By Otsile Kadiege

There’s a new French player in the hotly-contested C-segment. Peugeot has unveiled its new 308 and promises a seductive new look, efficient and performance powertrains, and a connected, driver focused and spacious interior.

Sensual and sharp

Peugeot describes the design of the 308 as intensely seductive. Up-front, the 308 features a new patterned grille which gradually converges towards the newly designed “coat of arms”. The former is flanked by slim LED headlights with hook-shaped daytime running lights. On the GT/GT Pack levels, the Full LED headlamps are even thinner and features Peugeot’s Matrix LED Technology, for greater efficiency and safety in everyday use.

The side profile of the 308 is sculpted and has deep cutouts which enhance visual drama. Depending on the trim level, the fenders will feature the brand’s new coat of arms.

The taillights use Full LED technology displaying the 3 claws for a modern, brand-specific light signature. The following colours will be available for the new 308: Olivine Green, Vertigo Blue, Elixir Red, Pearl White, Ice White, Artense Grey and Perla Nera Black.

Technologically advanced, driver focused and spacious interior

The new Peugeot 308’s i-cockpit has been enhanced and modernised. It marks a clear change in terms of ergonomics, quality, design and technology with its brand new iConnect infotainment system.

Behind the compact multifunctional steering wheel, which has the optional heated function, is a configurable 10-inch cluster. It’s a standard feature in Active derivatives and GT levels get a 3 dimensions cluster.

For efficiency and driver and passenger comfort, the air vents have been placed atop the dashboard. The 308 GT level will feature AQS (Air Quality System) which constantly monitors the quality of the air entering the vehicle, and is capable of activating air recycling on its own.

The new standard 10-inch touch display sits beneath the air vents. Depending on the chosen derivative, the 308 will come with wireless charging and 4 USB ports (2 front, 2 rear). The dynamic controls on the new centre console have been strategically placed on the driver’s side.

The 308 is built on the EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform) multi-energy platform. The wheelbase of the new 308 has been extended by 55mm, which means more legroom for rear passengers. The luggage capacity is down from 420-litres to 412-litres.

Safety systems and driver assistance features

The new 308 will feature adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency brake, automatic high beam assist, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, 360-degree parking assist, and rear traffic alert to name a few.

Engines

Powering the new Peugeot 308 is a range of hybrid petrol and diesel engines.

Hybrids:

1) Hybrid 180 e-EAT8 – 110kW / 250 Nm from the combustion engine and 81 kW/320Nm from the electric engine; and

2) Hybrid 225 e-EAT8 – 132kW / 250 Nm from the combustion engine and 81kW / 320Nm from the electric engine.

Both are fitted with a 12.4 kWh Li-ion battery.

Petrol engines:

1) Puretech 110 S&S MT6 – 81kW / 205Nm;

2) Puretech 130 S&S MT6 – 96kW / 230Nm; and

3) Puretech 130 S&S EAT8 – 96kW / 230Nm.

Diesel engines:

1) BlueHdi 130 S&S MT6 – 96kW / 300Nm; and

2) BlueHdi 130 S&S EAT8 – 96kW / 300Nm.