the Astra long term and as I understand it the 308 SW has a slightly larger rear foot space than the 308 hatchback which the Astra is based upon 🤔

[@stevencampbell1150]

I now have a Toyota Corolla Trek hybrid estate having sold my diesel Renault Kadjar and the thing is I did consider one of these as possibility when looking for my next car. The problem I saw with it apart from the cost of the car to buy and insure was the shortness of the EV range and the mpg wasn't any better than my diesel Renault, bottom line despite the fact that I did like the look of it I was a definite no. I find with my Corolla hybrid that if I feather the throttle on the motorway and don't use the adaptive cruise I get roughly 47-49 mpg and if I use the adaptive cruise I get around 45mpg and whilst I know my hybrid isn't a plug in I think that's reasonably good especially as it only costs around £40-£45 in Northern Ireland here where I live to fill the relatively small 43 litre tank.

[@MrPeteJMc]

As a rav4 phev owner, I don't think Peugeot have done their homework on this one. I did a Torquay to York trip last month and my average on HV was 55 mpg and I only used 4 miles of range of my battery. When fully charged my battery range says 56 miles but realistically that would be 48. With 302hp to play with as well the car is very versatile. Nope Peugeot haven't got me on this one.

[@markhomer6357]

Totally agree with the steering / dash layout visability issue seems to be across the range of vehicles, but nice colour

[@frankyork5808]

I love the fact that you correctly called it a Station Wagon. I've never understood why "touring" got traction. Perhaps some attempted snobbery? Station Wagons they are. Well done. 😊

[@PetrolPed]

👍

[@paulbennett274]

It's not a sodding "Station Wagon" it's an "Estate Car", bloody Americanism!

[@andrewwaller5913]

It's an estate. SW is for Americans 😂

[@boblambert7889]

Hi PP, My good lady wife had a test drive in a new 208 could not get on with the steering wheel setup. Opted for a Golf 1.5 etsi instead. We get over 58 mpg on a run. I’ve never understood the attraction of PHEV’s, tax saving for some I guess. Really enjoyed your review 👍

[@alanwayte432]

Back in the day I had a 406 Coupe V6 it was comfortable and very attractive looking, we now have a 3008 as a third car(don’t hate me ) primarily for our daughters and use it as transportation for our three dogs, it’s got good build quality, the interior is a great bit of design, however we got a 21 plate with with 1.2 engine and the gearbox gets very confused especially at roundabouts and junctions which can actually be dangerous, but it’s quick enough and very economic, but Pete the steering wheel is marmite for sure, but we all love it, we are both 5ft 9 so that might be why it works for us..

[@henryhol8538]

I have one as my daily, and love it. Regarding roundabouts; you have switched the stop/start off right?

[@jdmguy44]

I have a new facelift 2008 and really like it. Comfortable, practical, good looking and good to drive. Don't get the moaning from some about the dash layout on modern Peugeots. It's quite easy to get a comfortable driving position with full visibility of the instruments and the small sporty steering wheel feels good.

[@henryhol8538]

@@jdmguy44 That was my last daily driver. Loved it, it could easily get through any of those pesky width restrictors!👍🏾

[@markanthonyharrison5153]

I drive an Audi A4 Avant and I'm due to come to the end of my lease. I really like the look of this car, especially in the green colour. Interior looks classy and for the first time, I would consider a Peugeot and since (Stellantis) they bought Vauxhall, I'd actually consider one of those too, maybe the new Grandland.

[@andrewwaller5913]

So you'll be trading down then with a Peugeot.

[@markanthonyharrison5153]

@@andrewwaller5913 Maybe. I haven't driven one yet. All I'm saying is that I like the look of it.

[@robertnightingale4101]

Peugeot designers falling asleep on this one. Was the brief "We need a PHEV" As you pointed out, no thought on range or saving the all electric mode until you need it, no charge while you drive. It's a D - from me.

[@jimmyc38]

It’s called e-save and you can charge to 6, 12 or max.

[@GrahamGroovyUK]

I'll be sticking with my Xsara Picasso for now. All these fancy new lights look great until they break. No £3 quick change bulb. I believe some are many hundreds of pounds and require panels to be removed!

