FOLLOWING QUICKLY ON THE heels of its new corporate logo, Peugeot’s new 308 reveals how the badge looks on a car. Of course, there’s a lot more to the new 308 than an updated badge. And Australia will have to wait until 2022 to see it in the flesh.
In terms of technology, the new Peugeot 308 offers the latest-generation driving aids, the new Peugeot i-Cockpit and includes i-Connect Advanced, an infotainment system that is intuitive, connected and resolutely modern.
Efficient and high performance paired with aerodynamic details, the new Peugeot 308 offers, depending on the country of sale, rechargeable hybrid and internal combustion engines, petrol or diesel.
Kate Gillis, General Manager Peugeot Australia, said, “The new Peugeot 308’s bold and stylish design, commitment to creating an enjoyable and convenient environment and driving experience for the driver and passengers and enhanced technology combine to elevate the appeal of the 308. We look forward to welcoming the new Peugeot 308 to Australia in Q1, 2022.”
The specification mentioned throughout this release is in relation to the global reveal of the new Peugeot 308.
Information regarding the local specification of the Peugeot 308 will be revealed closer to the release date.
New body shape
The new Peugeot 308 distinguishes itself in its segment with a new external appearance.
The 55mm extended wheelbase stretches the silhouette and offers more space for rear passengers, while the 20mm height reduction combined with a soft nose, visually lengthens the bonnet.
With aerodynamic efficiency a key objective, the new Peugeot 308 has sought to enhance its posture and style on the inside, thanks to a vast work of architectural optimisation and body pressing performance.
On the sides, the simple and smooth flank showcases its powerful character with the two sharp squares overhanging the front and rear wheels. The design of the side medallion draws on the history of the brand’s identity but bears the vibrancy of the body work carried out on the silhouette.
The rear, with strategic aerodynamic performance, has been designed based on the optimum passage points for a saloon silhouette as defined in the wind tunnel. Therefore, the characteristic style line which crosses the stern is based on this optimum aerodynamic performance, as is the vanishing line at the top of the roof, which needed a long spoiler that is distinctive of the style of the new Peugeot 308.
The new Peugeot 308 bears the new Peugeot brand coat of arms in a grille entirely dedicated to it. Its positioning is highlighted by the grille pattern that gradually converges towards it.
A design and technological evolution, the radar for driving aids disappears behind the coat of arms (radome technology using indium compatible with radar waves), making it the centre piece on the grille.
The front headlamps use LED technology from the first level of finish. Chiselled and slim, they contribute to the dynamics and identity of this new Peugeot 308. They are extended by hook-shaped daytime running lights on the front bumper. This light signature is perfectly in keeping with the current Peugeot style, recognisable at first glance both by day and by night.
At the rear, the headlamps use full LED technology displaying the 3 claws for a modern, brand-specific light signature.
The new Peugeot 308 will come in seven exterior colour shades:
- Olivine Green
- Vertigo Blue
- Elixir Red
- Pearl White
- Ice White
- Artense Grey
- Perla Nera Black
New interior design
The Peugeot i-Cockpit is part of the brand’s DNA. With each generation, it is enhanced and modernised. With this new Peugeot 308, it marks a clear change in terms of ergonomics, quality, design and technology with its brand-new infotainment system, the Peugeot i-Connect.
The new compact steering wheel includes sensors which can detect the driver’s grip on the steering wheel when using the new driving aids.
The cluster, located at eye level, has a 10-inch digital panel and in higher grades, the cluster features the 3D display. Fully configurable and customisable, this digital cluster has several display modes that can be modified directly from the stalk.
The build of the new Peugeot 308’s dashboard is based on a “high-vent” architecture that places the air vents just in front of the occupants’ heads, in the optimum position for efficiency and driver and passenger comfort.
This layout ensures that the standard 10-inch central touch screen, located slightly lower than the digital cluster, is closer to the driver’s hand and blends naturally into the overall volume of the dashboard.
On select grades, the new Peugeot 308 includes fully configurable virtual i-toggles which replace the physical air conditioning front panel.
Positioned opposite the central screen, like an open book, they provide a unique look and level of technology in the segment.
Each i-toggle is a touch-sensitive shortcut key to the air conditioning settings, a telephone contact, a radio station or an application launch set up according to the user’s choice.
The Peugeot i-Cockpit in the new Peugeot 308 maintains the principle of the central “driver oriented” screen which optimises driving ergonomics, just enough so that the passenger does not feel left out. The same applies to the centre console, which is deliberately open towards the passenger. This was one of the objectives of the interior style, to create a balance in the space between the two front row occupants.
