A new Peugeot 308 is coming in 2017. We take a look at what’s new for the 308, 308 GTi and 308 SW ahead its September arrival in the UK.
The current 308 hatchback has been given a facelift for 2017 to help it compete with the likes of the Ford Focus and VW Golf. Neither of those competitors is a pushover, but then if the ruddy lovely 3008 is anything to go by Peugeot has more chance than ever.
So what exactly does the new Peugeot 308 offer, how much does it cost and why should you care? We delved into the nitty gritty details we could get our mitts on ahead of the European test drive, which takes place later in June.
New Peugeot 308: The exterior design
The new 308 gets fetching ‘claw-effect’ rear lights while the headlights, front bumper and rear bumper have been adjusted to look more like the 3008 SUV. The French-designed 308 was never an ugly car, which makes a modest refresh more welcome than not.
New Peugeot 308: The interior design
The inside has been given a polish, too, in the form of new fabrics for the Active and Allure trim levels and a panoramic fixed glass roof on Allure, GT Line and GT trim levels in addition to the usual i-Cockpit layout and dinky steering wheel.
You also get dual-zone climate control and 3D Connected Navigation with TomTom live updates, which should make staying cool and getting from A to B easier, respectively.
New Peugeot 308: The infotainment
Another interior addition is the 9.7-inch capacitive infotainment system, which has support for Mirror Screen, Mirrorlink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. So there is a good chance your phone will be able to connect to the new 308.
New Peugeot 308: The engines
Its new engines galore for the new 308, including the debut of the 1.5-litre BlueHDi 130 S&S four-cylinder diesel, which features various anti-pollution measures including a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system and at-exhaust emission control.
The three-cylinder 1.2-litre PureTech 130 Stop&Start, meanwhile, also has at-exhaust emission control and has been mated to a new six-speed manual gearbox. Then there is a 2.0-litre BlueHDi 180 Stop&Start for those who want more horsepower, which is paired up with a new eight-speed automatic.
New Peugeot 308: The 308 GTi
Underneath the bonnet of the new 308 GTi lies a 270PS (266.2bhp) THP Stop&Start petrol capable of 0-62mph in 6.0 seconds. It’s the same engine and gearbox from the lairy RCZ R, if that power output seems familiar, which works in conjunction with an 11mm lower ride height and other sporty revisions such as firmer dampers.
There is also a new ‘coupe franche’ colour schemes for the 308 GTi by Peugeot Sport, which is comprised of Magnetic Blue and Black Perla Nera.
New Peugeot 308: The 308 SW
The 308 SW is the compact estate version of the 308 and has also been refreshed for 2017. That means you get everything on the new 308, except you replace a svelte design for more boot space.
New Peugeot 308: The safety stuff
To maintain a healthy safety rating, the new 308 can be had with Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop function if you are willing to pay extra for it. Another option is Active Blind Spot Monitoring, which actively monitors blindspots (what else was it going to do?), and City Park, which will help people who struggle to park. Not just in the city, either.
New Peugeot 308: The UK cost and price stuff
You can order the new Peugeot 308 right now ahead of first deliveries in September, 2017. Prices start from £16,535 for the standard 308 – a few thousand cheaper than the Focus.
A 308 SW starts from £18,895 while the 308 GTi can be had for £29,405 – not far off Ford Focus RS and Honda Civic Type R money.
Recombu Cars has been invited to the European launch so expect our first drive in the very near future. In the meantime, see what we thought of the old 308 GTi.
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