Snapshot
- 2023 Peugeot 308 hatch and wagon confirmed for Q4 arrival
- Plug-in hybrid GT Sport variant to arrive in 2023
- Local pricing and full specifications yet to be announced
Peugeot has confirmed the next-generation 308 will include a plug-in hybrid option in Australia.
The electrified variant will join the 2023 Peugeot 308 hatch and wagon range set to launch in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2022 (October to December inclusive) – although the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model will arrive next year.
Peugeot Australia has revealed the third-generation 308 will consist of four variants locally; the GT hatch, GT Premium hatch and wagon, and GT Sport PHEV hatch.
Local pricing and full specification details are yet to be announced, with further information expected in the coming months.
The internal combustion 308 variants will be powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, producing 96kW of power and 230Nm of torque.
This engine is paired with an Aisin-sourced eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, sending power to the front wheels.
Opting for the GT Sport PHEV will see the three-cylinder mill replaced with a 132kW 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine which is paired to an 81kW electric motor, providing a total system output of 165kW and 360Nm.
GT and GTi variants of the previous-generation 308 used a version of the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, albeit without electric assistance.
The latter nameplate will not return to the Peugeot range, with the brand needing to meet strict emissions standards in Europe.
As the first model from the French marque to wear its redesigned logo – hiding a radar for the adaptive cruise control – the new-generation 308 ushers in a new design language, featuring a large graphic front grille and slim LED headlights with a ‘claw effect’ DRL signature below.
The design of the updated hatch was penned with aerodynamics in mind, contributing to a slippery drag coefficient of 0.28 to assist with efficiency.
At 4360 millimetres in length, the 308 is 107mm longer than before. Its wheelbase has also been extended by 55mm (2675mm), which is said to have improved room for rear occupants.
Inside, the 308 includes a 10-inch infotainment system with ‘Hey, Peugeot’ voice recognition, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, and a rocker-button-style gear selector similar to the Volkswagen Golf and Porsche 911.
A full suite of active safety technology, including; autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, radar-based cruise control, traffic sign recognition and driver attention alert, is likely to be fitted as standard.
Industry safety body EuroNCAP awarded the 308 a four-star rating out of five under the latest 2022 criteria, however, it is currently unknown if this rating will apply locally under ANCAP.
The 2023 Peugeot 308 will go on sale in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2022, with the GT Sport PHEV set to arrive sometime in 2023.
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