Peugeot has unveiled its new-generation 308 model ahead of its arrival in dealer showrooms in Ireland this autumn, and in good time for the 181-registration period, writes Trish Whelan.
The 308, historically the company’s best-selling model, will be offered in both hatchback and station-wagon body styles, with both petrol and diesel engines, and six trims levels. It will also debut the latest-generation Peugeot powertrains and a new 8-speed automatic gearbox.
New exterior styling features include a redesigned, sleek bonnet and an assertive vertical grille with the Lion badge and latest LED light signature.
Inside, the Peugeot i-Cockpit’s touchscreen offers new graphics and rapid access to the car’s functions, including advanced driver assistance systems and 3D sat nav.
Trims are Access, Active, Allure, GT Line GT and GTi. Depending on trim, features include Active Safety Brake, Active Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Visiopark with 180deg rear camera and Park Assist function which measures the parking space available and actually steers the car in.
Efficient petrol and diesel engines offer a compromise between high performance and low fuel consumption.
The PureTech petrol engine has had a major upgrade with at-exhaust emission control for low real-life fuel consumption and the company says that a new six-speed manual gearbox ‘reaps the maximum benefit of this high-performance 130hp engine’.
The new 308 is the first PSA group model to get the new BlueHDi 130 S&S four-cylinder diesel engine. The BlueHDi 180 diesel, exclusive to the 308 GT, is matched to a new-generation EAT8 automatic transmission, a powerful and highly efficient powertrain which Peugeot say provides 'a sensational driving experience'.
The new 308 (pictured above) and 308 SW (pictured below) are made at the company’s Sochaux plant in France. Further details, and prices, will be revealed closer to launch.