[@lazzaboyman8003]

Wow Ped 06:30 is not that early if you have stuff to do! I tend to be out on the road bike at 07:00 latest in the winter on a Sunday, and 06:30 in the summer.

[@henryhol8538]

I liked the look of the previous version and I have owned a couple of the hatchbacks as my daily driver. This one has the sort of look that has to grow on you. I believe the best of this platform is the just replaced 3008 which is my current daily!

[@oliverhulme9451]

Given one of our race cars got shown in this but it was a Peugeot video, how about we do a race in my 206 when it is FINALLY ready to go...! Great review as always. Great to see the pros and cons. I happen to uite like the aesthetic (said so when you pulled up at Silverstone) but know where you're coming from and that's the joy of cars...beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

[@PetrolPed]

Thought you’d like the extra bit of PR 😜👍

[@mmouse9510]

One of the things that makes Petrol way better than many other KZbin reviews is the way you talk about car design (think I’m of the same vintage as you) in detail and intelligently, not just ‘I don’t like this’ ‘’I like this”….ps: helps I always agree with you!

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@solentbum]

You almost summed it up completely, a short range PHEV has no place in a modern world. All that complexity and expense just for a very poor overall mpg. As for the fixed Tow Bar, for me that is a plus, It deters idiots from rear ending the car.

[@m2rtsoo]

Some countries do not allow you to have fixed towbar when driving on highway like in German autobahn.

[@PetrolPed]

Good point 😂

[@mrmawson2438]

Cheers mate see you on Wednesday

[@johngoodwin1710]

That steering wheel summarises the whole car

[@martynb9]

I like the styling, looks nice. I think most Peugeot's have had a good revamp. Does it have an AUTO mode on the drive train i.e. EV | AUTO | HYBRID? You are tall Pete, I'd like to see if the rear legroom and steering position problems would go away with a average size person. Honest review

[@HQBProductions]

Hello Peter. A very interesting review for me this time! First the styling…it does look like two ends stuck together because the front doors fit a three door and the estate car back cannot be long enough to even out the small rear doors…Otis just an awkward design that does not work. The steering wheel is a design mistake…it is a driving tool and not a bit of trim to play with. Now the PHEV…this week I am on huge learning curve and can write a theses on charging up and accessibility but driving one has been a revelation. My RRSport Hybrid has a stated range of 29 miles and I can confirm that it really does get that far…31 is the best and that is real miles BUT despite a lot of searching and reading, I just cannot find the SAVE mode so that battery is quickly used up…and if you pay 75ppKW then those are expensive miles. However…left to its own devices, it does help the MPG figures a lot and I get readings of 131 mpg which is bonkers but impresses on short trips. There is another side though…with a flat battery, it still recuperates on downhill and braking so it remains an EV far more than you think…it is super quiet and I really cannot tell what is powering the car but driving to Cornwall I did 46.7mpg over 189 miles. Around the lanes and A/B roads…27mpg and on more flowing roads it returns 32-37 mpg so over all, I am pleased with it. I can sum it up like this…I have a petrol,car that has a battery for town use…and it only works financially if you charge at cheap rates at home….but the super smooth and flowing EV driving makes me want more…we need a petrol PHEV with a 100 mile battery range….and how clever is that Mazda you had last week! Summary…a PHEV is great but could be better still….the super silence, torque and acceptable running costs make it worthwhile…even though I think you would agree that the D350 version is quite a car and the best of all…except the World hates you! Stay safe….keep pedalling! Richard😃😃😃😃😃😃

[@johnwhite2143]

Crazy how little range for a plug in hybrid and only 44.7 mpg plus very tight in the rear too, very weird looking from the side lol, to me it looks like as if someones put doors from another vehicle on it , just don't know why Peugeot would put nice lines either side at front an back an nothing on doors, great honest review Pete, shame about the wet weather, hope you got out on track 👌👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@HawkMillFarm]

You've had the grass cut! how posh is that 😆. On my Cayenne (how posh is that 😜) the rear seat slides back and forward so you can have the space where you need it. Perhaps others could do this..

