Overall rating:

It's facelift time for the Peugeot 308. The French firm's C-segment hatch - along with the CC convertible and SW estate - has a restyled face, less bulk and some new trim levels - along with a micro hybrid stop-start system.

Key Facts

Pricing: £15,245 - £27,545
Engine: 1.4-litre VTi 98, 1.6-litre VTi 120, 1.6-litre THP 156, 1.6-litre GT THP 200 (petrol); 1.6 HDi 92, 1.6 e-HDi 112, 2.0 HDi 150, 2.0 HDi 163 (diesel)
Transmission: five-speed manual, six-speed manual, six-speed EGC automatic, front-wheel drive
Body style: five-door hatchback, two-door convertible, five-door estate
Rivals: Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Astra
CO₂ emissions: 98 - 176g/km
Combined economy: 37.1 - 70.6mpg
Top speed: 112 - 147mph
0-62mph: 7.7 - 13.0 seconds
Power: 92bhp at 4,000rpm (1.6 HDi 92), 200bhp at 5,500-6,800rpm (1.6 GT THP 200)
Torque: 170lb.ft at 1,750rpm (1.6 HDi 92), 203lb.ft at 1,700-4,500rpm

In the Metal:

The changes are subtle but succinct. The facelifted Peugeot 308 has gained a shorter nose, a smaller grille and a tidier front bumper. There's also a little extra chrome detailing, redesigned headlamps and LED daytime running lights. It's altogether easier on the eye and less imposing than its predecessor.

We struggled to notice any differences inside, but Peugeot claims that there are some minor detail changes. Either way, the 308's interior is classy and well built. Hatchbacks and estates with the panoramic glass roof are particularly pleasant to sit in because of the amount of light in the cabin and the excellent visibility.

Driving it:

As with the outgoing model, the facelifted 308's steering is well-weighted and offers reasonable feedback, though it lacks the engagement or delicacy of a Ford Focus. Refinement is the Peugeot's strongest asset here - even in convertible guise it keeps all noise well and truly blocked out.

The Pug is far from short of grip but the ride is slightly below par. It's not terrible, but you'll notice a rough surface significantly more in the 308 than you would in, say, a Vauxhall Astra. Other gripes are the high-set clutch pedal and slightly clunky gearchange.

There wasn't time to sample every one the 308's plethora of engines, but we tried a good cross section of the diesels (no doubt the biggest sellers), of which the 1.6 HDi 112 proved the best all-rounder. It may not have the poke of the 2.0-litre units, but it hardly seemed short of breath, especially in the hatch, and it is smooth and progressive.

By far the most significant addition for this 308 is Peugeot's e-HDi micro hybrid stop-start system. Don't be fooled into thinking that the 308 will run on electric power at low speeds - it won't - but e-HDi is one of the most effective stop-start systems we've ever experienced. It's available on all models and, once the engine has warmed up, it will cut out at 12mph under deceleration - without fail. Disengage the clutch at a standstill and the engine will fire up again - drop it out of gear while you're still stationary and the engine will cut out once more, which is unheard of.

What you get for your Money:

Prices start at £15,245 for the entry-level Peugeot 308 1.4 VTi hatchback and top-out at £27,545 for a bells and whistles spec 308 CC HDi 163 Allure. The latter figure looks pricey, but the basic to mid-range hatchbacks appear good value next to rivals like the Focus, which starts at £16,000, and the VW Golf at £15,685.

Peugeot also claims that the facelifted 308 is, on average, £800 cheaper per model than the outgoing car yet comes with more equipment.

Worth Noting

A new trim known as Oxygo is available with the new 308. It's billed as a sort of 'eco without the compromises' model and features cruise control, 16-inch alloys, front fog lamps, USB with Bluetooth and an aerodynamic pack. The e-HDi system is also part of the deal.

In yet another effort to reduce emissions and running costs, this 308 is also 25kg lighter than its forebear.

Summary

It may be a mere facelift, but it's a worthwhile one. This incarnation of the Peugeot 308 offers some real benefits over its predecessor, the most notable being the stop-start system, which is so efficient that the advantages are really believable - and that's a rare thing. Good to drive, classy and priced marginally below the big competition, it's a fine all-rounder.