Peugeot 308

On the face of it the 308’s entry price looks more expensive than rivals like the Renault Megane and Ford Focus but when you factor in the tech and fact all models feature an automatic gearbox as standard the like for like comparisons are more favourable. Whether you’ll be better off buying a regular petrol or diesel or instead of a plug-in hybrid will very much depend on your circumstances and the kind of driving you do. The petrol is cheaper to buy while, at this level, diesel looks a bit of a niche choice for those doing big motorway miles. Traditionally that would mean company drivers but, these days, the Benefit In Kind advantages of the plug-in hybrids will likely make these more appealing. As a private owner you may claw back the higher cost of the hybrid versions if you’re able to plug in at home, charge every night and do your regular journeys on electric power alone. But, if not, the more affordable petrol may be the pick.