[@PetrolPed]

I know right. I ‘get a man in’ who has a sit on 👍

[@smudje12]

My instructor had a diesel 205 too. I was living in Storrington at the time, so if you were in the same area as now it might have been the same guy lol

[@PetrolPed]

I grew up in Nottinghamshire 😢

[@BenJ2827]

Good looking car. Peugeot have a great design team. Wish they would make a 300 bhp + version.

[@philipmoore591]

I ran an 11plate 508SW it was a beautiful car moved into a Mondeo Titanium X Diesel returning 58mpg still can't get my head around new cars and the benefit of them on the mpg. I sat in the new 508SW and got out and walked away it really didn't impress

[@tyler.greene]

I don’t get how this is solving a problem. I’d much rather pay £12k less, have my Mazda CX30 and still get all the stuff in the boot, bike, wardrobe whatever and get 45mpg consistently and then 52-55mpg on my longer trips! It’s a 2L Petrol. What are manufacturers thinking when they are doing stuff like this. Completely agree with everything you have said! Good and bad!

[@stevecarter5084]

Great review, looking for a PHEV, don’t think it will be this one!

[@pillred5974]

Consider a self-charging hybrid, I have the Honda Civic EHEV it's fantastic I'm averaging nearly 60mpg, if most of your driving is in urban situations you will get even better than that as it tries to run on electric mode as often as it can.

[@shakesnbake]

Oh my goodness - the Proton badge 🤣🤣 I thought the new logo looked familiar 🤣

[@PetrolPed]

🤭

[@tomashley5869]

Couldn’t agree more with you Pete! Not my cup of tea either for the same reasons. Peugeot are lucky to sell most of them to company car or rental fleets here in France. Likewise, I also have great souvenirs regarding the old models you mentioned. I learned to drive on a 205 also, but unlike others in most cases, I was lucky to drive a 205 GTI, with the monitor telling me to rev the engine a little more, brilliant! 😊 So lucky! Needless to say, it cost them too much in petrol, and those great cars were replaced by the diesel versions a few months after. Back in the days when cars didn’t need 2 or 3 hundred bhp to put a smile on your face! 😉 Cheers, Tom.

[@PetrolPed]

Love this 👍

[@user-ih7gc7dt9l]

I wouldn’t touch a car from the Stellantis group which probably just a silly baseless bias . Great review as usual.

[@robertimrie3710]

Would have liked a comparison of the Pug 12.4kWh with the Mazda rotary at 17.8. Thing is, in OZ a highland Model 3 standard range is about $58k, 8k cheaper than either the Pug or Mazda (no longer sold here) and its twice the car. PHEVs sort of work for an average commuter with a plug at home, but not compared to the Tesla. On the motorway the PHEV battery is an anchor. I learnt on a French car, owned a lovely 306 for literally decades then a T9 308 (small wheel worked great) but can't see me going back until Stellantis do a decent ground up EV. I do think the latest 208 is the best looking current Pug.

[@richardhargrave6082]

Styling, Peugeot are doing a good job. I'm with you Pete, can't get past the silly Fisher Price steering wheel and the driving position. I have never managed to get comfortable and be able to look at the dash in any modern Pug that I've hired for work. Its the deal breaker

[@plbingham]

never noticed the front / rear lack of connection, but now I can't unsee it!! Never been a Peugeot fan, and this hasn't changed my mind. I really don't like the interiors, and always seems that Peugeot age very quickly.

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks for sharing!

[@alasdairwilson4806]

Very interesting review.Surprising that the economy is not that great.I had a Mazda 3 with the Skyactive engine a few years ago and on a long run I could easily get over fifty miles to the gallon and that was a 2 litre engine.What price progress? Also,have to agree with you on the steering and dash problem.

[@PetrolPed]

Cheers 👍

[@tonyb1223]

Ok, this basically uses the same setup as my old 3008 Hybrid4, and that also was a lovely car but doing any sort of range over 50 miles per day sort of defeated the object of having a phev. Just to point out a few inaccuracies, you need to set the car battery use in e save, if you don't then it will just use it all up. You can charge the batteries off the engine whilst driving but it will put a bug dent in your fuel economy. In the end I just changed my hybrid4 for a 408 1.2 GT, better overall fuel economy (55-60mpg) and sub 40k price bracket so wasnt costing me over £500 a year for VED.

