2023 Peugeot 308 Owner’s Manual

Placed in the same category as the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf, the Peugeot 308 has its job cut out. But thanks to changes at Peugeot over the past few years, the 2023 Peugeot 308 has had no issue making a name for itself in this hotly contested market segment.

Key to this nameplate’s revival is the chic style it adopts as part of Peugeot’s range-wide redesign.

This new iteration bears the now signature Peugeot front end, with its elaborate, eye-catching grille, complete with shiny chrome inserts and the imposing new Peugeot shield badge. The massive running lights/LED lamps combo and the claw motif that seamlessly integrate into the bumper further enhance the decorations.

This new outlook quickly catapults the new 308 to one of the most conspicuous options in the market segment, setting it apart from tamer options like the Ford Focus, yet somehow does that while remaining aesthetic, without appearing shouty, and arguably giving the 308 a more upmarket feel when placed side-by-side other popular small family-focused hatchbacks like the Skoda Octavia.

The 308’s rear also gets some love with the addition of vibrant red slash-style brake lights that blend into the liftgate and chrome-toned exhaust trims that look quite striking from a distance.

While the 2023 Peugeot 308 may not pack the excitement to match some of its rivals in the performance department, it offers three decent powertrain options.

The base engine, which is only available paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, is a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with an output of 129 horsepower. Alternatively, a 1.6-liter four-cylinder plug-hybrid setup that includes a 12.4 kWh battery and an 81-HP electric motor ups the ante with a 222-HP output, while a 1.5-liter four-cylinder diesel option makes 129 horsepower.