Information that the Peugeot company is going to change the design of the emblem has already surfaced a month ago, but which model will receive the updated emblem first, it was not known until recently. The photos of the new Peugeot 308 2021 of the year were accidentally leaked to the Internet. Within a few hours, the company officially presented the updated hatchback model. Changes were made to both the exterior and the interior of the novelty.
Starting from the basic configuration, the car received full LED optics, while retaining the sharp fangs on the sides of the optics (LED daytime running lights). For the top-end modifications of the Peugeot 308 GT Premium and GT, the front optics will receive the new Peugeot Matrix technology, which, in fact, is a matrix optics. Accordingly, the hind feet will be fully LED, in the form of lion's claws. We can say that the new Peugeot 308 has become more sporty, with a pronounced design and black, plastic body elements.
Otherwise, the design of the Peugeot 308 remained recognizable, but the radiator grille has become larger, and in the center there is a new company emblem in the form of a lion's head on the shield. The same emblem was placed in the center of the steering wheel. The base of the emblem is completely black, but the inscription, edging and drawing of the lion are silvery, which looks great in bright light.
At the buyer's choice, the new Peugeot 308 will be available in 7 body shades:
- Olive green;
- White;
- Grey;
- Black;
- Snow white;
- Blue;
- Red.
It is not yet known whether a two-tone body color will be available, as well as what packages for the Peugeot 308 will be offered as an option. Now about the interior of the novelty. In contrast to the appearance, the hatchback interior is recognizable, individual elements have undergone changes. According to company representatives, it was decided to leave the recognizable i-Cockpit, where the digital instrument panel is based on a 10 ″ color display. In GT trim levels, the dashboard will receive a 3D function.
The central part of the panel, as before the update, was occupied by a 10 ″ touchscreen display of the multimedia system. Next to the display are customizable buttons for individual requirements, which is just as convenient. Recycled air ducts are located above the display. The highlight will be the updated i-Connect software package. Now the system supports up to 8 driver settings profiles, as well as the function of mirroring the gadget screen due to Bluetooth connection.
Not without updating the security and comfort systems. Peugeot 308s, which will roll off the assembly line towards the end of the year, will be equipped with modern systems:
- adaptive cruise control;
- Stop and Go function;
- lane change control system;
- lane keeping.
It should be understood that these will be standard systems. For a separate surcharge or for top-end configurations, they will offer blind spot control, a rear view camera, rear cross traffic control, parking assistant, heated windshield, heated steering wheel, emergency call.
What will happen under the hood of the new Peugeot 308? At the start of sales, the new hatchback will be offered with two hybrid engine options. In the basic configuration, the Peugeot 308 2021 will be offered with a Hybrid 180 engine. The unit is based on an internal combustion engine with a capacity of 150 horsepower. The electric motor of such a hybrid will produce 81 kW (110 horsepower), and a full charge of the battery will be enough for 60 kilometers only on electric traction.
The second variant of the hybrid engine for the Peugeot 308 is the Hybrid 225. The internal combustion engine is slightly more powerful and will be able to produce 180 horsepower, although the electric motor will be the same and will produce 110 horsepower. The downside is that a more powerful hybrid will be able to drive only 57 kilometers on electric traction, which is 3 kilometers less than the base version.
According to the manufacturer, the list of Peugeot 308 units will also include a regular 1.2-liter PureTech 130 gasoline engine. The 1.5-liter BlueHDi 130 diesel engine was not excluded from the list. Regardless of the selected unit, an 8-speed automatic transmission will be installed in pair.
The full list of trim levels and cost has not yet been disclosed. The start of sales is expected towards the end of 2021, at the same time all characteristics, prices and other details of the new product will be revealed. Recall that the third generation of the Stellantis EMP2 platform was used for the new Peugeot 308. The platform has reduced the hatchback height by 20 mm and the wheelbase has increased by 55 mm, thus creating a softer design.