[@douglasstarr5620]

I had a 330e that would work out the battery use via the sat nav. That also had a range of low 20’s on ev and a smaller fuel tank which spoilt the car as the range was terrible.

[@philipbroughton8920]

Currently driving a Hev, that will recharge on the go, delivered 57.9mpg over the life of the vehicle so far. Very disappointing to see what appears to be a half hearted attempt by Peugeot to get into the PHEV station waggon/estate market.

[@brutusoftroy2810]

I agree, i like the outside, the proton thundercat badge rebrand is a massive fail and they will not admit defeat with that silly steering wheel dash panel setup. I'm 5'11" so I've got even less chance of getting a good position, I have to have the wheel down in my lap to avoid rim block on the cluster.

[@PetrolPed]

If it’s too low it might block your other cluster 😂

[@peterhardwick4939]

My Ford Puma averages 54mpg compared to what you’re driving and it’s not a hybrid it’s a mild hybrid where the motor just boosts the BHP. Disappointing mpg for a plug in hybrid.

[@DjNikGnashers]

My tuned BMW M140i with 455bhp & 634nm torque, 4 seconds 0-60, did 42-43 mpg on a run ! I can't believe how disappointing some of these hybrids are for efficiency.

[@Emjackson89]

I've driven the 308 as a Police Vehicle and my main issue is with the drivetrain, particularly the gearbox and it's inability to quickly change gears. Sometimes this can affect the power/acceleration while it's trying to figure out what gear to select. Just something to note if you like driving briskly on those nice B roads. Other than that, it's comfortable and definitely a good daily car. The steering wheel will turn a lot of people off tho.

[@PetrolPed]

Nice 👌

[@stevegorman2898]

A good, honest review. I love the styling of Peugeots but the wheel puts me off. If you could have one for a week you'd get to know if you can/cant live it it. The drive train sounds a waste really. I took delivery of a Octavia VRS Estate 2.0 petrol. Does 38-47 mpg so far and has 245bhp and, as you know, very pleasant drive indeed

[@PetrolPed]

Oh yes 👍

[@davidstephenson8699]

Rear legroom is terrible as is head room when you are getting in/out. You underplayed how well it handled which is excellent. Why Pay for a PHEV when the 1.2 turbo does 45 mpg?

[@charlesmcwilliam8727]

I can't get my head around how we've managed to go backwards in terms of MPG compared to what we were getting even just 10yr ago.

[@pm8465]

Not a bad looking car but doesn't have the smile factor. One up for Peugeot for producing what I think is the first 2+2 estate. Always thought 2+2 was for coupes.

[@stippolyte]

Im 5'6, last 3 Peugeots I've driven had this ridiculous gaming wheel and when comfortable couldn't see good half the dash. Last Pug id consider was the RCZ.

[@Pmjs]

I've had Peugeot 405 1.6GR 93K&405 1.9TD GLX 95N and 406 2.1TDs 97P &2.0HDIs 110 bhp 04. I left Peugeot for VW when the 407 came out.

[@DavidMcBeth-xv9lq]

I love their binnacle set up. I'm 186cm and I can easily see over the wheel and the instruments are brilliant. Infotainment is a bit shit. I prefere the boot space to rear passenger space as we a re empty nesters. I love them. Keep these reviews coming. I love your reviews nearly as much as the car!!

[@PhiveWalls]

Surprised you didn't request for the 408

[@grahamrock3942]

And this is WHY Honda have developed the VERY BEST Drive Train currently on the Market...."no Brainer", as the phrase goes...Enjoy life...G.A.R.

[@jdmguy44]

I don't personally agree with you about the styling. Like all Peugeot products these days I think this looks really smart. Very cool IMO. Likewise the interior design. I have a new facelift 2008 and really like it. I find the dash layout easy to get on with with good visibility of the instruments over the wheel. Material quality beats VW rivals too. Easily one of the sharpest looking small SUV'S around. It also drives great in petrol manual 130ps form. Plenty of performance for this type of vehicle. Rides and handles great, is practical and comfortable. I think the 308 you have here would make a lot more sense as a petrol. You should review a new 2008 petrol though.....

