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All-New PEUGEOT 308 is much more than just a number.

All-New PEUGEOT 308 is much more than just a number.

The all-new Peugeot 308 is the first model in the French manufacturer’s line-up to bear the new Peugeot brand coat of arms in the front grille entirely dedicated to it. The radar for the advanced safety systems is located behind the coat of arms, making it the centrepiece on the grille. The new 308 possesses an assertive appearance from the front, while its muscular rear end design benefits from powerful aerodynamics boosted by its lowered roofline. The new 308’s extended wheelbase stretches the silhouette and offers more space for rear passengers, while the 20mm height reduction, combined with a soft-nose, visually lengthens the bonnet. The boot volume is now 412 litres, with the added convenience of 28 litres of compartmentalised storage space, and with the rear seats folded, the load volume increases to a generous 1,323 litres. However, for drivers looking for even more practicality, there is a Station Wagon (SW) body style available, with up to 1,634-litres of cargo space on offer.

Trim & Engine Options.

The new 308 Hatchback is available in entry-level Active, mid-spec Allure, and Range-topping GT trim levels, while engine options consist of a 1.2 PureTech petrol engine with 130bhp, a 1.5 BlueHDi turbo-diesel unit with 130bhp, and a petrol/electric plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with 180bhp or 225bhp (model dependent) – all of which are paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard. The new Peugeot 308 is built from an evolution of the EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform) multi-energy platform, which makes it possible to deploy fully electrified versions, and a fully-electric version of the 308 will be launched in late 2023.

Impressive Standard Equipment.

Key standard equipment available from Active trim includes stylish alloy wheels, model designation badges front & rear, Nera black door mirrors, gloss black B pillars, body-coloured rear spoiler, Bluetooth™, DAB radio, Mirror Screen™ with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™, Thatcham alarm system, new compact automatic gearbox impulse selector, sport pedals with foot rest, gloss black ‘Piano’ key toggle switches, PEUGEOT i-Cockpit™ with a 10-inch HD touchscreen, electric parking brake, and an acoustic tinted windscreen, along with a suite of advanced safety systems to include: ABS, EBD, EBA (Emergency Brake Assist), multiple airbags with adaptive driver and front passenger airbags, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Hill Start Assist, Lane Keep Assist, speed limit and traffic sign recognition, Driver Attention Warning, Intelligent Speed Adaption, and tyre pressure sensors. Additionally, the front headlamps use LED technology from the entry Active grade. Chiselled and slim, they contribute to the dynamics and identity of the new Peugeot 308. They are extended by hook-shaped daytime running lights on the front bumper. This light signature is reflective of the current Peugeot style, and is recognisable at first glance both by day and by night. 

Amazing Intuitive Controls.

The PEUGEOT i-cockpit® is part of the brand’s DNA. With each generation, it has been enhanced and modernised. With this new Peugeot 308, it marks a clear change in terms of ergonomics, quality, design and technology. The new compact steering wheel includes sensors which can detect the driver’s grip on the steering wheel when using the new driving aids. Ergonomic, heated (optional), it includes all the helpful controls: radio, media and telephone. The instrument cluster, located at eye level, has a 10 inch digital panel as standard across all grades. In the GT trim, the cluster is 3 dimensional. Fully configurable and customisable, this digital cluster has several display modes (TomTom connected Navigation, DAB Radio/Media, Driving Aids, Energy Flow, etc.) that can be modified directly from the stalk. From the Allure grade, the new 308 includes fully configurable virtual i-toggles which enable customers to create their preferred shortcuts. Positioned opposite the central screen, like an open book, they provide a unique look and level of technology in the segment. Each i-toggle is a touch-sensitive shortcut key to the air conditioning settings, a telephone contact, a radio station, an application launch set up according to the driver’s choice. The new infotainment system gives all occupants the very best of the smartphone world and the best of the automotive world.

Test Car.

My test car was a new Peugeot 308 (Hatchback) Allure 1.2 PureTech (petrol) which was finished in Olivine Green metallic paintwork (a no-cost option). The 1199cc engine produces 130bhp and 230Nm of torque, and this enables the car to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 9.7-seconds, on its way to a top speed of 210km/h (where permitted). On a WLTP combined driving cycle, it is possible to achieve fuel consumption as low as 5.7-litres for every 100km driven, thereby making it possible to drive for up to 900kms between fill-ups, courtesy of the standard 52-litre fuel tank. I found my test car to be very easy to drive, thanks in no small part to its light controls, and small and sporty steering wheel, while its well-judged suspension set-up ensures that road imperfections and speed ramps are dealt with in a fuss-free and composed manner. The standard 8-speed automatic transmission provides seamless gear changes, and this adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the overall driving experience. Key standard Allure features include rear privacy glass, a 180-degree colour reversing camera with front & rear parking sensors, keyless entry, push-button start, multi driving mode selector, 17-inch alloy wheels, gloss black rear cluster connecting strip, Connected 3D Navigation, PEUGEOT i-Connect (activated by using “OK PEUGEOT”, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay™, driver and front passenger comfort seats, high beam assist, and signature LED daytime running lights, along with Active Safety Brake, and a Drive Assist Pack consisting of Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, and Long Range Active Blind Spot Detection.

Verdict, Pricing & Warranty.

The all-new Peugeot 308 Hatchback is one of the most distinctive and desirable cars in its class, and its intense appeal captivates with its strength of character and dynamism. The new ergonomic and intuitive PEUGEOT i-Cockpit™ offers easy access to the full range of features on offer, while the new instrument panel ensures that all information essential to the driver is displayed at eye level. Pricing for the new Peugeot 308 Hatchback starts at €31,765 (ex-works) with the SW variant commanding a €1,000 premium. All Peugeot passenger cars are covered by a comprehensive 5-year/100,000km warranty, along with Peugeot Assist breakdown cover for the same duration/mileage limitation.

Visit www.peugeot.ie for further information. 

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