Peugeot 308 Fuel Consumption – What MPG Can You Really Expect?

Peugeot 308 fuel consumption varies significantly depending on which engine you choose and how you drive. In broad terms, the Hybrid 145 returns up to 62.6 mpg on the official WLTP test, while the diesel sits between 50.1 and 59.6 mpg, and the plug-in hybrid quotes headline figures that are, frankly, only achievable if you plug in constantly and rarely leave town. For most UK drivers doing a mix of town errands and longer motorway runs, real-world fuel economy is usually lower than the official WLTP figure, although the 308 still performs well for a family hatchback.

The Peugeot 308 has long been known as one of the more efficient options in the family hatchback class, and the latest generation continues that trend. Whether you prefer petrol hybrid, diesel or a plug-in hybrid, there is a model designed to suit different driving habits. Understanding which one makes sense for your life – your area, your commute, your typical week – is what this guide is here for.

Peugeot 308 Petrol Fuel Economy

The entry point to the new Peugeot 308 range is now a mild-hybrid petrol, introduced to replace the outgoing standard 1.2-litre PureTech unit. The new 48 V mild-hybrid system pairs a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with a small electric motor that assists during acceleration and recovers energy under braking. The result is an official WLTP combined figure of up to 62.6 mpg, with CO2 emissions spanning 102–131 g/km depending on the trim level and wheel size you choose.

That is a meaningful step forward from the older 1.2-litre PureTech, which managed up to 51.9 mpg before it was discontinued. In practical terms, many drivers can expect fuel economy somewhere around the high-40s to about 50 mpg in mixed driving, although the exact result will depend heavily on traffic, trip length, weather and driving style. On a steady motorway cruise, some owners report the on-board computer showing figures comfortably above 50 mpg with a light right foot. If you are active in urban traffic – lots of stop-start, short trips, cold starts – fuel economy will usually be lower. That is not unusual for any car of this type, and the mild-hybrid system does help claw back some efficiency during low-speed driving.

One thing worth watching is wheel size. Peugeot 308 running costs are more sensitive to this than many buyers expect. Larger alloy wheels can have a small negative effect on claimed fuel economy, so it is worth checking the official figure for the exact trim you are considering.

Peugeot 308 Diesel Fuel Economy

If you cover a high annual mileage or spend a lot of time on the motorway, the 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel is still worth considering in the current Peugeot 308 range. WLTP combined figures sit between 50.1 mpg and 59.6 mpg depending on the variant, and those higher figures are genuinely achievable on a long run. In real-world driving, mid- to high-50s mpg is realistic for many drivers, and low-60s is possible on a gentle motorway journey.

The diesel appears to cost slightly more to buy than the equivalent mild-hybrid petrol, and with diesel usually costing more per litre than petrol in the UK, the break-even point depends heavily on the exact model, your annual mileage and the type of journeys you do. That said, for drivers who regularly cover long distances at steady speeds, the diesel can still make good sense. It is also worth noting that the 1.5-litre BlueHDi is used across a range of Stellantis vehicles, so servicing and parts support should be familiar to many dealers and specialists.

The diesel is no longer the obvious default it once was, but it has not lost its case entirely. If your journeys are long, regular and predominantly at high speeds, it may still be the most economical option over the long term.

*Official WLTP figure measured using a combination of battery power and petrol.

†Real-world fuel economy depends heavily on battery charge level, charging frequency, journey length, temperature, and how much of each trip is driven on electric power

The table above shows that choosing between petrol and diesel is genuinely a case of working out your own driving patterns. There is no single right answer – it depends on the sorts of trips you regularly make, how many miles you cover each year, and, in the case of the plug-in hybrid, how often you can charge it

Peugeot 308 Hatchback Plug-In Hybrid Fuel Economy

The plug-in hybrid is the most interesting and the most misunderstood model in the Peugeot 308 range. In the current UK line-up, the 308 plug-in hybrid is now sold as the Plug-in Hybrid 195, replacing the earlier 180 and 225 versions. Peugeot’s latest UK figures put its electric-only range at a little over 50 miles WLTP, depending on the exact version.

Peugeot quotes an official combined figure of 106.9–148.1 mpg for the current 308 Plug-in Hybrid, which is eye-catching but only tells part of the story. As with any plug-in hybrid, that figure depends heavily on the battery being charged and on how the car is used. Peugeot itself says real-world results vary according to factors such as the starting charge of the battery, weather, driving style, and vehicle load. In practice, if you plug in every night, live close to work, and use the car mostly for short local trips, petrol use can be very low.

