Next-gen Peugeot 308 to be available with plug-in hybrid powertrain

MANILA: The details are coming in about a next-gen Peugeot 308, revised with the company’s EMP2 platform and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. A fully-electric variant is also on the cards, to arrive later on. This comes after the group’s CEO, Jean-Philippe Imparato was interviewed by Automotive News Europe.

When asked about the next-gen 308 Imparato said, “Yes, it will be on the EMP2 platform. It will be a plug-in hybrid first, but could perhaps later have a fully-electric drivetrain. Our compact and midsize cars will have plug-in hybrid drivetrains because it’s a smoother way to switch from internal combustion to electric.”

The Peugeot 308 already has tough competition ahead in form of VW Golf, Ford Focus, and Renault Megane and the company needs to try every trick up its sleeve to stay in the competition. And it seems that the French automaker is ready to change a lot of things. The new Peugeot 308 is also expected to get a design overhaul but its details are not out yet.

We can expect the sister companies, Citroen and Opel to reveal similar versions of their cars (under C4 and Astra labels respectively), with the same platform, powertrain options and technologies as the Peugeot cars. It won’t be any surprise if we see plug-in hybrid and electric versions of the cars in the coming months.

Earlier, the next-gen 308 was touted to use the plug-in hybrid technology, previewed by the 308 R Hybrid. It features a rear-mounted electric motor, a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and a 3kWh li-ion battery pack, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The power was rated at 507 PS.

On the regular new PHEV 308 variants, we can expect a larger battery pack and reduced power figure.

Also Read: Peugeot is the most reliable car brand as per 2019. J.D. Power U.K.