Peugeot opens order books for new 308 and 308 SW

Peugeot’s 308 hatchback and 308 SW estate have been made available with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivetrain for the first time as UK retailers open order books for the new models.

First deliveries of the Stellantis brand’s new C-segment duo are expected in 2022 and will come with a choice of petrol, diesel or PHEV variants, with prices starting from £24,000 and £25,200 respectively.

It is the first Peugeot to feature a new roaring lion logo, part of a shift “upmarket” for the brand which will be further emphasised by a new corporate identity (CI) for its franchised car retail network.

Commenting on the arrival of the new 308 – subject to a launch report in the November issue of AM – Peugeot UK managing director, Julie David, said: “With plug-in hybrid options available for the first time, the new 308 and 308 SW are the next step in our strategy to provide electrified variants across our entire model range by 2024 – giving buyers the choice to suit the powertrain that best meets their needs.”

Peugeot highlighted its Personal Finance Lease offer from launch, which makes the 308 1.2-litre PureTech 130 Allure available from £299 per month for a 48-month contract, with an initial payment of £2,099.

The new 308 HYBRID 180 Allure will be available from £349 per month over the same contract length with an initial payment of just £2,599.

The new 308’s PHEV powertrains are powered by a 12.4kWh battery and a 1.6-litre petrol engine.

In both hatchback and estate variants, the HYBRID 180 claims a zero-emissions over 40 miles, helping it to a 7% Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) rate (2021-22).

A 3.7kW on-board charger as standard, with buyers able to add a faster 7.4kW charger as an option, making a full charge possible in an hour and 55 minutes.

The 308’s 1.2-litre PureTech 130 petrol and the 1.5-litre BlueHDi 130 diesel engine options both produce 133PS and feature an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

Inside, the cabin features Peugeot’s next generation i-Cockpit configuration, with a new compact multi-function steering wheel and a 10-inch HD capacitive colour touchscreen infotainment system.

Compared to the new 308, the 308 SW – featured in an AM picture gallery earlier this year – wheelbase is 55mm longer, with a 215mm longer rear overhang helping to swell boot space to 608 litres.

Among the safety and driver assistance technologies fitted to the new model are: cruise control; lane keeping assist; traffic sign recognition; driver attention warning; automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection.