Peugeot 308 Hybrid comes with low emissions but at a high price

THIS is the greenest car I’d go to at the moment.

I’m not talking about the paint job, although I do like that.

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This is the plug-in hybrid version of the Peugeot 308.

It’ll do 37 miles on battery power, which, if you can keep it topped up, will cover most daily driving.

And when you do need to do big miles, you’ve got the petrol engine to get you where you want to go.

My testing over four days showed 51 per cent of my journeys were zero emissions, which was a pleasant surprise because I wasn’t even trying to be good.

There is one drawback to this brave new world though: Pricing.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), like full battery electric vehicles (BEVs), are expensive.

The petrol 308 starts at £24k, while the cheapest PHEV is £33k. NINE THOUSAND POUNDS MORE.

Company car users will like the tax benefits — only 11 per cent BiK — but for the rest of us, it costs to go green.

At this point, I should mention that the 308 will come in more varieties than a Kellogg’s multipack: Hatchback or estate. Petrol, diesel or PHEV. Plus full BEV versions from 2023.

You can copy and paste that last paragraph for the upcoming Vauxhall Astra, inset far right, which has the same innards as a 308.

Hybrid buyers will have two power choices: 180hp or 225hp.

We tried the 225hp. It’s punchy and steers nicely but it’s no GTI threading down a B-road.

Mostly because hybrids are heavy. The battery pack adds another 312kg and rhinos can’t dance.

You’ll also find the boot and petrol tank are smaller than the regular car — and there’s no space for a spare wheel.

If you don’t mind that, you’ll like the hybrid because it’s quiet and fuss-free on the move and the eight-speed auto does an excellent job of sewing all the gears together.

As for recharging the 12.4kWh battery, that takes 1hr 40mins if you pay a bit extra for the 7.4kW charging capacity, otherwise it’s four hours.

Next up, design. Do you like it?

I do. Mostly because it’s not a crossover. But also because it’s different, distinctive and draws attention wherever you go.

 It’s also the first car to wear the new Peugeot badge. And that Hulk green paint job is free.

Climb inside and the cabin is modern, classy and tech-rich. Not quite a Merc but very nice all the same.

There’s an extra row of toggles for short-cuts under the 10in central touchscreen. Two phones can be connected by Bluetooth simultaneously. And there’s all sorts of cameras and anti-crash kit to stop you having an oopsy.

Also, it’s much easier to switch off the bloody annoying Lane Keep Assist than in a VW Golf.

I’m not a fan of Peugeot’s obsession with the small steering wheel. It just doesn’t work for tall people because you can’t sit low enough or position the steering wheel high enough without it obscuring the driver’s binnacle.

That said, the seats are good-looking, comfortable and supportive.

To sum up, then. Plug-in hybrids are the way forward for now. They’re efficient and can do long distances but they’re expensive. The best choices are Golf GTE or 308.

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KEY FACTS: PEUGEOT 308 HYBRID

Price: £37,200

Engine: 1.6-litre petrol, 81kW electric motor

Power: 225hp, 360Nm

0-62mph: 8 secs

Official economy: 266mpg

Real world: 70-75mpg

CO2: 27g/km

Out: February