Peugeot unveils 308 with two hybrids, hot hatch unlikely

Following yesterday’s comprehensive Peugeot 308 image leak, the French car maker has unveiled the compact hatch in full — including more information about powertrains and technology detail.

The car is based on a revised version of Stellantis’ EMP2 platform, helping extend the 308’s wheelbase by 55mm for additional cabin space. Speaking of, the driver gets a 10-inch digital cluster with a 3D feature on GT variants paired to the latest version of Peugeot i-Cockpit and Peugeot i-Connect.

As with a lot of other Peugeot models, spec is high all round. The new 308 can be had with stop and go radar cruise control, semi-autonomous lane changing, lane centering, long-range blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera, and a heated windscreen and steering wheel among other modcons.

So far Peugeot has shown off three powertrain options for the 308, two being plug-in hybrids. The Hybrid 180 is the base, equipped with a 112kW petrol engine paired to an 81kW electric motor, offering some 60km of electric range.

Those wanting more capability can opt for the Hybrid 225. It comes with a heartier 134kW petrol four cylinder, paired to the same 81kW electric motor. Ironically the flagship is rated for fractionally less electric range, in exchange for more straight-line poke. Both models get the same 12.4kWh lithium-ion battery.

There’s also a petrol and diesel on offer, the former 1.2-litre PureTech and the latter a 1.5-litre BlueHDi. It remains to be seen which engine options are likely to make it to our shores, although technically the 208 hasn’t been confirmed for New Zealand in any capacity. If it does come to Aotearoa, expect to see it towards the end of the year.

If there’s a sad omission from the Peugeot release, it’s the lack of a dedicated hot hatch variant. Peugeot of course has a long, decorated history with hot hatches, thanks to pioneering nameplates like the 205 GTI. But, speaking to Top Gear UK, Peugeot Product Director Jermoe Micheron seemed quite adamant that none were coming.

“If you look at the market for sporty versions, and the CO2 regulations, it has collapsed,” he said, adding that a high-performance plug-in hybrid version also seems off the cards. “We don’t see a market yet. And it adds extra weight.”