The compact hatchback is one of the fiercest battlegrounds in the European market, and Peugeot isn’t letting its 308 go dull. The facelifted hatch and station wagon are already on sale across Europe, but a look through the configurator shows that the humble Style trim not only comes well equipped, it also clings to a feature Peugeot has stripped from the top-spec GT Exclusive.

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That feature is the physical climate control panel, complete with two rotary dials and a set of tactile buttons positioned beneath the central touchscreen. The same setup can be found on the Style, Business and Allure trims. However, the GT and GT Exclusive models get the “Peugeot i-toggles” touch-sensitive shortcuts. This means that adjusting the temperature requires a glance at the screen and a tap on the right area, a process that feels more distracting on the move.

Buttons Where They Matter

Interestingly, the cheapest 308 Style comes standard with a 10-inch infotainment and 10-inch digital instrument cluster, although it doesn’t get the nicer materials found in higher grades. Equipment also includes dual-zone A/C, rear parking sensors, electrically folding and heated mirrors, and a six speaker audio.

Furthermore, the exterior retains the sporty bumpers and full-LED lights introduced by the facelift, combined with a set of black 16-inch alloy wheels.

On the other end of the spectrum, the flagship Peugeot 308 GT Exclusive trim is distinguished by the diamond-cut 18-inch alloy wheels, the sharper side skirts, the matching front bumper extension, and the illuminated section on the grille which is joined by an illuminated Peugeot shield and Matrix LED headlights.

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Inside, the GT Exclusive is equipped with an upgraded instrument cluster featuring 3D graphics, ambient lighting, Alcantara upholstery, and the 360 Vision & Drive Assist Plus Pack suite bringing Level 2 autonomous driving capability. Options include a 10-speaker Focal audio system, a sunroof, wireless smartphone charging, all-season tires, and a retractable towing hitch.

Powertrain Options And Pricing

The facelifted Peugeot 308 is available with mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric powertrain options. The most potent version is the PHEV, with a combined output of 192 hp (143 kW / 195 PS). The Style trim is reserved for the mild-hybrid and fully electric options, so those who want the PHEV and physical climate controls have to upgrade to the Business or the Allure.

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The cheapest Peugeot 308 Style Hybrid 145 currently starts at €28,390 ($33,300) in France, while the range-topping GT Exclusive trim with the same engine costs €33,277 ($39,100). The most expensive option is the 308 GT Exclusive Plug-in Hybrid 195 priced at at €39,780 ($46,700), which is €461 ($540) more than the equivalent Electrique 156.

Fortunately, most automakers have realized that customers want regular buttons and switches for crucial functions instead of having to navigate through complicated infotainment menus or use touch-sensitive controls. In this context, we expect future Stellantis models to feature a practical solution for the climate controls – from their entry-level trim all the way to the range-topping guise.

Bicycles might be fine for a lazy Sunday spin or a spirited ride, but as everyday transport they fall short. They’ll soak you in the rain, freeze you in the wind, and keep you off the highways. Aiming to dodge those drawbacks, French outfit Cixi is working on the Vigoz, a pedal-assisted three-wheeler with electric muscle and just enough refinement to pass as a proper road machine.

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The Vigoz sits closer in spirit to small urban runabouts like the Mobilize Duo, Citroen Ami, Fiat Topolino, and Microlino, though it is much faster. With a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph), it qualifies in the L5 category, which means it is cleared for all public roads and highways in France, and, depending on local red tape, in other markets too.

Pedals Meet Power

At the heart of the three-wheeler is Cixi’s PERS chainless pedaling system, which lets the rider (or is that driver?) influence acceleration or braking with their legs in a more natural way. Pedal resistance can be adjusted to match the rider’s preference, offering light effort or a more involved workout.

Naturally, there is assistance from an electric motor, with a 22 kWh floor-mounted battery allowing for a range of around 160 km (100 miles). Still, extensive use of regenerative braking and more pedaling input can help it go further. A full charge is completed in roughly 6 hours from a standard household socket.

Compact But Clever

The Vigoz has two wheels at the front and a single wheel at the back, with an active tilting mechanism for improved handling. A fully enclosed body keeps things aerodynamic while providing weather protection, and features include LED lighting, wipers, and twin side doors. At the back, an open cargo area with straps offers room for small loads.

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Inside, you’ll find room for a driver and one passenger. Both seats are fitted with three-point belts, and there are Isofix mounts in the back for a child seat – although the idea of whisking a toddler down the motorway in this contraption feels like something best left to questionable parenting blogs. Instead of a steering wheel, the Vigoz sticks with its bicycle DNA and uses a handlebar with built-in brakes.

According to Cixi, the Vigoz is built to last for at least 15 years before it is recycled and disposed. This is made possible thanks to the sturdy chassis, replaceable body panels, accessible components for repairs, and, surprisingly, over the air updates.

Pay Monthly, Not Own

Unfortunately, the Vigoz is not yet available for purchase. Cixi still has to build a working prototype with a production-ready design before manufacturing begins in France. When it finally hits the road, ownership won’t be an option either, as the Vigoz will only be offered on subscription, with prices set once production costs are confirmed.

A new option has joined the growing ranks of Renault’s retro-inspired EV. The 4 E-Tech is now available in two work-ready versions for the French market, known as Societe Reversible and Societe Van. Both are designed for professionals who want the practicality of a light commercial vehicle without losing the everyday usability of the standard model.

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Styling remains unchanged from the regular passenger model, as the Societe versions keep their glass rear windows instead of adopting blank panels. This choice keeps costs down, but it also means Renault hasn’t followed through with the van-style look first teased back in 2021.

At the time, the brand hinted at a boxier tail inspired by the classic Renault 4 Fourgonnette, which would likely have boosted both visual appeal and carrying capacity, albeit at greater expense for what remains a niche product.

Work-Focused Cabin

Inside, the crossover has been reworked to meet the demands of everyday business use. The rear seats give way to a molded tray lined with an anti-slip mat, tie-down hooks, and a partition separating it from the front. Total cargo space comes to 1,045 liters (36.9 cubic feet), with a hidden 55-liter (1.9 cubic feet) compartment under the floor. The loading length stretches to 1.20 meters (47.2 inches), and payload capacity peaks at 345 kilograms (760 pounds).

The conversion takes place at the Ampere Manufacture in Maubeuge, France, by a company called Qstomize. The Societe Reversible is classified as a passenger vehicle (M1), while the Societe Van is a light commercial vehicle (N1). The latter has tax benefits but is subject to speed restrictions.

According to Renault, the target group of the Societe versions is tradespeople, delivery drivers, service and concierge companies, rental companies, and professional fleets.

Powertrain and Range

Performance is identical to the passenger version, with a single electric motor producing 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS). Power comes from a 52 kWh battery that delivers up to 409 km (254 miles) of WLTP range. Charging from 15 to 80 percent takes just over three hours on an 11 kW AC unit, or around 30 minutes when connected to a 100 kW DC fast charger.

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In France, the R4 E-Tech Societe is priced from €29,300 ($34,700) for the Evolution trim and €30,900 ($36,600) for the Techno, excluding VAT. Furthermore, buyers benefit from incentives that can reach up to €5,060 (6,000) depending on the variant and the customer profile.

Options, however, can quickly nudge the cost upward. Renault charges between €167 and €917 ($200–1,100) for exterior colors, €167 ($200) for roof rails, and €333 ($400) for the all-weather tires with snow and off-road drive modes. Other extras include a hands-free tailgate at €333 ($400), advanced driver-assist and parking tech for €250 ($300), and a Harman Kardon nine-speaker audio system priced at €500 ($600).