[@PetrolPed]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder 👍

[@andrewjohnston1963]

205 GTI 309 GTI 406 diesel SW 308 Mk1 diesel and now 308 Mk 2 2l diesel GT which rivals the 205 GTi for sheer throw it around fun... Waiting for fully electric 308 SW but as I cruise through 117000 miles on my faultless 308GT I wonder if the Mk2 isn't the best 308. Czech wife would love me to go Skoda - as we do a lot of trans continental Europe driving I do wonder if I will ever leave the diesel field - so many seem to be abandoning EV revolution. Shame the 2l diesel has gone from the 308 SW mk 3 range - may just step up to the 508SW 2l GT whilst there are still plenty of low mileage models around. Or a 2l Skoda Octavia vRS Estate? What would you choose?

[@andrewjohnston1963]

Just found out the range on new electric 308 - 240 miles… So driving to Alps I’d need FOUR stops?!! Mmm no thanks.

[@lawrenceneech9517]

I really don’t see the point of the battery pack unless you only drive around town?

[@fleixfire6641]

While on the french theme, you should test the Citroen C5X. It gets a lot of good review scores.

[@PetrolPed]

I’ll take a look 👍

[@DjNikGnashers]

Great video Pete, and thank you for being honest. The only Peugeot I would ever own, is a very cheap, shed, for tip runs etc. The main reason for this, is because they are not cheap to buy new, and they depreciate much more quickly than almost any other brand. You lose so much money on them, and that has to be factored into the over all running costs. Other reasons are, the styling of any Pug over the past 15 years, is just not appealing at all for me, they try too hard in some ways, but nothing really works together for any model, so I absolutely agree with your opinion of this particular 308SW. Then there is the unreliability, and they ARE unreliable. They are never class leading in any one area. I mean, you can forgive Dacia for looking a bit challenging, when you factor in the low initial purchase price, and the reliability and efficiency. They are actually pretty damn good. Peugeot and Citroen are both really missing the mark in so many area's. I think along with Vauxhall (who finished 30th out of a list of 32 brands sold in the UK, for reliability AWFUL), they are lagging behind in all area's. Peugeot were 21st out of 32 brands for reliability. This was the what car 2024 reliability survey. BMW for example, who the German car hate gang always bang on about how unreliable they are, were 12th out of 32 for reliability, and above all other German brands. I just do not understand why anyone would buy a Peugeot, Citroen, or Renault, or Vauxhall to be honest. There are so many much better cars in every way, which do not actually cost any significant amount more, yet are more efficient, more reliable, better looking, and you won't lose so much on depreciation ?

[@jdmguy44]

In the What Car survey Peugeot were ahead of VW Audi and Mercedes. BMW were the highest placed German brand but that's not saying much for the Germans when you consider how low the others were. Before getting a new facelift 2008 I looked and test drove Euro rivals like the T Cross/Arona/Kamiq and Q2 but found them to be bland and boring with some pretty questionable interior quality especially the T Cross with it's cheap scratchy plastics. Happy I went with the Peugeot.

[@DjNikGnashers]

@@jdmguy44 Peugeot was 21st out of 32. That is terrible. I don't care about VW, Audi, or Mercedes, because I do not buy their cars sir, I am a serial BMW owner, who gets annoyed at the constant bs about how unreliable they are from melons who don't know the truth. MINI were 3rd, pretty good I'd say, and BMW 12th, ahead of Mazda, Citroen, Fiat, Skoda, Ford, Seat, Nissan, Porsche ..... I could never buy a Peugeot, the depreciation is shocking. I'd rather pay more for a better car, and get more for it when I traded it in thankyou, as well as driving around in a much better car for the time I own it.

[@jdmguy44]

@@DjNikGnashers I'm not advising you to go and buy a Peugeot or any car for that matter. I merely gave my opinion on my previous post. I could quite easily afford a car with a German "badge" if that is what I wanted. You seem to have a bit of attitude problem mate! Is something not quite right in your life? Take a chill pill and come down off your high horse!!!

