Peugeot ups 308 spec

Peugeot's award-winning small hatch, the 308, has come in for some running changes including the addition of a reversing camera and satellite-navigation for the one-up-from-base Active variant, which now increases in price by $1100 to $27,990 plus on-road costs.

The standard equipment upgrade includes complimentary MapCare updates for the vehicle warranty period, valued at $450 over three years, which Peugeot says boosts the 308 Active's value by more than $2000.

For now, however, the upgrades do not apply to Peugeot's entry-level 308 Access, which is also powered by PSA's 1.2-litre turbo-petrol PureTech engine but fitted with a manual transmission rather than the Active's standard automatic, and continues on sale unchanged at $19,290 plus ORCs.

Peugeot Australia general manager Kai Bruesewitz said the addition of a reversing camera and sat-nav is in response to customer demands, and indicated a similar upgrade could be in the offing before the 308 receives a major midlife makeover some time next year.

“Demand for safety and on-board services such as satellite-navigation has grown significantly over the past year and this is the first step in us responding to these demands,” said Bruesewitz.

“Our Active hatches attract younger buyers, so it was logical for us to enhance the vehicle with key safety and navigational aids – it also signals greater changes in store for the 308 range in the near future.

“With its boosted specification and numerous accolades, we are certain that the Peugeot 308 will make its way onto more vehicle shopping lists in the future,” said Bruesewitz.