The Peugeot 308 welcomes a plug-in hybrid engine for the first time. The attractiveness of this version is real for fiscal reasons, but what about its consumption, its electric autonomy and its approval?
Test car: Peugeot 308 Hybrid 180 GT
|
From€ 41,400
€ 1,000 bonus
|
With the new 308, Peugeot has significantly reduced the number of thermal engine versions: a single diesel (130 hp) and two petrol (110 and 130 hp). The purpose of this heartbreaking offer is to highlight new plug-in hybrid versions, including very low CO emissions.2 approval (24 g / km) allow the manufacturer to lower the average emissions of its range, companies to avoid certain taxes and individuals to receive the ecological bonus of 1 000 € (valid until June 2022).
But once the tax gifts have been passed, to which you can add the free registration card (except in two regions), what about the pleasure and consumption of the 308 hybrid? For this, we tested a 180 hp version on three different routes. This Hybrid 180 version is available on all finishes at a starting price of € 36,800 and up to € 41,400 for our trial version in GT (see details of prices and equipment on the next page).
The price of this 308 Hybrid 180 is 7 400 € higher than that of the PureTech 130 EAT8 version (bonus deducted) for an equal finish. A price difference impossible to make profitable for the individual. The hybrid is certainly more powerful than its thermal equivalent, but also heavier (+ 314 kg), with a narrower trunk (361 l against 412 l) and a smaller tank (40 l against 52 l) . Differences that you should know before embarking on the choice of the plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
On the technical side, the 308 is based on a traction chain which here consists of a 150 hp four-cylinder petrol engine, a 110 hp electric motor, an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a battery. of 12.4 kWh. This is the same technology as that of the 508 and 3008, but with a slightly higher battery capacity.
The electric autonomy test
The manufacturer announces a mixed WLTP range of 60 km in electric driving. During our test dedicated to plug-in hybrids (route made up of roads limited to 70, 90 and 110 km / h + crossings of small towns), the 308 Hybrid traveled 44 km before reviving its thermal engine. This is below the promise made by Peugeot, but more than sufficient for the majority of daily journeys. The constraint obviously comes from daily recharging, and it is this frequency that determines the interest of PHEV technology. It is preferable to have a home charging solution to control the cost of energy and avoid disappointments at public terminals. On a domestic outlet, allow 7 hours to get a full charge. It corresponds to one night. No need to bother with a more powerful installation.
Fuel consumption 308 hybrid on the road
The new 308 has retained almost all the talents of the previous model with an efficient and precise chassis. Despite its overweight, this Hybrid 180 version remains agile and provides good comfort. Too bad the driving pleasure is damaged by inconsistent braking, especially when you need to slow down. On this point, Peugeot did not find the right management in the transition between regenerative and friction braking. The relay phases between the gasoline and electric motors turn out to be fluid, and the revivals are invigorating when the accelerator is crushed, which activates the two engines (180 hp and above all 360 Nm of torque). Our road trip with the battery empty (it is never entirely empty) in compliance with the legal speeds (70, 90 and 110 km / h) ended in consumption of 6.4 l / 100 km finally quite close to that of the PureTech 130 EAT8 version.
Fuel consumption 308 hybrid on the highway
Imperial of stability and silent on the ribbon of the highway, the 308 makes you want to travel far. We regret that the lane keeping assistant sometimes reacts brutally, and we end up cutting it off. But the operation is not obvious since it requires four actions on the touch screen counting the return to the initial display. Mr Peugeot, thank you for making it easier next time. After 150 km of motorway with the battery at its lowest from the start, consumption stabilized at 7.3 l / 100 km. If this is far from what the diesel version can do, it is still reasonable. Fortunately, because the small 40 l tank limits the range of action compared to the thermal version. And don’t count on filling up with watts on the highway because the 308 doesn’t have a fast charger, like almost the majority of plug-in hybrids.
Fuel consumption 308 hybrid in the city
After a 44 km trip in town, we noted a consumption of 8.2 l / 100 km. A disappointing result because it is in urban areas that it is desirable to reduce emissions. And it is on this type of route that hybrids generally perform well, as we have observed with Toyota and Renault E-Tech hybrids. However, the 308 always sets off on the electric force, and the heat engine takes over at around 20-25 km / h depending on the depression of the accelerator pedal. This test was also carried out with the battery at its lowest. It shows that, to get the quintessence of a PHEV – that is to say to drive in zero emission mode at the place of travel -, you have to charge your vehicle every day if the trips are daily.