[@DjNikGnashers]

@@jdmguy44 Attitude ? Suggesting something is wrong with my life ? Oh dear, your trolling is now obvious. I do not wish to engage with a troll, goodbye.

[@jdmguy44]

@@DjNikGnashers Truth hitting home more like. Bye Nik!

[@markrobinson1458]

The whole group needs to increase their warranty to 5 years plus, i like the 308 GT but i wouldn't buy one, I'm actually disappointed in new mainstream cars, and some premium brands too, and the plastics aren't up to much, cheap for a reason. 😞

[@carltonhall6628]

Not much to add really, battery only range needs to be higher. I have a Focus Mild Hybrid which consistently gets into the 50mpg range, no battery only driving for me obviously, but I'd prefer this over the Peugeot version

[@PetrolPed]

👍

[@zzhughesd]

309 Goodwood. Green or maybe Blue. Always look at them annually NEC classic car show. Hmmmmmm. I don’t mind the side flanks. It isn’t any Guilia 4Leaf Clover but she’s fine. Not into this green. The darker jade green will work.

[@jamesstanley7263]

44mpg on a longer journey isn't bad, if you can then charge at home to run around on cheap electricity for a shopping trips/school run etc

[@DjNikGnashers]

My tuned M140i (455bhp/634nm) did 42-43mpg on a run, so for a normal type of efficient car, 44 is crap.

[@kieranlarkin5938]

24 miles not great EV range. Compared to my MG PHEV it seems to use the EV charge quickly and not gain much back through regen. Still, nice styling, and I’d buy a Peugeot again (had a 2013 508, loved it - the lion purred!)

[@philmurray3384]

I looked at this Car last week, I had a problem getting in and out of it and I'm only 5ft 10 . It felt very cramped in it for me, a great pity as it looks great 😢

[@user-by6qo3md2n]

Back in the day, I had a 205, 309 and 405, and I especially loved the latter. But it seemed to me that Peugeot lost its way after that. More recently, their cars have caught my eye with their sharper styling, and I liked the styling more than you did; as you say, aesthetics are subjective. That said, I couldn't accept the rear legroom. I don't remember that being an issue with your EV Astra estate, which is essentially the same car.

[@PetrolPed]

All my favourites 👍

[@williamfence566]

Tried that steering wheel when they first brought it out. Never driven a peugeot since . Why do i need to spend thousands bobbing around trying to see the dials ? madness.

[@ST-ur7oh]

Started off with a parents 309 too. The current 508 is a hatch and not a saloon. The 308 is great as a hatch but in a world of Octavia estates, the SW is weak.

[@phildavies7852]

44.7MPG?? I get that in my 208GTI 1.6 Turbo on a long run... what's the point of a 308PHEV?

[@kevincross9206]

As many other people have said, I don’t see the point of this Peugeot, it may as well be a petrol or diesel!! The mpg figure is poor given that it should have decent aerodynamics. I get 44mpg out of my brick of a Vauxhall Vivaro 🤷🏼‍♂️ (Petrol Ped sticker on the back must help 😜)

[@cephasmakuzva]

The range of the hybrid isnt enough to make it viable. Rear leg room is poor aswell. I think Peugeot missed the trick on this one.

[@johnbrown3951]

I have had three Peugeot cars in my driving history so I must like them a Diesel 205 a 208 GTI and a 308 Estate they all did the job required without many breakdowns even though they took some abuse. I passed an E 408 today and I was quite impressed with its styling but not so keen on the car on test and I am not a fan of the steering wheel as I like the small wheels normally fitted to their cars. The car just wasn't right in my opinion a smallish boot and no rear seating room I don't really see its market unless an active couple without kids and a couple of bikes mounted on the tow bar.

[@willielarsson9651]

I thought even phev's would self charge the battery to a degree, so that youre not driving home with a depleted battery and mpg in the low thirties.

[@willielarsson9651]

Whoever thought that peeking over the steering wheel to see your dials was a good idea. Mental

[@jdmguy44]

It works perfectly well for me and many others.....