The design of the centre console reflects the space-saving design of the new air conditioning unit. Its design places all the car’s dynamic controls together on an arch on the driver’s side:
- a new compact control for impulse selection of the modes (Reverse, Neutral, Drive) and 2 buttons (Parking and Manual) of the 8-speed automatic gearbox.
- the Driving Style Selector, to select different modes (Electric, Hybrid, Eco, Normal and Sport) depending on the engine.
The arch of the centre console extends to a dedicated slot for wireless phone charging. The rest of the console is therefore entirely dedicated to storage and convenience:
- two large-diameter cup holders;
- two USB C sockets (charge and charge/data);
- a lot of storage space, up to 34 litres; and
- an armrest.
The interior design highlights the diversity and richness of its materials. The LED ambient lighting (eight colours to choose from) hidden behind the central screen lights up the main decor to the door panels which, depending on the level of finish, can be foamed, fabric, Alcantara or made of real deep drawn aluminium parts.
New technology
The new infotainment system gives everyone the very best of the smartphone world and the automotive world, depending on their wants and needs.
Ergonomic and consistent with everyday use, each driver (up to eight profiles) can define and save their display, atmosphere and setting preferences.
The mirroring function is now wireless, and it is possible to connect two phones in Bluetooth at the same time.
The central 10-inch high-definition screen has tablet-like functionality and is easily customisable, multi-window and features “widgets” or shortcuts.
It is easy to scan the different menus from left to right, from top to bottom for notifications or with a three-finger press to make the application list appear.
You can easily go back to the main page by pressing the touch button “Home”, just like a smartphone.
At the top of the screen, a permanent banner displays outdoor temperature information, air conditioning, position in widget pages, connectivity data, notifications and time.
The Peugeot i-Connect Advanced provides a complete technological experience, with its high-performance and efficient TomTom connected navigation. For optimal readability, the map is displayed across the entire 10-inch screen.
The “OK PEUGEOT” command, a natural language voice recognition command, can be used in everyday life to improve safety and ease of use, and provides access to all requests relating to infotainment functions.
In order to provide guidance on correct use and to answer queries, the system includes on-board documentation and tutorials.
Advanced driving aids
On board the new 308, the latest-generation driving aids complete the range of on-board technologies.
A further step towards semi-autonomous driving with the Drive Assist 2.0 pack (when available), which includes adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go function (EAT8 automatic gearbox) and the Lane Keeping Aid, it also has three new functions available on lanes with separate carriageways:
- Semi-automatic lane change, suggests that the driver overtake the vehicle in front and then suggests moving back, from 70 km/h to 180 km/h.
- Anticipated speed recommendation, the system suggests to the driver that he adapt his speed (acceleration or deceleration) according to the speed limit signs.
- Curve speed adaptation, optimises speed according to the curve of the bend, up to 180 km/h.
The new Peugeot 308 comes with new equipment as standard or as an option:
- Long-range blind spot monitoring (75 metres).
- Rear traffic alert (when reversing, warning of a danger nearby).
- New high-definition 180-degree reversing camera with integrated cleaning nozzle.
- 360-degree parking assistance with four cameras (front, rear and side).
- Proximity hands-free start access.
- A fully defrostable heated windshield and heated steering wheel.
- E-call+ emergency call with passenger number information and location including the direction of the vehicle in the lane.
- Indexing the rear-view mirrors when engaging reverse gear.
The new Peugeot 308 still has a complete range of equipment on offer, depending on the variant, for driving assistance, safety and comfort:
- Adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go function (EAT8 automatic gearbox) with adjustable inter-vehicle distance setting.
- Automatic emergency braking (detects pedestrians and cyclists, day and night, from 7 km/h up to 140 km/h depending on version) with collision warning.
- Active warning of unintentional line (or roadside) crossing with course correction.
- Driver Attention Alert, to detect driver alertness over long driving times and at speeds above 65 km/h by analysing the steering wheel micro-movements.
- Automatic high beam switching.
- Extended recognition of traffic signs (stop, one way, no overtaking, end of no overtaking ban, etc.).
- Sunroof equipped with a velum.
- Perimeter, volume and deadlocking alarm.
- Electric parking brake in all variants.
Natural efficiency
The new Peugeot 308 is built from an evolution of the EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform) multi-energy platform, which makes it possible to deploy a full electrified version on this silhouette.
The platform is made up of new structural elements for even greater efficiency, safety, driving pleasure and comfort.
The new Peugeot 308 is changing its shape to assert itself in its segment:
- the length is up by 11cm to 4.36m
- the windscreen angle is lower and moved rearwards
- the wheelbase increases by 55mm to 2.675m, providing more room for the second-row passengers
- at 20mm lower, the height is now 1.44m.
