The wraps are officially off Peugeot’s brand new family hatchback, the 308, that’s set to go on sale in Europe and other international markets (but not the U.S. after Stellantis decided to focus on Alfa Romeo instead) later this year. Beyond the sporty styling the other big news about the VW Golf challenger is the availability with electrified powertrains from the get-go.

Underpinning the car is the third-generation of Stellantis’s EMP2 platform that has seen the 308’s wheelbase grow by 55 mm. In redesigning the car, Peugeot has also dropped its height by 20 mm to create a sleeker silhouette. Found at the front is the all-new roaring lion’s head logo of the brand.

 

All variants of the 2021 308 come standard with LED headlights that complement vertical LED daytime running lights. These headlights feature Peugeot Matrix LED Technology on GT and GT Premium variants of the 308. Located at the rear are LED taillights with the company’s three claw rear light signature. Buyers will be able to purchase the new 308 in Olivine Green, Bianca White, Cumulus Grey, Nera Black, Pearlescent White, Vertigo Blue, and Elixir Red.

The interior of the car has the brand’s familiar i-Cockpit design and includes a 10-inch digital instrument cluster that actually has a 3D feature on GT models. Also found within is a 10-inch infotainment screen, fully-configurable i-toggles positioned next to the central screen, and redesigned air vents.

 

Peugeot’s new i-Connect infotainment software package lands with the 308 and allows for eight different driver profiles and offers a wireless screen mirroring function. The car comes loaded with driving aids and safety features and from the end of the year, will be offered with the Drive Assist pack that adds adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go, Lane Keeping Assistance, Semi-automatic lane change, Anticipated speed recommendation, and Curve speed adaptation.

Other features offered as standard or optional include long-range blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a high-definition 180-degree reversing camera with integrated cleaning nozzle, 360-degree surround-view parking assistance with four cameras, heated for the windshield and steering wheel, and an E-call+ emergency call function.

 

Peugeot will sell the 2021 308 with two plug-in hybrid options. The base model is the Hybrid 180 e-EAT8 variant that combines a 150 hp engine with an 81 kW electric motor and offering 37 miles of all-electric range. The flagship hybrid model is the Hybrid 225 e-EAT8 that pairs a 180 hp with the same 81 kW motor and delivers 36 miles of electric range. Both variants use a 12.4 kWh lithium-ion battery.

The 308 will also be offered with a 1.2-liter PureTech 130 petrol engine and a 1.5-liter BlueHDi 130 diesel engine. Prospective customers will be able to purchase the new 308 through Peugeot retailers and online later in the year. Pricing details haven’t been announced.