[@breseler]

Had a 305 GLD estate and have to say it was a great car - while the front seats didn't look the most comfortable a lot of long distance journeys proved me wrong. Estates seem to becoming an endangered species with this mindless obsession with everything SUV so my next car, when I am ready, looks like it could be as rare as hens teeth...

[@DamoDrives]

Very honest but feels like the car is 10 years behind its rivals. Not being able to recharge while driving is narrow minded or just poor planning. Dragging around batteries most of the time which are empty hits the mpg. Maybe it’s better in the flesh but not really a fan of the looks from any angle.

[@dangreasley7934]

I feel you've been very charitable and generous in your review. This car does nothing for me.. Looks like Peugeot designers have got it very wrong. Seems the drive train is poor... Especially with the current technology that's available in today's new cars. At least a steady cruise driving was ok.. But any new family car should do that right?

[@trev8591]

Not a fan, Pete. Seems like they sacrificed rear passenger space for the boot. Styling is "iffy" at best. MPG is terrible!

[@mrmawson2438]

Peugeot 205 GTI was great back in the day

[@Quagmire925]

They were great for 2-3yrs from new. After that they were a rattly shitbox!

[@mrmawson2438]

@@Quagmire925 I never had one

[@jamiep61]

I enjoyed watching the video, It is😊 one of the best-looking Peugeot Cars

[@PetrolPed]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sleekitwan]

Just to remind everyone, Internal Combustion Engines are very last-century and have not changed except to say the top-end tech like 4-valves-per-cylinder, and turbocharging etc, has spread. Fundamentally, they struggle to reach close to 20% efficiency, energy in compared to energy out. The other 80% almost entirely dissipates as heat. Put another way, they are great boilers. If your car puts out say 90kW (German cars often quoted kW figures, this is,about a Passat), here’s what that means - your car is ouputting another 360kW as heat. 90kW is what makes it to the crankshaft. 360kW goes out mostly as thermal energy. It’s a great boiler like I say. All we need, is for somebody to create a micro-steam-turbine system, to utilise that heat and turn it into say a battery-charging output, and we’d be using just 2 gallons to go from Dorset to Aberdeen. Just information. Take care all, don’t let’s be railroaded this way or that. Just assume everything in the world needs fixing at this point, and we’ll be on the same page!

[@laurencemoore5737]

Honest balanced review in my view. Not quite the sum of its parts. If you want a nice comfortable car for a long run it’s good enough. Some design features are subjective, which is fair and the plug in part seems more of a nice to have if you have a home charger and do short journeys frequently. Keep em coming Peter!

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks Laurence 👍

[@johnhunter6290]

I've a Skoda Octavia IV and the fuel mpg is much better than that.

[@pro-nn7bu]

Ped, how can you provide a proper review on the infotainment system when you repeatedly use your preferred option? Ditch the android systems etc. Use what's provided then we'll get a proper review!

[@TheHutchRuns]

None of the new Peugeot do it for me at all sadly, had a 3008 PHEV as a loaner for a few days and didn't like it at all, I'll stick to my A250e which has averaged 88 mpg over it's 27,000 miles so far and recently returned 57 mpg on a 185 mile round trip with only 10 miles battery range at the start of the journey!

[@Zolitare]

I have a 2022 308 Diesel, & what annoys me most (apart from the stop-start pickup) is the road noise in the cabin. How is it in the hybrid 308 for noise?

[@mrmawson2438]

😆 loads of room in the back

[@zzhughesd]

Nice cabin. Very. Peugeot dealer takes one home. Still. Small wheel very odd.

[@JRattheranch]

Basically then Ped, it's PHEV credentials are useless in the real meaning of the term! You have to plug it into a 🔌 charger to replenish the battery? Duh! 🙄 No thank you! And that rear legroom? Shocking. We easily get over 50 MPG out of our Jaguar D240 E pace on a run such as your early start!

