The next-gen Peugeot 308 will be inspired by the 3008 and
508. It will reportedly gain a sloping roofline for a sportier
stance. Beneath the skin, the compact car is said to be underpinned by an
evolution of the EMP2 platform. As for the engine lineup, it’s expected to use
several petrol units, along with a possible 1.5-liter BlueHDi diesel. High-end
models will be paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, whereas lesser ones
will likely come with a manual transmission.
For the upcoming 308 GT, the company is apparently
planning a petrol unit paired to an electric motor. Both will power the front
wheels, and they should produce a combined output of around 220 horsepower.
The brand’s challenger to the likes of the Volkswagen
Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST, the 308 GTi, will go down the electrified lane,
too. The hot hatch is expected to combine a petrol unit with two electric
motors, one for each axle, making some 300 horsepower. Depending on the traffic
conditions, it should travel for up to 50-60 km on electric power
alone.
Thanks to the redesigned architecture, the 2021 308
will be lighter than the current iteration. A few centimeters will be added to
its length, and the wheelbase should be slightly longer to improve rear
legroom.
Peugeot will offer plenty of gear on high-end
models, including seats with massage and ventilation function, new infotainment
system and digital instrument cluster. Tech features will reportedly include
Level 2 autonomous driving, which allows the car to move forward and stop on
its own in traffic jams. Also, there’s going to be improved Park Assist system
and automatic braking.
The French publication reports that the next
generation Peugeot 308 could be introduced as early as the 2020 Geneva Motor
Show, before going on sale in fall. Pricing is estimated to start from € 21,000
(US$ 24,331) in its homeland, or just a little more than the new Renault Megane.
