Peugeot 308

Despite the Stellantis empire equalling so many companies under one umbrella - with many of those producing rivals to the 308, Peugeot's latest design direction has resulted in some distinctive but attractive models - you only have to look at the 208, 2008 and 508 for example. Stellantis seem to have predicted the mood of the market well too. Like its other brands, Peugeot are offering petrol hybrid and full EV versions of these models, on top of ICE diesel and petrol power. 

For the 308, two body styles are available - the hatchback and the SW estate that we're focussing on here. This Peugeot is offered with a choice of petrol, diesel, and of most interest to fleet, 180 and 225hp versions of the plug-in hybrid 1.6. Although it's the 180hp version we're covering here. But is it good enough to take best-in-class honours against more established rivals? Let's find out.

We've already briefly touched on this Peugeot's styling, but it's so distinctive that it's worth further mention, as the 308 is the most extreme execution of the current family style yet. At the front, the nose is quite upright, and dominated by the latest version of the family grille. Other identifiers are the vertical driving lights and heavily sculptured bonnet. At the side, the distinctive cut-outs over the arches are the highlights. The rear, like the front is quite upright in design, with the high-set lights spread across the rear of this car. 

Inside, Peugeot's controversial i-cockpit is fitted. Like before, this means a tiny two-spoke steering wheel and tall dashboard. The idea is that drivers look over the top of the steering wheel at the digital instruments, but despite being the best execution yet,  it still won't suit all. Other interior features include the latest infotainment and navigation systems, which are a real step forward with the shortcuts at the bottom. Peugeot see Volkswagen as a key rival, and the trim and materials inside certainly feel more upmarket than the similar but yet to be launched Vauxhall Astra. Average rear space is the only disappointment of the 308 SW's interior; even the 548-litre boot is practical and unaffected by the hybrid kit. 

The Peugeot's 8% BIK figure looks particularly impressive here, especially as the joint next best are the Ford and Toyota at 29%. With the Volkswagen coming last with a 31% figure. It is no surprise then that Peugeot comes top for Benefit in Kind (BIK). The same goes for the emissions, as the Peugeot's 25g/km figure seems scarcely believable against the next best Toyota Corolla with its 121g/km figure. The Ford isn't far behind with its mild-hybrid power and 122g/km emissions, with the Volkswagen again coming last with its 132g/km figure.  

This 308 SW's combined 180hp from its 1.6-litre petrol engine and 81kW electric motor is even more impressive when you look at the Peugeot's consumption figure of 281.1mpg. We doubt we'd be able to achieve this figure in everyday use, but it's still well ahead of the Ford and Toyota that are in second and third place, with their 53.3 and 52.3mpg figures - so it's a clean sweep for the Peugeot 308 so far. 

Peugeot have done a lot of work in recent years on their residual values, so it's a shame this 308 can only manage third place here with its 35.90% figure. Although this isn't far behind the winning Toyota at 40.94% and the Volkswagen Golf with its 39.84% figure. Still, the 308 is close to the top of the residuals class and we're sure Peugeot will be happy with that.

With its standout numbers for the BiK figure, emissions and consumption, the Peugeot 308 SW in 180 PHEV form not unexpectedly finishes in first place in terms of its cost per mile figure. 

Peugeot 308 SW 1.6 PHEV 180 Allure Premium  

P11D: £35,715

CO2 (tax): 25g/km (8%) 

BIK 20/40% a month: £45/£90

Fuel consumption: 281.1mpg

National Insurance: £1,290

First year VED: £0

Subsequent VED: £155

Engine size/power: 1,598cc+81kW electric motor/180hp

AFR: 14p

Residual value: 35.90%

Depreciation: £22,894

Fuel costs: £1,769

SMR: £1,877

Cost per mile: 44.23p

Ford Focus 

A constant at the top of the UK sales charts, the fourth-generation Ford Focus received its mid-life facelift last year to keep it competitive against the key rivals we have here. The exterior has received the biggest changes, with a new grille and headlights at the front. At the side there are updated alloy wheel designs, while like the front, the back has new rear lights. Inside, the biggest change is the 13.2in infotainment display, which runs the Sync 4 software and is surprisingly easy to use. 

In the range-topping Titanium Vignale equipment grade we have here, you'll not want for standard kit either, with features including leather trim, 10-speaker B&O sound system and a 12.3in digital cluster for the instruments. 

Under the bonnet, this Focus's 1.0-litre, 153hp petrol now has added 48-volt mild hybrid technology and is the most powerful. Despite the hybrid assistance, this Focus only produces 153hp and a 60.1mpg consumption figure. 

Being an MHEV rather than a full hybrid doesn't help the Focus, as it still has a 29% BiK figure and 53.3mpg consumption, which is a long way behind the Peugeot, but is close to the other MHEV, (the Volkswagen), and full hybrid, the Toyota. However, in terms of cost per mile, it is just pipped to third place by the Toyota.

Ford Focus 1.0T EcoBoost MHEV 155 Titanium Vignale Estate  

P11D: £30,435

CO2 (tax): 122g/km (29%)

BIK 20/40% a month: £147/£294

Fuel consumption: 53.3mpg

National Insurance: £3,985

First year VED: £180

Subsequent VED: £155

Engine size/power: 998cc/153hp

AFR: 14p

Residual value: 35.82%

Depreciation: £19,534