New Peugeot 308 gets plug-in hybrid power

The new third-generation Peugeot 308 has been unveiled online, introducing the French car-maker's latest design cues, a fresh logo, revamped engines and overhauled cabin.

Confirmed for release in Australia in the first quarter of next year, the new 2022 Peugeot 308 has similar front-end design cues to the latest 208, 508, 2008 and 3008, including the striking 'fang' LED daytime running lights, ultra-slim headlights and new Peugeot shield logo.

Measuring in 110mm longer than the outgoing model, designers of the new-generation Peugeot 308 have managed to extend the hatchback's wheelbase by 55mm to liberate more space for passengers in the back seat.

Meanwhile, the Mazda3 and Ford Focus rival sits 20mm lower to the ground for better aero.

A new curved bonnet and heavily-raked windscreen also improve its aerodynamic performance, and at the rear the wind-bending measures continue with a prominent drag-reducing spoiler that's linked to the rear hatch by elements that carefully manage air around the tailgate.

Further tweaks to the rear bumper and LED tail-lights that are joined by a new light bar see the drag coefficient of the small hatch reduced to a commendable 0.28Cd.

Like the second-generation Peugeot 308, the new model sits on the car-maker's EMP2 architecture that has been developed for electrification and, from launch, Peugeot says it will offer not one but two plug-in hybrids.

The entry 2022 Peugeot 308 Hybrid 180 e-EAT8 combines a 110kW four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with an 81kW electric motor to produce, in total, 132kW.

Thanks to a 12.4kWh lithium-ion battery-pack, the efficient plug-in hatch can cover up to a WLTP-verified 60km on pure-electric power alone while emitting just 25g/km of CO2 on the combined cycle.

The second, more powerful Peugeot 308 Hybrid 225 e-EAT8 blends a more powerful 132kW version of the same petrol engine and the identical electric motor to produce a punchier 166kW.

Emitting a claimed 26g/km of CO2 on the combined cycle, the more powerful plug-in can still cover 59km on a full charge without burning any fuel.

Topping up using an optional 7.4kW charger takes just under two hours.

Both hybrids are front-drive but later on an additional all-wheel drive hybrid will be introduced.

Developed by the car-maker's fledgling go-faster division, the Peugeot Sport Engineered 308 should produce more than 225kW, offering hot hatch levels of performance.

As well as the advanced hybrids that are still to be confirmed for Australia, Peugeot will offer two conventional combustion engines – a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo PureTech petrol with either 81kW or 96kW and a single 1.5-litre four-cylinder BlueHDi turbo-diesel that produces 96kW.

The lower-powered petrol is only available with a six-speed manual, while the higher-power engines are available with either the same manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic.

Full details of performance and fuel consumption of the 308 range will come later.

Inside, the 308's cabin gets the latest evolution of the Peugeot's i-Cockpit interior that once again combines a shrunken steering wheel with a raised digital dash that's claimed to reduce the time your eyes are off the road.

A new centrally-mounted 10.0-inch touch-screen is also present that has been angled towards the driver. The row of i-toggle switches are also carried over from the current model that can be configured for shortcuts to the infotainment's functions.

Like the more expensive 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the new infotainment can be personalised for up to eight profiles, while two phones can now be connected via Bluetooth.

A new on-board assistant has also been introduced that can be summoned using 'Okay, Peugeot' and works using natural speech.

Other changes include a new drive mode switch, a wireless charging pad, a 34-litre storage cubby and a pair of USB sockets.

Reflecting the brand's declaration it would move upmarket, the 308's interior also employs plentiful use of more premium materials like Alcantara and leather.

Top models come with 10-way electric seats that feature an updated version of the car-maker's pneumatic massage tech.

The most expensive trim levels also get an Air Quality System that filters the cabin air and displays how clean it is on the infotainment system.

New semi-autonomous driver assist tech has also been introduced that includes long-range blind spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, a self-cleaning reversing camera and 360-degree park assist.

Peugeot's Drive Assist cruise control is also now capable of stop-and-go driving, lane keeping and automatically adapting the vehicle's speed around corners. It also now operates at speeds up to 180km/h.