The new Peugeot 308: ten powerplant options starting at 120 g/km
It doesn't yet have a hybrid powertrain that will give it 70+mpg (but that option is coming), but Peugot's new 308 does have a lot of options in the engine bay. The new 308, coming to the UK in September, has ten powerplant choices, with the lightest emitter sending out just 120 g/km of CO2. This aerodynamic little hatchback has got a below-average drag coefficient of just 0.29.
Aside from the talk of the diesel hybrid drive in one of these things, the best upcoming change is this: Peugeot says the 308 will evolve into a few different body shapes over the coming months and years, and there will be a "BioFlex" petrol model introduced at some point. Should be able to knock that 120 number down to double-digits one of these days.
You can peep the full list of powerplant options in the press release after the jump.
Gallery: Peugeot 308
[Source: Peugeot]
PEUGEOT 308 – INSIGHT INTO A NEW MODEL
- To be launched in September 2007
- Powered by seven engine options
- Class leading aerodynamics
- 1.6 litre HDi 90 emits only 120 g/km of CO2
- The start of a new "3" series family
Designed by Peugeot's in-house designers, the Peugeot 308 builds on the successful concept of the Peugeot 307, with its semi-high architecture, large interior space, class leading safety equipment and high standards of road holding.
The stylish design not only looks good but contributes to reducing fuel consumption and emissions, due to its class leading aerodynamics – Cx of 0.29 – enabling the 1.6 litre HDi 90 to emit only 120 g/km of CO2.
The Peugeot 308 will be available with 10 powerplant options:
Petrol engines *VTi – Variable valve lift and Timing and injection
- 1.4 litre VTi* 95 bhp 5-speed manual gearbox
- 1.6 litre VTi* 120 bhp 5-speed manual gearbox
- 1.6 litre VTi* 120 bhp 4-speed automatic gearbox
- 1.6 litre THP 150 bhp 5-speed manual gearbox
- 1.6 litre THP 140 bhp 4-speed automatic gearbox
- 1.6 litre HDi 90 bhp 5-speed manual gearbox
- 1.6 litre HDi 110 bhp 5-speed manual gearbox
- 1.6 litre HDi 110 bhp 6-speed controlled manual gearbox
- 2.0 litre HDi 136 bhp 6-speed manual gearbox
- 2.0 litre HDi 136 bhp 6-speed automatic gearbox
Safety is another strength of the new Peugeot 308, with seven airbags fitted as standard; even rear side airbags will be available as an option on 5 door models. Peugeot's lane departure warning system (LDWS) and bi-xenon directional headlamps will also be available.
The increased size compared to the 307 results in greater interior space and carrying capacity. The boot of the 308 is cleverly laid out to maximise the space which, with the parcel shelf in place provides 430 litres, increasing to 1,398 litres with the seats folded.
The Peugeot 308 will evolve into a number of different body shapes over the coming months and years, and will see a "BioFlex" petrol model introduced. It could also one day benefit from Peugeot's HDi Hybrid technology.
The Peugeot 308 will go on sale in the UK in September 2007; price and specification details will be announced nearer the launch date.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Redouane 11:48AM (4/28/2008)
Actually, I have something to say.
It's not the company that's small, 'PEUGEOT', it's the world, that's getting smaller.
I personally think that most American cars are about 'fantasy' performance. For example, a 1993 SHS Ford Taurus Station Wagon ( with a V8 engine!!! ) can barely reach 170 km/h. On the other hand, a french 1993 Peugeot 405 Station Wagon ( Familiale ), with a 2.0 liter, or even say a 1.8 Liter, can top that. Maybe not acceleration wise, but hey, ... even acceleration wise, the figures do not differ THAT much... Especially if you compare MPG figures and take a look at your wallet. You could be eating ice cream with the difference!!! A LOOOT of ice cream, which will make up for the sour fact that the Pug doesn't come with AC standard. At least, the one I am referring to doesn't, but could have...
Now I have to admit the Americans have had the upper hand in terms of luxury and equipment ( options such as sunroofs, leather, aircon, airbags, electric windows & mirrors ) until the Japanese Car Makers started innovating. Of course the battle has been fierce in the 90s but today, I say I would opt for a European vehicle over an American one ( which is always hungry ), or a Japanese one ( which is still not that reliable compared to the more conservatively advancing, historically reliable European Makes such as VW, Peugeot, Renault, ... ) Of course some are more 'reliable' than others, but then again the price factor comes into play and you find yourself looking at the best offers from 'LITTLE' companies like Peugeot and Renault. I personally prefer Peugeot because I prefer the looks, but Renault too have been doing much better in terms of fuel economy since the very beginning ( Anyone remember the Renault 4L, the Renault 12, ... and recently the Renault 19, Clio, and many others )... Ok, so the 'little' French cuties do not really offer a strong argument in terms of top speed... Or maybe not? Think about it, the 406 T16 simply 'amazed' in Pikes Peak if anyone can remember. Ok, that's a rally car, but the public edition could top 230 km/h!!! With a 2 Liter Engine!!! And 220 bhp which is amazing for a four dour sedan. Or let's even go back in time a little bit, and think about the 205 GTI 1.9: the little machine could do things! And ok, let's not talk about top end editions of the 206, 306, 307... Let's think of today: a 1.6 liter engine that can develop 150 ( and even more!!! ) BHP and reach 130+ MPH top speed? Isn't it worth considering?
