The Peugeot 308 II (T9) marked a major turning point for the lion brand. Inaugurating the modular EMP2 platform, it made a spectacular leap in perceived quality, weight reduction (up to -140 kg), and dynamism, earning it the title of Car of the Year 2014. Equipped with the famous i-Cockpit (small steering wheel, raised instrument cluster), it offers a comfort/road handling compromise that remains an absolute benchmark in the compact car category. It underwent a first facelift in 2017 (new driving aids, EAT8 gearboxes) and a technological update in 2020 (100% digital instrument cluster). However, while the chassis and finish age remarkably well, the reliability record is heavily marred by problematic engines, notably the 1.2 PureTech (wet belt) and BlueHDi diesels (AdBlue system, camshaft c
The Peugeot 308 II is a paradoxical car: brilliant on the road, it is undermined by disastrous technical choices under the bonnet. Buying a 1.2 PureTech or 1.5 BlueHDi version from before 2020 is like a lottery and requires extreme precautions (perfect history, warranties). However, if you opt for a 2.0 BlueHDi or an older 1.6 HDi (without AdBlue), you will get one of the best compact cars of its generation, capable of covering many kilometers with remarkable reliability. GTi versions are also good choices for enthusiasts, provided you can bear the maintenance costs.