The compact segment is, still today, the most competitive in the Spanish market. The fondness for SUVs has reduced sales, as expected, but young people continue to bet on their sporty silhouettes, more contained sizes and affordable prices. The presence of mobility icons such as the Audi A3, Ford Focus, Hyundai i30, Mazda 3, Seat León and Volkswagen Golf, among many others, is concentrated in this piece of cake. Today we come to talk about the third generation of the Peugeot 308 , one of the most chosen and that, for the first time, will have two plug-in hybrid variants of 179 and 220 hp . In addition, it will be the first to wear the new emblem of the lion’s signature, with the king of the jungle and his mane blowing in the wind.
A few hours ago we discovered the dates that Peugeot anticipates for the launch of one of its most successful models, for which orders will be opened from June. The first units of the hatchback (five doors) produced will arrive at the end of this 2021 , while the SW (family) models are expected for the beginning of next 2022 . In this article we tell you all the news that this compact lion incorporates, which has the same EMP2 modular platform as the previous one but with many improvements.
What has changed?
The changes affect its dimensions, which are now 4.37 meters long (11.4 cm more) by 1.85 m (4.8 cm wider) and 1.44 m high (3, 1 cm lower) . The wheelbase also increases 5.5 centimeters to 2.67 meters, which means greater habitability and space for the rear seats.
The presentation, for now, has been static, so we have not been able to drive any of its variants, not even the plug-in hybrids. They are, without a doubt, the most remarkable novelty of this third batch of 308. The power supply also maintains Puretech gasoline options of 110 and 130 hp , along with the 130 hp BlueHDi diesel.
The plug-in hybrid variants are called HYBRID 180 and HYBRID 225 . As you may have guessed, the numbers respond to the combined power offered by a system that combines 150 hp and 179 hp thermal thrusters with a 110 hp electric. The latter is powered by the 12.4 kWh gross capacity lithium-ion battery, which will charge in just over 7 hours if we plug the 308 into a reinforced 3.5 amp socket. The 7.4 kW charger is optional and reduces the standby time to 1.55 hours if we plug it into a 32 amp three-phase outlet.
The range available
In a few days we will talk about the Peugeot 308 again because, for now, we do not have the final prices of its commercial offer. We know that it will be available in its two bodies (five doors and SW) and in three trim levels: Active, Allure and GT . For each of these equipment we have a supplement called Pack, which will improve the technological equipment.
As the most notable novelties of its cabin, the Peugeot 308 2021 incorporates the digital instrument panel as standard, a 10-inch screen with 3D images (GT level) and placed with the classic i-Cockpit distribution of the firm. The central screen grows but, surprisingly, we do not know the final size. As you have seen, there is much to discover about this album and we hope to test it soon.