[@jimcabezola3051]

I see what you mean: that bottom sill skirt looks odd. Why DIDN'T they continue that skirt all the way along the sill? Did the aerodynamic computations tell them not to? Still...it's an estate and not an anonymous, amorphous grey blob like most new cars are nowadays. On the other hand, the infotainment screen doesn't look like a nailed-on afterthought. I could drive this car without having to give too much attention to the screen. I really like that colour, too. That this car DOESN'T charge up its own battery on long journeys is not good. It's as though they ran out of money to develop software and hardware for an internal charging system. Maybe this car is better off as that all-EV Vauxhall estate you looked at recently...which looks like it's a cosmetic sister to this Peugeot.

[@colinbarber9324]

Absolutely bonkers that the car cannot charge the battery, regarding EV range can I point out that in the Cotswolds it’s relatively flat. In the hilly Pennines chop your EV range Ito about 40%, if I go to flat York my range improves dramatically. When driving down a long valley put the car on charge, when driving up a valley use electric. If you drive up a valley on petrol, the engine races and gulps fuel, going down its low revving and charging.

[@gbormann71]

It must be some idiot at Stellantis that decided a PHEV should by default deplete its battery rather than use it for electric boost. The AR Tonale PHEV does the same in Normal/Natural mode unless you put it in semi-manual. Then it behaves like in Dynamic/Sport mode (electric boost/turbo gap filler) (apart from the sport remap of the ICE of course).

[@grahaminkpen5436]

You forgot the RCZR Ped, a serious bit of kit

[@Racelinekarting]

I used to own one of those.

[@DjNikGnashers]

It's not though is it. 266bhp in a sports car, that isn't a superlight Lotus Elise, or Caterham, is pretty lame, and 0-60 in 6 seconds is not fast at all in this day & age. It's not a 'serious bit of kit' at all, it's a warm, mildly sporty, cheap coupe. It sits a level below something like a Toyota GT86, but a long way behind every hot hatch, let alone proper sports cars.

[@grahaminkpen5436]

@@DjNikGnashers I disagree. Handles like on rails, limited slip diff, floating front discs. Etc etc. not always about a second here and there. Maybe you are put off by the brand, I have driven one and it’s impressive and great value second hand. Looks gorgeous, as a Zagato (esc) double bubble roof, built in Austria by Magna Steyr.

[@DjNikGnashers]

@@grahaminkpen5436 I think they look ok, not amazing, but not bad at all. They handle ok, but to say 'on rails' is an exaggeration, they are ok but nothing amazing. I have driven one, I worked in the motor trade for many years, so I have a LOT of other cars to compare it to. They are an ok, warm performance, good (but not great) handling car. I own an OG M2, which is on another level in every way, much faster, better handling, and imo better looking, but even I would not say my own car handles like 'on rails'.

[@stevie007]

Hi Peds

[@PetrolPed]

Hi 👋

[@rubberplantsandwich]

Ped is right, Proton badge

[@tonyb1223]

Its the badge Peugeot use to have on their cars in the 1960's.

[@jdmguy44]

It looks way closer to the Lamborghini badge than a Proton badge.

[@markday5797]

This wagon, styled by committee? Probable won't ever sold here in the states.

[@davidbovine]

I’ve got a Kuga PHEV company car. 113 MPG average over 55,000 miles. Do charge overnight at home and at work, but I’m pretty happy with that. Does have an ‘EV later’ mode too, so that the battery car be saved for urban use.

[@stevecompton7197]

Not for me but some people might like it

[@mikelodge1957]

Not a great car Ped, looks nice but has a lot of negatives 😳

[@johnhutchinson635]

So many issues, where do you start? The PHEV system just doesn’t make sense, legroom, the wheel, enough said. Make a modern 205 GTi’s then we might be happy 😂

[@davethevicar88]

Min is 50 miles for a plug in I say !

[@PetrolPed]

Yep 👍

[@paulgraves7949]

Nah...the front end would scare a police horse! 😣

[@jamie-hb8gy]

Hybrids are a total waste of time,more upfront cost,tax not really any cheaper to offset the purchase price of the vehicle,If i want extra range I'd just fit a bigger fuel tank.🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@andrewlongden-thurgood7139]

My brothers 1.5 golf not hybrid just normal petrol does 50mpg normal and a long drive it did 60mpg so this Peugeot engine and battery system is rubbish

[@larstell]

The steering wheel and meters are a flop...