308
308

Quick peek at tres chic new 308

Riley Riley

Looking chicer and more elegant than ever Peugeot’s stylish new 308 hatch has just broken cover.

It’s the first model to wear Peugeots redesigned emblem and will also be available as a hybrid for the first time, although the latter is yet to be confirmed for Australia.

It’s a plugin and Peugeot also has a fully electric version of the car, but its been shelved because the company didn’t think they could make a buck out of it.

The 1.2-litre turbocharged three cylinder engine from the current lineup carries over, while two rechargeable hybrid engines will also be offered:

  • HYBRID 225 e-EAT8 / front-wheel drive / combination of 132kW PureTech engine and an 81kW electric motor attached to the e-EAT8 gearbox / from 26g of C02 per km and up to 59km of 100 per cent electric range (according to the WLTP protocol, in the process of being approved).
  • HYBRID 180 e-EAT8 / front-wheel drive / combination of 110kW PureTech engine and an 81kW electric motor attached to the e-EAT8 gearbox / from 25g of C02 per km and up to 60km of 100 per cent 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.

New 308 has been aerodynamically optimised and is 11mm longer, sits 20mm lower and has a 55mm longer wheelbase (distance between axles) that offers more space for rear passengers.

Both front and rear lights are LED. and radar used for active safety systems is actually hidden behind the new badge which becomes the centrepiece of the front grille.

Inside the i-Cockpit configurable dash been updated and enhanced.

The dashboard is based on “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 centre touchscreen, located slightly lower than the digital cluster, is closer to the driver’s hand.

On some grades, fully configurable virtual i-toggles 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 design of the centre console reflects the space-saving design of the new air conditioning unit, placing 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, with the rest of the console 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.

LED ambient lighting has eight colours to choose from and is hidden behind the centre screen, lighting up the main decor to the door panels.

The new infotainment system gives everyone the very best of the smartphone world and the automotive world, depending on their wants and needs.

The 10-inch 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 3-finger press to make the application list appear.

i-Connect Advanced provides TomTom connected navigation.

The “OK PEUGEOT” command provides access to all requests relating to infotainment functions.

The 10-speaker Focal Premium audio system comes with a new 690W 12-channel amplifier (boosted class D technology) and completed by Arkamys digital sound processing.

In 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 Lane Keeping Aid, 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 to 180km/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 180km/h.

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° parking assistance with 4 cameras (front, rear and side).
  • Proximity hands-free start access.
  • A fully defrostable heated windshield and degree 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.

Peugeot Australia says the new 308 will arrive early next year.

 

CHECKOUT: Peugeot 308: Could’a should’a

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Riley