Aisin has developed an eight-speed automatic transmission for the diesel-powered 308 GT.
Peugeot has revealed the updated 308, although we have only one image of its five-door hatchback model, following last month’s leak. This is perhaps the most subtle facelift ever, as only diehard lion-lovers will be able to spot the new features. The LED headlights were slightly modified, and the hood now has a different look. Although the most noticeable change is the redesign of the front bumper, which features revised apertures and modified fog light designs, it won’t be enough for you to rush to your local Peugeot dealer to place an order.
Although the PSA brand has yet to reveal the back of the 308, it did say that the taillights were updated to better display the three-claw motif. Although the leak contained an image of the car’s posterior, the rear lighting clusters featured a slightly new design.
The interior cabin of the refreshed Peugeot 308 is identical to the original generation of the iCockpit. It doesn’t have the same high-tech flair of new-generation models like the 3008 crossover. Mirror Screen technology allows owners to duplicate a smartphone’s screen on the infotainment display. A new version of the Sat-Nav system is available for C-segment models with voice control and TomTom Traffic real-time traffic monitoring.
Under the familiar skin, there have been more important changes. The 180-hp diesel 308 GT now has an eight-speed automatic transmission that was developed in collaboration with Aisin. Peugeot says the new gearbox gives the warm hatch a smoother, more fluid and more consistent response than the six-speed unit.
Peugeot’s 308 is the first car to feature a 130-hp diesel four cylinder engine with at-source and exhaust emission control. The engine also features a patent chamber design and an SCR pollution control system. This lowers emissions.
The gasoline engine has seen a few modifications to the three-cylinder unit with 130-hp. The engineers will also link the PureTech 130 S&S engine with a new six speed manual transmission that can fully exploit the engine’s potential.
This mid-cycle refresh brings more safety technology to the Peugeot 308 facelift. It is the first model in the newly expanded PSA Group with cruise control that includes a stop function. Only models fitted with an automatic gearbox get this function, while manual-fitted cars get it. Eight of the most recent-gen systems are available to assist drivers, including Active Lane Departure Alert and Active Safety Brake.
Peugeot will continue to sell the 308 in six trims: Access, Active and Allure, GT Line, GT and the spicy GTi. Each will have an LED light signature as standard. Once the model is introduced at the Sochaux plant, France, sales should start immediately.