In one’s search for an efficient and satisfying city-cum-family car, one is bound to hear of the new Peugeot 308. The car evokes efficiency and grace while achieving impressive environmentally-friendly performance.
The new Peugeot 308 reflects new ambitions of style in the automotive industry. We couldn’t resist spreading the word about this baby even though it won’t appear in showrooms until early 2014 at the earliest.
But why is it called the 308 if it’s a new model? Shouldn’t it be called the 309? Actually, Peugeot already made a 309 back in 1985, which was quite popular in the UK. Naming conventions aside, the new 308 has more than enough authentic features of its own to warrant the label “new”, and we’re here to show you what they are.
Lightweight Platform
The new 308 sits on an entirely new platform that’s hardly ever seen in a modern automobile before. This is called the Efficient Modular Platform, and this makes the automobile 140 kilograms lighter than its predecessor. The body is lower and wider but features a longer wheelbase. These improved aerodynamics make driving this vehicle a lot more comfortable and light. In terms of environmental friendliness, the most frugal model in the range boasts a CO2 emission rate as low as 85g/km, and is claimed to average more than 80mpg.
Increasingly Compact
The new 308’s clean design incorporates Peugeot’s ‘floating’ front grille, while the slim headlamps are full LEDs (on most trim levels) – the world’s first in the medium segment. The new model is slightly shorter than the current 308, with a length of 4.25 meters. With its crisp lines, precise styling and slim-line, athletic appeal, this is a car that promises to be at one with the driver and to thrill the senses.
Intuitive Cockpit
Peugeot calls its new interior an ‘i-cockpit’. In other words, it is designed to be intuitive and relaxing for the driver to focus entirely on the road ahead. A head-up instrument layout means that information can be read easily and safely. The cabin’s slickest feature is the 9.7” touch screen, which eliminates the need for buttons and switches. We’ll say it again: there are literally no buttons on the central dash, with all functions mediated instead by the beautiful touch screen. The panoramic glass sunroof (optional decal) makes the interior feel light and airy, improving the wellbeing of both driver and passengers.
Engine Performance
You can opt for the 1.6-liter diesel with 92bhp or 115bhp, the 1.6-liter petrol with 125bhp or 155bhp, and next year, a series of 1.2-liter three-pot turbo petrol that promise to take full advantage of the lightweight body. In fact, this new 308, with the 92bhp 1.6-liter diesel, weighs 1,090kg – just a few bags of sugar more than most economic cars from the class below. The ride itself is superb, supremely composed, and delivers exactly what you’d expect from a breezy cruiser.
After its world premiere at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Peugeot 308 will go on sale in the UK in January 2014.
