Peugeot 308 vs Holden Astra
What's the difference?

Peugeot 308

—

2023 price

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Holden Astra

$4,500 - $17,999

2018 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Summary

2023 Peugeot 308

2018 Holden Astra

By Laura Berry

By Peter Anderson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.6L

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

1.4L/100km (combined)

5.8L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

20.7 kWh/100km

Electric range

60 km

Battery capacity

12.40 kWh

Seating

Likes

Sinister exterior styling
Lavish interior
Superb to drive

Good to drive
Good looking
Well-specced

Dislikes

Long charging time
High price compared to petrol variant
You could have a fully electric car for less money

Missing rear seat amenities
Smallish fuel tank
Awkward pedal position

2023 Peugeot 308 Summary

Ah, now you can have your Peugeot 308 and plug it into a power point as well. Yes, the new petrol version of the 308 arrived late last year and now the 308 GT Sport Hatch plug-in hybrid is here, too.

We've just driven the 308 GT Sport plug-in hybrid (PHEV) at its Australian launch and we can now answer all of your questions, such as how much it costs over a regular petrol 308, what's its electric range, what features come standard, what's it like to drive and is there a fully electric Peugeot coming soon?

Ready? Let's go.

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2018 Holden Astra Summary

Holden's current Astra is the second go the car has had in this country, after first being badged an Opel to the sounds of crickets from the buying public. That hubristic exercise was followed by a brief withdrawal from the Australian market before returning, rather more sensibly badged (and sensibly-priced) as a Holden.

It chugged along quite nicely in 2017. It didn't break any records, no, but regularly broke the 1000 units per month mark to end up with about five percent of the small car market, which it shares with some serious competition from Europe and Japan.

The + in R+ means more safety, but also more money. Safety is good, but do you get anything else for your money?

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Peugeot 308 2018 Holden Astra

Verdict

The 308 GT Sport plug-in hybrid is a beautifully designed small hatch that is comfortable, enjoyable and easy to drive. The electric motor gives this hatch good acceleration and the equally impressive handling makes for a fun car to drive too. There's good storage, a decent boot and room for even tall people like me in those back seats.

There are two clear drawbacks, however: the price is steep compared to the petrol version; and you'll need to plug the vehicle into a power supply each night if you drive the car daily and want to achieve the 2.4L/100km fuel economy we did in this test.

Last, but probably the most important thing you'll read is that Peugeot will bring fully electric cars to Australia from the second half of 2023, from SUVs to (hopefully) the battery electric version of this very 308 hatch.

If it was my money, I'd hold on - you're going to have your next car for quite a long time so it's worth waiting for the fully electric versions.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Verdict

The Astra's biggest problem is probably the Holden badge. Despite the company's best efforts, some buyers are wary of the company's longevity and some of the other cars in the range do the Astra no favours - Trax, Colorado and Barina feel cheap, because they are. The Astra isn't cheaply made and holds up very well in excellent company.

Peugeot 308 vs Holden Astra What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Peugeot 308 vs Holden Astra
What's the difference?