Peugeot slashes its 308 range

Peugeot has reduced the number of variants in its 308 model range, pricing for which now starts more than $8000 higher, by almost two-thirds to just six.

The French car-maker's local importer says the move, which also sees the axing of Premium variants but includes increases in standard equipment on remaining models, reflects customer demand and sets the tone for its upcoming 2008 and 3008 crossovers.

With the previous entry-level 1.2-litre turbo-petrol 308 Access manual hatch (from $19,290) gone, Peugeot's small-car range now opens with the similarly-powered Active auto at an unchanged $27,990 plus on-road costs.

However, the new base 3008 now comes with a reversing camera and satellite navigation as standard.

Next up is the 308 Allure priced at $32,990 plus ORCs, which is up more than $1000 despite the fitment of the downsized 1.2-litre PureTech engine (it was previously powered by a 1.6-litre engine).

However, standard kit now includes a reversing camera, blind-spot monitor, active cruise control, pre-collision braking, keyless-entry, push button start and new half-fabric TEP interior trim.

Peugeot’s 110kW 2.0-litre BlueHDi turbo-diesel costs $4000 extra in the Allure hatch and becomes the sole choice for the 308 Touring ($39,490).

The 133kW version of the same drivetrain becomes the sole powerplant for the GT ($42,990, including a new Cielo panoramic roof as standard) following the discontinuation of the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol GT manual.

All Active, Allure and GT models are now offered exclusively with a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission.

The 308 GTi 250 has also been axed, with the 200kW manual-only 270 continuing as the only 308 GTi available at an unchanged $49,990

“These revisions have been made in order to increase the appeal of the highly awarded 308 range while increasing value and specification and reducing model complexity. The range now better mirrors customer demand and market needs,” said the general manager of Peugeot Australia, Kai Bruesewitz.

“In today’s market, satellite navigation and reversing cameras are considered non-negotiable and we have worked to ensure that the entire range now features these as standard, while adding further niceties along the way.

“These changes signal a change in the way we will structure our model line-up in the future, with greater emphasis on delivering vehicles that are not driven by price but offer greater value. It essentially sets the tone for upcoming 2008 and 3008 SUV launches."

2017 Peugeot 308 pricing (plus ORCs):
Active 1.2 petrol auto hatch — $27,990
Allure 1.2 petrol auto hatch — $32,990
Allure 2.0 diesel auto hatch — $36,990
Allure 2.0 diesel auto wagon — $39,490
GT 2.0 diesel auto hatch — $42,990
GTi 270 manual hatch — $49,990