Peugeot in Ireland are targeting 4 percent of the compact family car segment with the new 308 that arrives in December, writes Brian Byrne.
The new 308 will initially be offered with 1.2 and 1.6 petrol engines and a 1.6 diesel. In the spring of next year, the new model will get new Euro 6 3-cylinder petrol engines in 110/130hp variants, as well as 120hp 1.6 and 130hp 2.0 BlueHDi diesels.
CO2 emissions as low as 82g/km are promised, with fuel economy rated up to more than 90mpg equivalent.
In addition to improved efficiencies in the powertrains, Peugeot has trimmed 140kg from the weight of the model, which will have aluminium front wings and a thermoplastic tailgate.
The car is lower than the outgoing version, and with a lower centre of gravity, the company claims 'benchmarking' handling. A compact exterior design holds an improved interior package, with more room for occupants and luggage.
There will be a wide range of technology options, including an onboard wifi unit which can share up to four devices to the internet.
The importers are planning for sales of 1,000 units of the new hatchback in the very competitive segment which represents around 30 percent of cars sold in Ireland. Within that segment, four in ten cars are hatchbacks.
Some 15 percent of 308 sales will be petrol, pretty well on course for the segment average.
More than 4,000 units of the current 308 were sold in Ireland since 2007, with the predecessor 307 sold alongside it until 2009.
