Some sheet metal can be seen on the hatchback.
It is time for a major refresh of the current-generation Peugeot 308. The hatchback was first seen in 2013 and spy photos over the past few months show that it is progressing well, even though we have not seen much. The hatchback is now covered in black plastic, instead of the camouflaged swirly wrap it was seen in. This shows more of its design beneath.
The photos appear to show a production-ready model with a silver exterior. However, the wrap hides the finer details of its overall design. The new design is paired with EMP2 platform by the company, which increases both cargo and passenger space. Wrapping also shows a little of the design. It gives a better view of the taillights which seem to be sitting above a stylized rear bumper. The bumper’s design can be seen underneath the wrap, which shows a fascia similar to the Peugeot 508 with vertical daytime running lamps.
We expect a variety of powertrains to be offered, but we are most excited about the possibility of a Peugeot Sport Engineering variant. This will serve as the successor to the 308 GTi. According to rumors, the model will have all-wheel drive and a hybrid engine just like the 508 PSE. Hot hatches could generate 300 horsepower (223 Kilowatts).
Although we expect Peugeot to unveil the new 308 next year in the first half of the year, a date is still unknown. Although Peugeot is not a well-known brand, it’s likely that this will change in the US. The company still plans to make its US return in 2023 as well as its partnership for FCA. We are not sure if Peugeot plans to include the 308 hatchback in the US. This is at a time when Americans would be most interested in the company’s SUVs and crossovers. However, we’d love to see it rebadged as an FCA brand like Dodge.