Ok, so the Americans can make Ford Mustangs and such 'superb' things, but pardon me, with 4.x figure sized engines, or, like in the 'corvette', which actually has a rocket size 6.3 L engine, I wouldn't be caught driving that much metal and plastic, especially when airbags aren't around. Add to that the simple and pure fact that such 'insane' engine sizes do not necessarily translate to very trustable handling, especially in winding country roads, and well, sure, if you want something to drive on your private runway, then opt for an American super performer. But then, some LITTLE company from France has managed to make real fun, real usable, real cute machines, such as the 205 GTI both in 1.6 and 1.9 engine sizes, and both can reach honorable, above 120 mph, decent acceleration, while at the same time offering enough practicality to be used every day, and handling that fits the highway, the motorway, winding country roads, and hey, isn't that the idea? Now of course french cars with engine sizes 1.9 and 2.0 liter are still, relatively speaking that is ( the figures are better than even those of a 2004 2.0L Chrysler Sebring ), today , the French are doing it even better with engines such as the 1.1L for the 206 ( which I can only salute, despite the fact that it isn't really a performer - OK!! It isn't today, it's yesterday!!! ), the 1.6 HDi 110 bhp ( which brings diesel to a new edge, going toe to toe with regular petrol engines while at the same time knocking the fuel economy figures of the latter on their knees ). And with particle filters and BioTech, Peugeot manage to make diesel cleaner than ever, so who knows?
I say that 'LITTLE' companies like Peugeot HAVE always been there. It's just that the American Audience hasn't tuned in the proper channels, and probably hasn't, YET. So stay tuned. My advice? Turn French if you want to drive a fun, lovable car that can actually love you back. If you want to fly to the office then well, go for a Benz, a Rolls Roys, or an American engine. Overall, if I had me 20 grand to spare for a new vehicle, I would definitely get a Peugeot. Even a second hand one doesn't sound that bad ( by the way I've had a 307 SW 1.6 HDi 110 bhp since 2006 and it works like a miracle ... no, it is a miracle !!! ). Before that, a 309 1.9 GRD Diesel has to be the most abused vehicle on the entire planet, and possibly entire infinity of parallel possible and existing universes, yet when I sold it in 2005, I almost cried. No, I have cried. And before that a 205 GRD 1.9 which also managed to be a very reliable, very economical cutie. And of course a very fancy 405 1.6L which was just fabulous at the time. I don't really just mean to brag here, I've owned and regularly used many other vehicules over the years, a Ford Taurus V8 SW, a Daewoo Leganza 2.0 CDX, a Honda Civic 2002 2.0 L, a Mazda Protégé ( 323 in Europe ) 2.0, and many others including ( I must admit ) a superb Golf 4 GTI 2.0 FSI which is perhaps the only vehicule I liked more than Peugeot. But then again that's only because I haven't driven a 307 at the time, and hadn't known that the 308 exists and handles much better, and hadn't thought about the price, the MPG figures, etc...
Finally, and before I go any further because I won't, before you decide that a Peugeot is just 'some' Alien Car that needs a 'Visa' to embark on US highways, take a closer look at it. You may fall in love. And out of debt with Visa. Or whichever credit card you use at the gas station :)
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mikeinBuilding7 6:43PM (6/28/2007)
First, clicking on the Text sends you to the wrong page.
But, clicking on the TITLE of the article get's you here.
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mikeinBuilding7 6:51PM (6/28/2007)
Holy, Sh*T,
- This LITTLE French Co. can produce a 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC as Well?
- Good Looking
- Aerodynamic
- Good Safety
- 4 CYL DIESEL
- HYBRID DIESEL!!!
This is just ONE COMPANY right?
Why is it this SMALL company can kick some Technical Ass, but, the U.S. is stuck with BIG companies that can ONLY produce BIG LOW TECH GAS GuZZLERS?
It's almost as if it's A CONSPIRACY of some kind. Almost as if, U.S. companies Didn't Want to produce Fuel Efficient Cars.
It's almost ScArY.
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Mattias 3:57AM (6/29/2007)
> This is just ONE COMPANY right?
Yes, it is. PSA, Fiat, BMW and some other European manufacturers realized in the last years that the key to innovation and efficient production is not sheer size but alliances that target a single goal. For exaple PSA cooperates with BMW (which resulted in Diesels for the Mini and assistance for developing the new 1.6l generation), with Fiat (light duty vehicles), with Ford (Diesel engines), with Mitsubishi (Diesel engines, small SUVs).
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Juls 9:50AM (6/29/2007)
@mikeinBuilding7
Don't know what by your definition is a SMALL company, but PSA is actualy bigger than Chrysler.
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