2021 Peugeot 308 benefits from the latest design, tech, & PHEV trim

KUALA LUMPUR: Peugeot's latest family hatch is out in the open, the 3rd gen 308. It is the first car in the company's lineup to feature the new black & white logo which is part of the automaker's recent rebrand campaign.

The new 2021 Peugeot 308 features the brand's latest design theme, a revised interior, and a revamped engine lineup. The highlight here is the inclusion of electrified powertrains, including two plug-in hybrid trims.

2021 Peugeot 308 design & platform

The all-new 308 underpins the same platform as its predecessor but gets the latest version of the EMP2 architecture. The hatch is now 11 mm longer, 20 mm lower, and its wheelbase has grown by 55 mm. The cargo area measures 412 litres, making it a practical family hatchback.

Coming to the design, the new 308 sure looks striking and keeps up well with its higher-riding siblings. At the front, is the new large grille wearing the new logo, downward swooping bonnet, slim headlights, and fang-like LED DRLs.

On the side, we see a strong shoulder line joining the headlight with the tail light. Also, the wheel arches get prominent creases. At the rear, is a prominent spoiler on the tailgate, and taillamps get 'claw' style graphics

2021 Peugeot 308 cabin comfort & features

Major changes have taken place on the inside. For instance, the new layout includes a long, sloping dashboard that integrates the latest infotainment and display technology.

At the centre of the dashboard is a sharp-looking 10-inch touch display that controls most in-car tech and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The said screen is available in two versions - basic i-Connect and i-Connect plus.

Other inclusions are - touch-sensitive controls called 'i-Toggles', piano key style buttons, Peogeot's i-Cockpit steering wheel and instrument cluster with clever 3D image tech, wireless smartphone charger, 34-litre of storage space in centre console, Nappa leather upholstery, massaging seats, and new cabin air filtration system.

2021 Peugeot 308 powertrains

The new Peugeot 308 is offered in several powertrain options including two petrol, one diesel, and two petrol plug-in hybrid units.

The pure petrol lineup offers a PureTech 110, 2.0-litre 3-cyl turbo mill making 108 bhp and a PureTech130, 1.2-litre mill churning 128 bhp.

On the diesel front is present Peugeot's BlueHDi 130, 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo engine generating 128 bhp.

The plug-in hybrid range opens with the Hybrid 180 model. It combines a 109hp electric motor with a 148 bhp PureTech petrol mill and a 12.4 kWh battery. Also, prest is the more powerful Hybrid 225 drivetrain which includes a 178 bhp petrol engine with 109 bhp electric motor.

2021 Peugeot 308 safety & driver assistance features

Brand's latest semi-autonomous driver assistance tech, called the Peugeot Drive Assist 2.0 makes a debut in the 2021 308 family hatch. It includes -

• Stop-and-go cruise control
• Lane-keep assist
• Long-range blind-spot-monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Reversing camera with 180-degree field view
• 360-degree top-down style camera
• Automatic high-beam
• Traffic sign recognition

The all-new 2021 Peugeot 308 will first go on sale in Europe from the second half of this year.

Also Read: All-new 2021 Peugeot e-Rifter MPV unveiled