New Peugeot 308: follow our tests

It is an event at Peugeot. Renewing the 308 is no small task as this model has been so successful since 2013 with the advent of the second generation, the last of which left the Sochaux plant on September 10. For the third opus, the Sochaux manufacturer does not go with the back of the spoon: morphology, design and engines, the 308 changes everything! Aggressive lines on the outside and projecting furniture on the inside, the star of French compacts will be talked about. Before this first full test, that of a prototype of the 308 SW made a first impression.

TO READ. At the wheel of a prototype of the new Peugeot 308 SW

A 308 … Sedan, SW, gasoline and hybrid!

Based on the EMP2 V3 platform of the Stellantis group (ex-PSA), the French is not just changing its look. She stretches her figure 11 cm and now reaches 4.36 m. But the big news is to be found in the engines, since the new 308 is available for the first time in a plug-in hybrid version with two powers on the program: 180 and 225 hp. These 308 Hybrids combine a 1.6 petrol unit, an electric motor and a battery with a capacity of 12.4 kWh to provide an electric range of 60 km. This engine, installed on the sedan, will also be found under the hood of the SW station wagon, which will be available from the launch of the model in early October 2021.

The electric 308 already announced

Peugeot is well aware that the plug-in hybrid is not for everyone, considering the price. The brand therefore rejects the three-cylinder 1.2 PureTech engine in 110 and 130 hp under the hood of the 308. The Lion, on the other hand, does the minimum on the diesel side with only one proposal: the BlueHDi of 130 hp. Proof that times are changing. Moreover, the French will quickly experience changes with a very trendy crossover version (P54) from 2022 and a fully electric e-308 version in 2023.

Price and competition of the new 308

In the meantime, the 308 will find its way competition from the new DS 4 and Opel Astra, with which it shares its foundations. And the lioness aims for the big gap by targeting both general models (Astra, Focus, Mégane and Golf) and premium (A3, Series 1 and Class A). Moreover, the prices of the new 308 also make the big difference with a range between 24,800 and 44,900 €. On the equipment side, the new multimedia interface of the i-cockpit brings the 308 into the modern and connected era.

Find our articles on the Peugeot 308 2021.

• Detailed presentation of the new i-Cockpit from the 308
• Peugeot 308 SW (2022). On board the new station wagon version
• Peugeot 308 (2022). First info and photo of the Crossover