New Peugeot 308 revealed: more upmarket design and more technology

The new Peugeot 308 has just been unveiled, a model that underlines the French brand’s push to move further upmarket. In this third generation, the compact family car from the “lion brand” arrives with its most polished look yet. And the changes are not limited to styling: the technology offering is broader than ever.

Raising its position and status has, in any case, been a long-stated ambition for Peugeot. That intent is now embodied in the company’s new crest and logo. The end result is a car that looks to have everything it needs to keep making life difficult for the Volkswagen Golf.

With more than 7 million units sold, the 308 is among Peugeot’s most important models. It is therefore no surprise that it has been chosen to debut the brand’s new badge, displayed proudly at the centre of the large front grille. The same emblem can also be spotted on the sides, behind the front wheel, with a look that brings to mind a certain Italian marque…

It has grown in (almost) every direction

Compared with its predecessor, the new 308 stands out for more expressive styling, plus an abundance of details and decorative touches. But the differences go further than design. Although the latest Peugeot 308, like the outgoing model, is based on the EMP2 platform, that architecture has been extensively reworked. In this third generation, the new 308 grows in almost every direction.

It is 110 mm longer (4367 mm) and its wheelbase is 55 mm greater (2675 mm). It is also 48 mm wider (1852 mm). However, it sits 20 mm lower, now measuring 1444 mm in height.

This gives it a slimmer-looking profile, reinforced by the greater rake of the A-pillar. And it does not merely look more aerodynamic: it is genuinely more aerodynamic. Drag has been reduced thanks to optimising multiple areas (from the underbody panelling to the attention paid to the design of the mirrors and pillars). Cx is now 0.28, and S.Cx (frontal area multiplied by the aerodynamic coefficient) becomes 0.62 - almost 10% less than the predecessor.

The larger exterior dimensions translate into cabin measurements, with Peugeot stating there is more knee room for rear passengers. Even so, the boot is marginally smaller in the new generation: 412 l instead of 420 l, although there is now a 28 l compartment beneath the boot floor.

The interior keeps the i-Cockpit

As has been the case for almost 10 years, the cabin of the new Peugeot 308 continues to be centred around the i-Cockpit, where the instrument panel - always digital at 10″ and in 3D from the GT trim level - is positioned higher than usual, paired with a small steering wheel.

The steering wheel itself, beyond being compact, adopts a shape that tends towards a hexagon and now integrates sensors that can detect the driver’s hands on the wheel, complementing the latest driver assistance systems. It can also be heated and includes a range of controls (radio, media, phone and driving assistants).

In this generation the air vents have also been moved higher up on the dashboard (a more effective position, acting directly in front of occupants), “pushing” the infotainment screen (10″) to a lower position and closer to the driver’s hand. Another new feature is the configurable touch buttons directly beneath the screen, which act as shortcut keys.

As has been a hallmark of the brand’s latest launches, the new Peugeot 308’s interior also presents a sophisticated, almost architectural feel. Particular attention goes to the centre console on versions with the automatic gearbox (EAT8), which does away with a conventional gear lever and instead uses a discreet toggle to switch between R, N and D, with separate buttons for P and B mode. Driving modes are selected via another button positioned further back.

It is not enough to look the part - it has to deliver

Peugeot says the higher positioning it is seeking for itself and its new model will also be reflected in a more refined driving experience. To achieve this, the brand has improved the car’s structural rigidity, making greater use of industrial adhesives, and has further developed overall refinement and sound insulation.

The windscreen can be heated, and the glass is thicker not only at the front but also at the rear; the front side windows can be acoustically laminated (depending on version). The seats promise better ergonomics and comfort, having earned the AGR label (Aktion für Gesunder Rücken, or Campaign for a Healthy Back). Optionally, they can feature electric adjustment and include a massage system.

Everyday comfort on board is also highlighted not just by the availability of a FOCAL audio system, but by the introduction of an interior air-quality system that automatically activates air recirculation when needed. On GT trim, this is complemented by an air treatment system (Clean Cabin) that filters pollutant gases and particles.

Two plug-in hybrids available from launch

When the new Peugeot 308 reaches the market in a few months’ time - all signs point to deliveries in key markets starting from May - it will offer two plug-in hybrid powertrains right from the outset.

They are not entirely new, as they have already appeared in other models from what is now the former Groupe PSA, pairing a 1.6 PureTech petrol internal combustion engine - with 150 cv or 180 cv - with an electric motor rated at 81 kW (110 cv). This results in two versions:

• Hybrid 180 e-EAT8 - 180 cv maximum combined power, up to 60 km of range and CO₂ emissions of 25 g/km;
• Hybrid 225 e-EAT8 - 225 cv maximum combined power, up to 59 km of range and CO₂ emissions of 26 g/km

Both use the same 12.4 kWh battery, which reduces boot capacity from 412 l to 361 l. Charging times range from just over seven hours (3.7 kW charger using a domestic socket) down to almost two hours (7.4 kW charger with a wallbox).

The remaining combustion-only engines are familiar names:

• 1.2 PureTech - 110 cv, six-speed manual gearbox;
• 1.2 PureTech - 130 cv, six-speed manual gearbox;
• 1.2 PureTech - 130 cv, eight-speed automatic gearbox (EAT8);
• 1.5 BlueHDI - 130 cv, six-speed manual gearbox;
• 1.5 BlueHDI - 130 cv, eight-speed automatic gearbox (EAT8);

Semi-autonomous

Finally, as expected, the new Peugeot 308 significantly strengthens its driver assistance package (Drive Assist 2.0), enabling semi-autonomous driving (level 2) - an option that will be available near the end of the year.

Drive Assist 2.0 includes adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go (when equipped with EAT8), lane keeping, and adds three new functions: semi-automatic lane changing (from 70 km/h to 180 km/h); advanced speed recommendation in line with road signs; and speed adaptation through bends (up to 180 km/h).

It does not stop there, with equipment (standard or optional) such as a new 180º high-definition rear camera, 360º parking assist using four cameras; adaptive cruise control; autonomous emergency braking capable of detecting pedestrians and cyclists, day or night, from 7 km/h up to 140 km/h (depending on version); a driver attention alert; and more.