Peugeot Launches Its New Sporty 308 Hatchback With PHEV Technology:

The Peugeot brand has pulled the covers off of its all-new third-generation Peugeot 308, one of the brand’s most popular vehicles. The new family hatchback is set to take on the likes of the Volkswagon Golf when it goes on sale in the EMEA region and other various global markets. The current model won European Car of the Year back in 2014, so to say there isn’t a lot of pressure on the newest interpretation is an understatement.

Underpinning the all-new 308 is Stellantis’ Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2) platform. Its EMP2 platform also underpins the Citroën C5 Aircross, and DS7 Crossback and is capable of using gasoline, diesel, and electrified powertrains. This means that for the first time, the 308 will be available with plug-in hybrid options, two options to be exact. The plug-in hybrid models use a gasoline turbocharged four-cylinder internal combustion engine (ICE) with either 148 horsepower or 178 horsepower combined with a 109 horsepower (81 kW) mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Both systems use a 12.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack allowing the 308 Hybrid to travel up to 37 miles on electric power alone. The system can be charged with a 7.4kW charger in under two hours.

For those who are looking to be more conventual, there will be a 1.2-liter PureTech three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine offering either 108 horsepower or 128 horsepower. For those who want diesel power, there is a 1.5-liter BlueHDi four-cylinder with 128 horsepower. The higher performance gas engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic, while the other powertrain options come with a 6-speed manual.

Peugeot’s design team really outdid themselves, incorporating the brand’s latest design language the new 308 has a low-slung sleek profile from the side. This is due to the design team actually lowering the roof height, less than an inch over the previous model. Along with aggressive-looking wheels and a 2-inch longer-wheelbase, the new 308 is one of the more stylish hatchbacks out there.

Upfront, the new 308 features the new Peugeot “fang” LED daytime running lights running vertically under the LED headlamps. The bold styling of the corporate grille features the all-new Peugeot brand lion logo and creates a much sportier performance-oriented look to the vehicle, compared to the 308 models in the past. The new lion badges also adorn the front fenders, similar to the four-leaf clover on the Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio models.

The lion motif continues at the rear of the vehicle, with the brand’s signature “three claw” signature taillamp design. The vertical lines running across the hatch, make the hatchback look as if it is as wide as most large sedans. While angular dual rear exhaust bezels and rear back-up lights are carefully placed down low on the rear fascia.

Inside, we can see just how different the PSA-side of Stellantis is when compared to the FCA-side we have all come to love. The new 308 features a lot of angular shapes across the instrument panel, giving the vehicle a less refined take and more of a modern look. The brand’s familiar i-Cockpit design features a 10-inch digital instrumental cluster, something we are seeing as a trend across all of the Stellantis brands. On GT models, the screen can also a 3D feature.

Located in the center of the dash is a large 10-inch infotainment system featuring configurable i-toggles next to the screen. Sorry, there is no Uconnect 5 infotainment here, but it does Peugeot’s new i-Connect infotainment software package allows for 8 different driver profiles and offers a wireless screen mirroring function. Like Uconnect, i-Connect allows for two smartphones to be paired to the system at once.

Seats can be equipped with Alcantara and embossed leather, depending on the trim. There are also available 10-way power seats for both the driver and passenger, as well as a multi-programable message feature (that right, no need to pay the big bucks on a Grand Cherokee L or Grand Wagoneer to get that feature here). GT models and up, also feature a new Air Quality System, that allows for air to be filtered as it enters the cabin and allows the 308 to give read-outs of the air quality on the touchscreen for its passengers.

Instead of the common rotary-dial shifter we have become a custom to in several FCA-side vehicles, the 308 gets a push-button select for its transmission selections. A push to start button is located just in front of the transmission selector on the center console. A wireless phone charging pad, a 34-liter storage compartment, and a pair of USB sockets are all located on the center console as well. A leather-wrapped steering featuring a flat-bottom and flat-top design is also equipped, giving a more performance-oriented look.

The new 308 comes available also with the latest safety and driving aids. These features include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Keep Assist, Semi-Automatic Lane Change, Curve Speed Adaptation, and Anticipated Speed Recommendation. There is also Rear-Cross Traffic Alert, Blind-Spot Monitoring, 360-Degree Surround-View Parking Assistance, Reverse Camera with Cleaning Nozzle, Heated Steering Wheel, and Emergency Call Function (known as E-Call+)

The new 308 will be available in 7 exterior colors. Those colors include Olivine Green (shown), Bianca White, Cumulus Grey, Nera Black, Pearlescent White, Vertigo Blue, and Elixir Red.

Stellantis has confirmed it has no intentions to bring the Peugeot brand to the competitive United States and Canadian marketplace. Instead, it will focus its efforts and resources on the FIAT and Alfa Romeo brands. For those who live in Mexico on the other hand, the current 308 has been on sale there for quite some time. We expect the new model will probably make its way there as well.

Pricing for the new 308 has not been released, but we expect it to be very competitive with the Volkswagon Golf when it is announced.

So what do you think of the new Peugeot 308 Hatchback? Leave your comments below or in the MoparInsiders forums.

New 2021 Peugeot 308 Hatchback Image Gallery:

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