UNVEILED LAST MARCH, THE NEW PEUGEOT 308 MARKS A BREAKTHROUGH AT ALL LEVELS COMPARED TO THE PREVIOUS MODEL KNOWN TO BE A REFERENCE IN DYNAMISM. LAST YEAR, THE 308 WAS FURTHER ILLUSTRATED AS THE US'S BEST-SELLING COMPACT SEDAN IN THE PERSONAL INDUSTRY MARKET WITH NO LESS THAN 36,575 REGISTRATIONS (SOURCE: CCFA). AT THE EUROPEAN LEVEL, THE THIRD GENERATION PEUGEOT 308 HAS TO FACE ANOTHER REFERENCE THAT IS NO LONGER PRESENT: THE VOLKSWAGEN GOLF. DIRECTION SOUTH-EAST OF FRANCE TO TEST THE PEUGEOT 308 HYBRID 225 E-EAT8 IN “GT” FINISH. DIFFERENTLY WRITTEN, IN ITS RECHARGEABLE HYBRID PLUG-IN CONFIGURATION.
As usual, on beside-me.com, let's start this test by presenting the style of the new Peugeot 308. Based on an evolution of the EMP2 platform (Efficient Modular Platform) offering electrification, this new Peugeot 308 is 4, 36 m, 1.85 m wide for a height of 1.430 m. Compared to the previous model, the gain is 11 cm in length. The French sedan loses 2 cm in height but its width does not change. As for its wheelbase of 2.675 m, it gains 5.5 cm to provide maximum space in the passenger compartment.
For the test of this long-awaited Peugeot 308, we could not miss its beautiful launch color “Olivine Green” knowing that 6 other colors are available, to choose from: “Rouge Elixir”, “Blanc Perle nacré”, “ Blanc Banquise ”,“ Gris Artense ”,“ Noir Perla Nera ”and“ Bleu Vertigo ”(pictured below in Peugeot DNA where we visited last March for the unveiling of the new 308).
On its own, the front of the new 308 represents the strong ambitions of the Lion in the C segment. The large vertical grille with raised and shiny patterns accommodates the new Peugeot coat of arms. Peugeot DNA wanted to put the “Lion” forward by also making it stand out thanks to a license plate almost hidden at the bottom of the shield, the latter projecting forward thanks to curves with aggressive contours. On the ends of this same shield, we notice the presence of streaked black elements which are “scratched” by the light signature. Above, new Matrix LEDs appear. Very thin, these front optics play an important role in generating maximum visual aggressiveness.
When you gain height, you realize that it is the design of the hood that defines the whole of this spectacular front end. Smooth, plunging in the center and hollowed out at the sides, it brings homogeneity to the whole by once again emphasizing the prominent aspect of the "new face of the 308" as well as the volumes of its fenders.
Seen from the side, the design of the new Peugeot 308 is just as successful, with various hollows that underpin a distinguished philosophy. From this angle, we realize the important work carried out by the teams of the Peugeot-style office. The passenger compartment of the Peugeot 308 2021 is positioned much further back than that of the previous version. Short overhangs, sharply shaped rear fenders, as well as reduced glass surfaces, make the new 308 a perfectly balanced proposition with impressive dynamism. Peugeot designers have worked on the smallest details, especially on rims with an aerodynamic profile worthy of the aeronautical field.
Let's take a break from the presentation of the design of the 308 because it is important to point out that one of the priorities of the specifications for the development of the new Peugeot 308 has been the treatment of airflows. To get into the secret of the design of the car, know that the aerodynamic engineers have imposed, on the Peugeot DNA teams, an optimal rear setback line in terms of aerodynamics. The transition is easy to discover the 3rd generation 308 from a different perspective.
The rear section of the compact sedan is made in stretched volumes with a prominent shield that becomes one with a flatter and very upright surface formed by the tailgate. As for the lights, they are as if released from the bodywork. Believe us, this visual effect is fantastic and innovative while providing lightness. These are, here, three modern "luminous claws" (Full LED) linked on either side by a black band that blends into the wings. We come back to the aerodynamic optimization mentioned above with this visible setback line, on the photo located above, this from the outer angles of the shield through those of the optics to the inner curve of the black trim which incorporates the tailgate. Result: the Peugeot 308 2021 has a Cx of 0.28!
In the end, Peugeot's DNA signs a sharp, ultra-compact, dynamic, and perfectly balanced silhouette that some may find too loaded or even divisive. In our eyes, Peugeot style has reached exceptional maturity with, of course, a certain risk-taking.
Let's open the doors of our Peugeot 308 PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) of 225 horsepower available only in “GT” and “GT Pack” finishes. Peugeot stylists have designed high-end automotive living spaces and, like the exterior, every detail is important. It should be noted that the comments made by the owners of the 308 have been taken into account in order to design a cabin that will be able to meet all expectations.
As such, during the test of the new Peugeot 308, we were sensitive to the real efforts made to the quality of assembly of the various elements that make up this ultra-modern interior, the quality of the materials also clearly being present.
In the detail of the architecture of this passenger compartment, the dashboard is clearly inspired by that of the Audi A3 with an upper part incorporating “invisible” aerators due to the fact that they take place within long bars with a metallic finish. . We come to another spectacular effect coming straight from the field of art, namely that “The Wave of Kanagawa”, signed by the painter Katsushika Hokusai, was materialized to form the design of the dashboard, which allows offering an enveloping and welcoming feeling to the occupants of the 308. Adorned with a ridged metal element, this “wave” descends to a piece of high-quality foamed plastic. In the center of the latter, the lower part of the dashboard is a digital touch screen with a size of 10 ″ as standard.