The boot volume capacity is 412 litres with 28 litres of compartmentalised storage space under the carpet. With the rear seatbacks folded down, the maximum is 1323 litres.
The new Peugeot 308 includes a high level of aerodynamics, with a Cx of 0.28 and a SCx of 0.62 sq m. All visible and lesser visible bodywork parts are stylishly optimised (bumpers, deflectors, diffuser, body pillars, mirrors, underbody screens, etc.). In the same vein, the wheel design provides better aerodynamics and contributes significantly to performance.
Efficiency has been at the heart of the work undertaken throughout the development process. This new platform helps to reduce fuel consumption and limits the new Peugeot 308’s CO2 emissions.
More than ever, driving pleasure has been the aim, with exemplary roadholding, top-of-the-range driving comfort, excellent driving pleasure and perfect manoeuvrability in town with a turning radius between kerbs of 10.5m.
Typically French comfort
The seats of the new Peugeot 308 have been designed with comfort in mind and highlight the quality of the materials used: evolutionary mottled fabric, technical mesh, Alcantara, embossed leather and coloured Nappa leather.
In specific variants, they come with an Adamite colour signature thread which also highlights the dashboard, door panels and foam pads on the console.
Depending on the variant, the front seas can also be equipped with 10-way electric adjustments with two save possibilities and an 8-pocket pneumatic massage system with several different programmes and seat heating.
In the second-row, the increased wheelbase (+55mm) directly enhances comfort, while rear passengers can enjoy from more knee room. In specific variants, connectivity is also accommodated with two USB C sockets (charge and charge/data) at the rear of the centre console. A pass-through in the centre of the bench seat (2/3-1/3) reveals an armrest equipped with two cup holders and a telephone holder.
The technology enhances the different glazing elements of the new Peugeot 308:
- a fully heated windscreen.
- increased window thickness at the front and rear.
- acoustic laminated side panes in row 1 according to variant.
The air conditioning system benefits from an all-new system that enhances the thermal comfort of the occupants, while second-row passengers can enjoy air vents at the rear of the centre console.
With a view to improving the air inside, the new Peugeot 308 is equipped with the AQS (Air Quality System) which constantly monitors the quality of the air entering the vehicle and is capable of activating air recycling on its own. Selected variants come equipped with the Clean Cabin, an air treatment system with filtration of polluting gases and particles. Air quality is displayed on the central touchscreen.
Developed in partnership with Focal, a French brand specialising in Audio, the new Peugeot 308’s unique FOCAL Premium Hi-Fi system is the result of more than three years of co-design work.
The FOCAL Premium Hi-Fi system is made up of 10 speakers with exclusive patented technologies:
- four aluminium inverted dome TNF tweeters.
- four woofers/mediums with Polyglass membrane and 165mm TMD (Tuned Mass Damper) suspension.
- one central Polyglass track.
- one ovoid triple coil subwoofer Power Flower.
They are connected to a new 690W 12-channel amplifier (boosted class D technology) and completed by ARKAMYS digital sound processing.
The Peugeot and Focal teams worked together to establish the customised locations for each loudspeaker in order to offer all passengers a sensational sound experience.
On board, the sound stage is stable and precise, the voices are clear and detailed, and the bass is deep and heavy-hitting.
Choice of engines
The new Peugeot 308 is available with the following internal combustion engines (although we may not see all of them in Australia) with CO2 emissions from 117 g/km. Complying with the latest Euro6 regulation, currently being approved according to the WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedures) protocol.
Petrol, three-cylinder engines with a 1.2L displacement:
- PureTech 110 S&S BVM6.
- PureTech 130 S&S BVM6.
- PureTech 130 S&S EAT8.
Diesel, four-cylinder engines with a 1.5L displacement:
- BlueHdi 130 S&S BVM6.
- BlueHdi 130 S&S EAT8.
Hybrid. Two rechargeable hybrid engines will also be offered on the new Peugeot 308:
- HYBRID 225 e-EAT8 / 2-wheel drive / combination of a 180 hp (132 kW) PureTech engine and an 81kW electric engine attached to the e-EAT8 gearbox / from 26 g of C02 per km and up to 59 km of 100% electric range (according to the WLTP protocol, in the process of being approved).
- HYBRID 180 e-EAT8 / 2-wheel drive / combination of a 150hp (110kW) PureTech engine and an 81kW electric engine attached to the e-EAT8 gearbox / from 25 g of C02 per km and up to 60 km of 100% electric range (according to WLTP protocol, in the process of being approved).
The Li-ion battery has a capacity of 12.4kWh, a power of 102kW and two types of on-board chargers are available, meeting all customer uses and recharging solutions, as standard a 3.7kW single-phase charger and as an option a 7.4kW single-phase charger.