"Only a 1.2-liter engine, yet it performs this well?"... Peugeot 308 nails 'fuel economy and driving feel' [Test Drive]

Certified fuel economy of 15.2 km/L; exceeds 20 km/L on the highway
Lightweight 1,455-kg body keeps the 1.2-liter three-cylinder "nimble"
i-Cockpit adds real driving enjoyment; low steering wheel and wireless charging are drawbacks

In Korea's car market, dominated by sport utility vehicles (SUVs), one model combines the hatchback's lively driving feel with the high efficiency of a hybrid. The Peugeot 308 Smart Hybrid is a genuine hatchback that pairs Peugeot's proprietary electrification technology with the third-generation 308, which debuted as a diesel model. We spent three days behind the wheel of the 308 GT, the higher trim, to see what makes it appealing.

Peugeot 308 Smart Hybrid exterior. Stellantis Korea.

Its fuel economy was the most impressive feature. The car's government-certified combined fuel economy is 15.2 km/L (14.1 km/L in the city and 16.7 km/L on the highway). During our three-day test drive, its real-world fuel economy sometimes exceeded 20 km/L while cruising on the highway. Its outstanding fuel efficiency was on a par with that of Peugeot's diesel models of the past.

The key to this high efficiency is the Smart Hybrid system. Based on its battery specifications alone (a 48V lithium-ion battery), it is classified as a mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV). Unlike conventional MHEVs, however, it is designed to allow all-electric driving. This is made possible by integrating the electric motor into the six-speed dual-clutch transmission (e-DCS6).

Features such as "e-creeping," which moves the car in electric mode as soon as you release the brake, and "e-launch," which uses only the electric motor to accelerate when pulling away after a stop, work seamlessly alongside a function that runs on electricity alone in traffic jams and while parking. Since the car can drive without the engine running for about 50% of the time spent in city traffic, it delivered a quiet and efficient ride that could rival a full hybrid.

The powertrain pairs a 1.2-liter inline three-cylinder PureTech gasoline engine with an electric motor to produce a combined maximum output of 145 horsepower. More specifically, the engine produces 136 horsepower and 23.5 kgf·m of torque, while the electric motor delivers 15.6 kW and 5.2 kgf·m of torque. The figures might suggest that the 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine would lack power, but the car never felt underpowered. It has a relatively low curb weight of 1,455 kg, thanks to its lightweight 48V system instead of a heavy, large-capacity battery, and the electric motor provides an immediate boost when accelerating.

Peugeot 308 Smart Hybrid interior. Stellantis Korea.

Inside, Peugeot's signature i-Cockpit and Alcantara bucket seats inspired by racing cars added to the driving enjoyment. The supportive seats and compact, double-flat steering wheel brought out the hatchback's lively handling as we rounded corners. The instrument cluster, positioned high on the dashboard, also made it easy to check driving information without shifting our gaze.

There were some drawbacks, too. Given the i-Cockpit layout, the steering wheel is positioned relatively low, which could make getting in and out a little awkward for taller drivers, as their legs may catch on it. The car does, of course, have an option that automatically moves the driver's seat back when getting out. The wireless charging pad could also use improvement: even when a smartphone was placed on it, the phone kept shifting around while driving, preventing it from charging properly.

The convenience and safety features are comprehensive. Beneath the standard 10-inch central touchscreen is the touch-sensitive i-Toggle, which lets drivers set frequently used climate controls and apps as favorites. The car also features a voice assistant integrated with ChatGPT, activated by the "OK Peugeot" voice command, a first in Korea. A 360-degree panoramic camera, full LED matrix headlights, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality also help make driving safer. The trunk offers 412 liters of space, expanding to a maximum of 1,323 liters with the second-row seats folded, making it practical as well.

The Peugeot 308 Smart Hybrid is priced at KRW 39.9 million for the Allure and KRW 46.5 million for the GT. It has also received Class 2 low-emission vehicle certification, making it eligible for benefits including reduced fees at public and airport parking lots nationwide and a full exemption from congestion charges for the Namsan Tunnels 1 and 3.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.