This high-resolution screen, slightly tilted towards the driver, can be configured like a smartphone or a touchscreen tablet. It is thus possible to configure it according to the slightest wishes of each one thanks to widgets and other personalized windows. Under this screen, five other keys called “i-toggles” of the mini-screen type are also customizable. We took a little while to figure out how it all works. Automotive journalists are often in too much of a hurry! Either way, in practice, these “i-toggles” clearly make life easier. For example, you no longer need to look in the menus to find your partner's number. Once an “i-toggle” has been programmed, all you have to do is press it to chat with your sweetheart. For the laziest, Peugeot has thought of everything. A simple “OK Peugeot” gives access to an equally practical voice command.
The 3D digital instrumentation is displayed on another panel with a size of 10 ″ from the “Active” + “Active Pack” trim level. Once again, everything is adjustable to enjoy a full view of the navigation or any other information.
Let's move on to the EAT8 gearbox control and the drive mode selection button. Let's face it, we would have preferred larger and more accessible controls that stick more out of the center console.
In terms of driving aids, depending on the model, the Peugeot 308 goes beyond level 2 by offering a “Drive Assist 2.0 pack”, the three new features of which are as follows: semi-automatic lane change, advance recommendation of the speed, and adaptation of the speed in curves. That's not all because Peugeot is introducing a plethora of high-tech equipment on the 308: high-definition reversing camera (180 °), 360 ° parking assistance (4 cameras), etc. still premium!
In terms of roominess, this is a leap forward, especially for the rear passengers, thanks to an extended wheelbase and adapted front seats, as on the latest Peugeot cars, to make room for the knees. There is storage everywhere and the boot has a total cargo volume of 361 l on our test Peugeot 308 HYBRID 225. Now is the time to put the new Peugeot 308 to the test!
Our test Peugeot 308 is powered by a 180 hp (6,000 rpm) 1.6 liter 4-cylinder engine which is associated with an 81 kW / 110 hp electric motor also positioned at the front. The latter is supplied with electrical energy by a battery with a capacity of 12.4 kWh located on the rear axle. The cumulative power displayed by the most powerful of the 308s is therefore 225 hp for a torque of 360 Nm. As you will understand, the entire electrical system weighs its weight. The 308 HYBRID 225 e-EAT8 GT has an empty weight of 1,633 kilos on its technical data sheet, compared to only 1,254 kilos for the lightest petrol version (PureTech 110). Here we touch on the enemy of dynamism whereas, as mentioned in the introduction, the 308 is the queen of this field. What about on the road? The answer right away.
Along the Esterel massif, the first sensation felt at the wheel of the new Peugeot 308 hybrid is more than satisfactory. Like the Peugeot 508, its cradle is perfectly filtered and leaves nothing unpleasant to trace our back, despite the presence of 18-inch rims. In "Electric" mode, one of the three with "Hybrid" and "Sport", we then test the soundproofing of the passenger compartment. The conclusion is clear: Peugeot has worked on this aspect. No rolling noise or anything else reaches our ears, a must for a PHEV. Well, we quickly switch to “Sport” mode to take advantage of the 225 horsepower.
At a higher speed, we find what partly made the success of the old 308, its steering power and its hyper-efficient chassis. As precise as you want, you can place the car almost wherever you want. “Almost” because the significant and undeniable gain in comfort automatically impacts the agility of the car, which is “a bit of a lion” less biting. Let’s insist, we will have to look to the limits of the new 308 HYBRID GT to realize this. Peugeot engineers have therefore developed a compact sedan that is still just as pleasant to take. In tight bends, we feel, this time, more the weight of the battery at the rear, but it remains rather contained and, above all, very healthy in terms of road handling and even playfulness. What a good surprise! In short, everything we love with, always, very informal management. Hybridization requires it is a little less the case for the brake pedal. We can even write that Peugeot achieves the feat of delivering a car with impeccable handling because the new 308 bypasses adaptive suspension for reasons of weight and price. Another thing: we loved the 3D rendering of the digital instrumentation with graphics and data precise and perfectly arranged on the screen.
Regarding the thermal/electric / e-EAT8 trio, it is both sufficiently generous and very flexible without being able to be qualified as sporty. It lacks 30 to 40 horsepower under the pedal. Impatient automotive journalists also always want more. Not without humor, we assume! The most interesting is elsewhere. Indeed, once the battery is completely empty, under acceleration and when changing gear, the Peugeot 308 HYBRID GT remains very efficient. On this last point, we did not expect such a level with, over and over again, running gears to scare the competition.
In figures, the Peugeot 308 HYBRID 225 e-EAT8 is communicated for 7.5 s on 0 to 100 km / h and for a maximum speed of 235 km / h (electronic clamping). In terms of consumption, during our test of the Peugeot 308, we noted a decent 7.6 l / 100 km after mostly driving winding roads in “Sport” mode.
In conclusion, the very aggressive styling of the new Peugeot 308 will undoubtedly attract customers looking for a change. Add to that an irreproachable driving pleasure, a very high level of comfort, a plethora of high-tech, all while making the driver smile and you have an irresistible compact sedan. All this has a price, namely 43,300 € for the Peugeot 308 HYBRID 225 e-EAT8 GT but, it is more affordable than a Volkswagen Golf GTE (245 horses), the 308 range starting at 24,800 € (PureTech 110 BVM6 “Active Pack” finish).
SOURCE AND IMAGE : peugeot