Comparative test. The Peugeot 308 Hybrid challenges the Renault Mégane E-Tech

Taken aback by the Volkswagen Golf GTE, which has been offering a plug-in hybrid solution for seven years already, the French compacts are finally giving the answer. The Mégane was the first, adopting E-Tech Plug-in technology in 2020, and it is joined today by the new 308, which is available in a Hybrid version. No need to wait for the Citroën C4: its platform does not allow it to receive this double engine. The best French compact plug-in hybrid therefore boils down to a duel between 308 and Mégane.

Honor to the Sochaux for the presentations, since it is freshly landed. This third generation of the 308 has been available since October 2021. It is distinguished by a sporty style, angular furniture and a finish close to the premium universe, especially in GT like our test model. Its plug-in hybrid version offers two powers: 180 and 225 hp. For this comparison, we have chosen the Hybrid 180, whose powertrain is based on a 150 hp 1.6 petrol engine, a 110 hp electric unit, an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 12.4 kWh battery. .

The Renault Mégane, we no longer present it. This fourth generation has just blown its five candles, and it benefited from a restyling in 2020 to modernize its equipment (digital meter, improved finishes). Some would like to bury it with the arrival of the electric Mégane E-Tech crossover … But if the latter takes its surname, there are many differences between the two Méganes, and the sedan will remain in the catalog for two more years. Its plug-in hybrid engine is based on a more complex technology than that of its competitor with a 1.6 gasoline engine of 91 hp and two electric motors of 66 and 34 hp, one of which serves as a high-voltage starter and controls the dog clutch gearbox. . Add to that a 9.8 kWh battery.

Price 308 Hybrid 180 and Mégane E-Tech

In sporting finish, the two French women go neck and neck on the budget issue with only 200 € difference. But each time the price is high because the plug-in hybrid technology is expensive compared to the simple hybrid, like what the Toyota Corolla offers for example. The 308 Hybrid 180 GT tops out at € 41,400, and the Mégane E-Tech RS Line climbs to € 41,600. The Peugeot shows itself to be the best placed when examining its endowment: adaptive cruise control and 18 alloy wheels inches are standard and represent an option for € 1,100 on the Renault. Better still, the sochalienne takes advantage of her young age to receive equipment unavailable on her competitor such as the induction smartphone charger or Matrix projectors. (see equipment table on next page).

To drive

The Peugeot 308 is renowned for its dynamic qualities, and it is not easy to keep the same agility as the thermal model when it is necessary to carry 314 kg more permanently (weight of the hybrid system and the battery). The Hybrid 180 still offers good driving pleasure. The small steering wheel driving a smooth steering and the precise front axle bring a good dose of pleasure, when the damping, a little firm at low speed, remains comfortable despite the overweight to manage. The mechanics are gentle in town with management hardly noticeable flows between thermal and electrical. It is also vigorous on the road when the two engines work together (180 hp and 360 Nm in maximum value).

The Renault Mégane E-Tech is no exception. It too has to deal with the overweight of its hybrid system, but this transplant has also saved it a multi-link rear axle for a matter of space. If its steering is not as sharp as that of the Peugeot and its pure performance is placed a notch below, the Mégane competes with the lioness in the other driving phases. It is smooth at low speed, precise in fast driving, and its comfort is still there despite the somewhat firm bucket seats offered on this RS Line version. For more comfort, it will be preferable to aim for an Intens finish, with softer upholstery.

The Renault is, moreover, better than its competitor on two points: its braking is easier to regulate, while that of the 308 sees its consistency vary according to the pace, and its consumption is generally lower thanks to a better management of its electrical part. In town, the Mégane is capable of driving electrically up to 40-45 km / h, while the 308 starts its heat engine from 20-25 km / h according to the depression of the accelerator. In fact, the Peugeot and Renault hybrid systems work differently. The E-Tech manages the battery level by sometimes calling on the heat engine at an unexpected time, while the Peugeot Hybrid recharges its battery mainly in the deceleration-braking phases (unless it is forces the system, but it is to the detriment of consumption).

This difference allows the Mégane E-Tech to make better use of its electric propulsion, and this is reflected in fuel consumption when driving with the battery at its lowest. According to our readings on the road and in town, the Renault consumed 6.2 and 5.9 l / 100 km, against 6.4 and 8.2 l / 100 km for the 308. The Peugeot barely regains the upper hand in terms of electric autonomy (battery full at the start) with 44 km traveled, against 41 km for the Mégane, despite its accumulator with a higher capacity.

Finally, the two French companies share the drawback of plug-in hybrid models, namely a low tank capacity. (40 l on the 308 and 39 l on the Mégane) due to the presence of batteries. To the detriment, of course, of their radius of action. And don’t count on regenerating the batteries while traveling, since both models are equipped with a low-power AC charger that requires at least three hours to fill the battery up at a suitable terminal. Remember that it is in daily use, with a charge each night, that we get the essence of a plug-in hybrid. This then shows itself capable of consuming little or no gasoline under these conditions.

On board

Inside, the Peugeot benefits from a modern presentation, valuable materials and very well-designed front seats. The small steering wheel has its followers, but also its detractors because it hinders the reading of the instrumentation unit according to the driving position. For their part, thehe five years on the Mégane’s counter can be felt with furniture that has aged a bit. But the Renault takes advantage of its seniority in terms of the ergonomics of the driving position. Indeed, its direct keys are easier and faster to manipulate than the touch controls of the 308, which require longer manipulations. via its screen and i-Toogles.

Have fun changing the brightness of the screens, deactivating the line assistant, activating the heated seats or adjusting the air conditioning and you will see how the Mégane – certainly less modern in presentation – is so much easier to live with. The tactile ergonomics of the 308 require more handling and concentration to the detriment of driving, and this observation applies to the majority of new vehicles which have swapped their controls for one or more screens. The Renault drives the point home with its Easy Link interface adopted during its restyling and which is more responsive than that of the Peugeot.