The 308 has scored very well in the Euro NCAP crash tests, with a maximum five stars for adult occupant protection, four-stars for child protection using the manufacturer’s recommended child seat and three stars out of four for pedestrian safety. Electronic stability control (ESP), which can help drivers regain control of a car during a skid, is standard on many models and optional on all others.

In January 2010 the system was made standard on all models except the Urban. Elsewhere there are also warning lights on all seatbelts.

The Peugeot’s boot has a high sill, making it awkward to load items, plus in order to fold the seats flat the front chairs have to be slid forward. Still it has decent boot space with a 347-litre capacity that increases to 1,398 litres in total while the rear armrest can double as a through-load facility for longer items. There are several storage spaces in the cabin, including drawers under the front seats on top models.

The rear parcel shelf also includes a small covered storage area.