This is the first car to sport the new lion badge. It’s too bad Peugeot isn’t returning to the US.
The second-generation Peugeot 308 will be retired after eight years of being on the market, and many facelifts. The wait was worth it. We find the new version to be much more appealing than the older model. The VW Golf rival is completely redesigned. It pays homage to the past by featuring a retro badge, and the “308” logo below its hood.
The front bumper now has LED daytime running lamps that extend down to the bumper. This brings the Peugeot 308 into line with the latest Peugeot products. The new front grille is inspired by the recently updated SUVs like the 3008 It is available in two trim levels: 5008 and 5008, and it is flanked with slim matrix LED headlights on the GT and GT Pack versions. For only a few lighting functions, the lower trim levels have larger headlights and light emitting diodes.
The lion is sharpening its three claws at back for full-LED taillights. A glossy black trim runs across the tailgate, but does not include a light strip like many new cars. These hues include Vertigo Blue and Olivine Green, but customers can also order the new 308 in Elixir Red and White Banquise Grey as well as Pearl White, Pearl White, Black Perla Nera and Artense (silver). There are a variety of 16- and 18-inch wheels available.
The 308 is larger than its predecessor, as with most cars that make the transition to the next generation. The vehicle now measures 4.36m (171.6 in), which is 11 cm (4.3in) longer than it was before. For additional legroom, the wheelbase has been extended 55mm (2.16in) to 2,675mm (105.3 in). Peugeot has reduced drag coefficient to 0.28 by lowering the roofline 20 mm (0.78in) to 1.44m (56.7 in).
You can access the HVAC controls by touching the touch-sensitive key. There are also shortcut buttons located below. There are still some toggle switches below the main screen, but Peugeot has integrated most functions into the infotainment, to make it easier to use the center console.
The cargo volume of the 308 has decreased slightly in size from 420 liters (14.8 cuft) to 412 Liters (14.5 cuft). The volume of the cargo compartments can be folded down to make it 1,323 Liters (46.7 cuft). The cabin has additional cargo compartments that provide an additional 34 liters of storage (1.2 cu.ft).
The next generation Peugeot 308 will use an EMP2 platform evolution to power a turbocharged, three-cylinder engine. It is available in two tunings. The 1.2-liter gasoline engine produces 110 and 130 horsepower. It is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight speed automatic transmission. For the more powerful version, the engine can be sent to the wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission. A four-cylinder 1.5-liter diesel engine produces 130 horsepower and can be equipped with two or three pedals.
The new Peugeot 308 was made in France at Stellantis Mulhouse factory. It will be available in Europe in the second-half of 2012. A more practical version of the Golf Variant has been revealed in spy shots.