Peugeot will launch the third generation of the Peugeot 308 in early 2022. The French brother of the Opel Astra comes as a hatchback and station wagon as well as a gasoline, diesel and plug-in hybrid. In terms of electronics, it has finally arrived in the current modern era. “Krone” engine editor Stephan Schätzl has already driven the stylish compact car – his impressions here in the video!
Apparently, cars have to be green so that you don’t have to be embarrassed about them. This impression was made at the IAA in Munich at the beginning of September. Voilá, on the new five-door Peugeot 308, the only paint color free of charge is this wonderful metallic green!
There are also green drives recently:
Two plug-in hybrids with a total output of 180 or 225 hp are available, with almost identical performance and an electric WLTP range of up to 60 kilometers – with the more powerful only covering 59 kilometers and thus falling out of subsidies in Germany in autumn next year. The green base, however, comes with a completely un-green 110-hp three-cylinder petrol engine, which, like its 130-hp brother, has appealing manners. In contrast to the somewhat noisy 130 hp diesel, which at least drives comfortably and economically.
The engines are known from the other group brands such as Opel, Citroën or DS, as is the modular EMP2 platform. The 308 owes a significant increase in size to this, at 4.36 meters it is 11 centimeters higher than its predecessor. The station wagon even measures 4.64 m, but doesn’t really offer much space on the back seat. Instead, 608 instead of 412 liters of trunk space (plug-in: 548/361 liters).
Quantum leap in interior space and electronics
The interior looks very high quality, even in the basic equipment. The speedometer display above the steering wheel, which is flattened at the top and bottom, is colorful instead of just green. The different views appear playful, especially in the top version with 3-D representation. The configurable touch surfaces below the central touch screen are practical, just like the operating system has made a very successful leap into modern times, greetings to Wolfsburg.
The Peugeot 308 is not for sporty drivers, but lies well and drives comfortably. The somewhat synthetic steering offers more feedback than before.
The price list starts at 24,480 euros for the Active Pack equipment with 110 hp three-cylinder, which is only available with a slightly awkward six-speed manual transmission. The basic model already has a rear parking beeper, cruise control, keyless start, rain sensor, car emergency brake, traffic sign recognition and two-zone climate on board. The station wagon costs 1500 euros more, the 130-horsepower petrol engine 1300 euros more. Surcharge for the equally powerful diesel again 1800 euros. The eight-speed automatic is available for the two 130 hp engines for 2400 euros, as standard for the hybrids
The 180 PS plug-in hybrid comes in at 36,360 euros, the stronger one is only available from GT, and there it costs 43,310 euros, i.e. 1500 euros more than the weaker one
Many assistance systems are standard, automated driving will be available as an option. But not the green for the station wagon.