The challenge comes on longer motorway journeys once the battery charge has been used up. A plug-in hybrid has to carry the extra weight of its battery and electric motor, so fuel economy usually drops on sustained high-speed runs and can end up no better than a conventional hybrid or petrol car if you rarely charge it. That is why the 308 PHEV makes the most sense for drivers who can charge regularly and whose routine trips are short enough to make proper use of the electric range.

The practical takeaway: if you can charge at home – ideally with a 7.4 kW wallbox – and your daily driving fits within the electric range, the plug-in hybrid can be very economical to run. Peugeot says the optional 7.4 kW on-board charger can cut a full charge to about 2 hours 5 minutes, compared with roughly 4 hours 20 minutes using the standard 3.7 kW setup. If you cannot plug in regularly, it is much harder to justify on fuel economy alone.

Peugeot 308 SW Fuel Consumption

The 308 SW is the estate version of the Peugeot 308, offering more luggage space than the hatchback while keeping running costs broadly competitive. In non-plug-in form, boot capacity is up to 608 litres, although plug-in hybrid versions sacrifice some of that space because of the battery pack.

Peugeot 308 SW fuel consumption broadly follows the hatchback because the estate shares the same engines and transmissions. In the current UK range, the Hybrid 145 is officially rated at up to 55 mpg, while the Plug-in Hybrid 195 offers up to 113 mpg and up to 53 miles of WLTP electric range. In real-world driving, the SW’s extra size and weight can make it slightly less efficient than the hatchback, but not by a dramatic margin.

The plug-in hybrid SW can be very economical if it is charged regularly and used in a way that makes the most of its electric range. As with the hatchback, it makes the most sense for drivers who can plug in often and do plenty of shorter trips.

For private buyers who prefer petrol or diesel in the SW, the diesel still makes the most sense for high-mileage motorway use, while the mild hybrid is likely to suit mixed driving and shorter trips better. As with the hatchback, the best choice depends more on your annual mileage and charging access than on the body style itself

What Affects Peugeot 308 Fuel Consumption?

Several factors beyond engine choice can significantly influence how economical your Peugeot 308 is in day-to-day use.

• Driving style: One of the biggest variables. Aggressive acceleration, heavy braking, and high speeds can all push fuel consumption up considerably, while smoother driving usually helps improve economy.
• Tyre condition and pressure: Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance. Peugeot lists the correct tyre pressures in the owner’s handbook and on the sticker inside the driver’s door. Check them regularly, ideally once a month and before longer journeys, with the tyres cold.
• Wheel size: Larger alloy wheels can come with a small fuel-economy penalty. Smaller wheels and more efficient tyres will usually help a little.
• Air conditioning: Using the A/C can increase fuel use, especially in slower driving, so it is worth switching it on only when needed.
• Mechanical condition: Poor maintenance can hurt fuel economy. Old service items, engine faults, sticking brakes, and incorrect tyre pressures can all make the car use more fuel than necessary.

Parts That Help You Get the Most from Every Tank

Keeping the Peugeot 308’s routine service items in good condition is one of the most effective things you can do to maintain real-world economy. Several maintenance items are directly linked to fuel consumption, and replacing worn or dirty components is not a high-cost job if you source parts at the right price.

A fuel filter can have a real effect on efficiency, especially on diesel models, but it should be replaced in line with Peugeot’s service schedule for the exact vehicle rather than by relying on a one-size-fits-all interval. For the petrol engines, spark plugs are the key item: worn plugs reduce combustion efficiency. If your engine is specified for iridium plugs, they generally last longer and maintain their performance better than conventional alternatives.

A clogged air filter restricts airflow, making the engine work harder. Replacing the air filter at service time is cheap and effective. Keeping the tyres at the correct pressure is equally important, as underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance and hurt fuel economy.

At autodoc.co.uk, you can find a wide range of replacement parts for the Peugeot 308 from a variety of aftermarket brands. Sourcing parts this way typically costs a fraction of main dealer prices, which means you spend less keeping the car in shape and more of the savings go back into your pocket at the pump.

Tips to Achieve Better Fuel Economy in Your Peugeot 308

• Keep the throttle smooth. Accelerate gently from rest and avoid sudden inputs if you want the best economy.
• Use the Eco driving mode. It adjusts throttle response and gear shift points to prioritise economy.
• Keep the car light. Removing unnecessary weight can help fuel economy, especially on urban trips.
• Check the tyres regularly. Aim to match the specific pressures Peugeot recommends for your load.
• Plan trips to avoid congestion. Stop-start traffic is the most fuel-intensive type of driving.
• For PHEV owners: Plug in consistently. Charging overnight at home is the habit that makes a plug-in hybrid make sense on fuel economy.

Frequently Asked Questions