Gautam Sharma•14 May 2013
NEWS
First pics and details: All-new Peugeot 308
French lion releases the first images and a few details relating to its vital new C-segment hatchbackPeugeot has released the first official images and details of its crucial new 308 hatchback, which will make its world debut at September’s Frankfurt motor show.
Following in the wheeltracks of the first-gen 308 that debuted in 2007 (taking over the baton from the discontinued 307), the latest iteration is said to offer a radical new cockpit-style cabin that’s trimmed in high-quality materials and virtually devoid of buttons.
Peugeot also boasts of class-leading emission levels from the second-generation 308, which is underpinned by a new EMP2 modular platform that contributes to a 140kg weight saving (vis-à-vis the outgoing 308).
The company hasn’t as yet been forthcoming with the car’s technical specs, but what we do know is that it measures 4.25m in length and has proportions that are almost akin to the current breed of baby SUVs – such as Volkswagen’s Tiguan.
The relatively high shoulders and roofline should make for generous levels of interior space, and the sparse dashboard – with its so-called ‘i-cockpit’ design – seemingly adds to the feeling of spaciousness.
The highlight of the New 308’s cabin is the 9.7-inch touch-screen interface, which removes much of the need for physical buttons and switches as it incorporates many of the infotainment controls in the one place.
“When inside the car, one discovers a world of refined style, completely original in the world of hatchback cars, with a cockpit that is intense, innovative and intuitive; it is the Peugeot i-cockpit,” says Vincent Devos, product manager for the new 308.
Externally, the 308 embodies the styling language seen on the likes of the 2008, with its face dominated by an evolutionary reinterpretation of the brand’s ‘floating’ front grille and strong lighting signature.
According to Peugeot, slim full-LED headlamps will be standard on the majority of trim levels and a world-first in the segment. The LED theme continues at the rear, with the three Peugeot (lion) ‘claws’ drawn by the taillamps.
Although the 307 was renowned for stodgy dynamics (at least by comparison with its agile and compliant 306 predecessor), Peugeot claims the new 308 regains the chassis finesse that was once a hallmark of the brand.
“On the road, driving pleasure is enhanced by the new EMP2 modular platform. With its considerable reduction in weight, it contributes to the dynamism and easy handling of the New Peugeot 308,” says Laurent Declerck, project director for the new 308.
Overall quality of the new 308 is also claimed to be better, in line with Peugeot’s aim of moving the brand upmarket.
The company’s press blurb states: “Every element, both inside and outside, has been developed and refined with exceptional attention to detail. The choice of high quality interior materials and the satin chrome or gloss black detailing add to the feeling of sophistication and maturity in the car’s design and assembly.”
Time will tell whether the second-gen 308 lives up to these lofty claims. For Peugeot’s sake, it certainly needs to.
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Written byGautam Sharma
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalists
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