With a strong focus on design, driving experience, efficiency and quality, the refined new Peugeot 308 has gone on sale at Peugeot Dealerships nationwide. The ultra-modern Peugeot 308 was launched in Europe in September, already clocking up more than 35,000 orders in just three months, ahead of targets and ahead of its launch in Ireland and the UK. It is one of the 7 finalists for the prestigious 2014 “Car of the Year” Award. Retailing from €18,990, the new Peugeot 308 comes to market in Ireland with Peugeot’s five year peace of mind warranty.
The sleek new Peugeot 308 benefits from an excellent aerodynamic design and balanced proportions. At the front, a large centrally placed grille surrounded with chrome gives an impression of upmarket elegance. A world-first, full LED headlamps (level 3 models), create a strong signature, whilst the lion-claw rear lamps are outlined by LEDs on all versions of 308, a first in the segment.
Inside the new 308, the innovative i-Cockpit interior is simple and intuitive to use. The small, compact steering wheel makes manoeuvring much easier and increases driver control. A head-up instrument panel ensures drivers access information without taking eyes off the road. The large 9.7” touch screen bring together centrally all the controls to leave an uncluttered, minimalist dashboard: air conditioning, driving aids, multi-media, navigation, telephone and vehicle settings. Seven buttons on the touchscreen provide direct access to functions in an easy, concise manner.
With a length of 4.25m, height of 1.46m and a width of 1.8m, new Peugeot 308 is extremely agile: it is 3cm shorter and 4cm lower than the previous model and has the most compact exterior dimensions in its class to offer excellent manoeuvrability. The front and rear overhangs have been reduced which makes it possible to place the wheels nearer the four corners to allow a particularly spacious interior and to ensure excellent passenger room. The low loading sill and extensive opening (1068mm wide) make loading easier into the 470-litre volume boot, the biggest in the segment, which increases to 1309 litres when the rear seats are folded.
The efficiency of the new Peugeot 308 is in part due to weight reduction compared to the predecessor 308. A total reduction of 70kg was found through using new materials, by optimising the design and by means of an innovative assembly process using Peugeot’s new Efficient Modular Platform 2: of the 116 patents filed by Peugeot, many address design, suspension and wheels. A further 70kg weight reduction has been achieved by optimising the weight of each component, whilst leaving levels of performance intact. For example, the front wings and bonnet are constructed in aluminium, usually preserved for premium vehicles. A world-first, the tailgate is formed using Thermoplastic, a composite material that is both light and rigid.
Lighter than its competitors and fitted with the very latest Peugeot petrol and diesel powertrains, it will also set new performance records in its class. The 1.6-litre HDi 92bhp has CO2 emissions of just 95g/km. In Spring 2014, the new 308 will benefit from a new 3-cylinder 1.2-litre e-THP PureTech engine with a choice of 110 or 130bhp (104g / 109g CO2). Also available in 2014 will be BlueHDi models, including a segment-leading engine with emissions of just 83g/km, plus the next generation six-speed automatic gearboxes.
The new 308 range has three trim levels, with class-leading features at a competitive price. The Access model comes with air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter, LED daytime running lights, front electric windows, six airbags, Bluetooth, ESP and a spare wheel. The 308 Access 1.2 petrol 82bhp (114g CO2) model, retails from €18,990 plus delivery.
The Active model gains hill assist, leather gear knob and steering wheel, dual zone climate control, rear parking sensors, an integrated 9.7” touch screen, 16” alloy wheels, rear electric windows, front fog lamps, full size spare wheel, driver lumbar support and front / rear armrest. The 308 Active 1.2 petrol 82bhp model will retail from €20,990 while the Active 1.6 HDi 92bhp (95g CO2) model, retails from €22,990 plus delivery.
The Allure model is distinguished by 17” alloy wheels, front parking sensors, chrome window surrounds, electric folding door mirrors and a colour instrument cluster with 3.5” LCD. The Allure model also sports innovative full LED headlamps as standard, the only car in its class to feature such standard equipment. The 308 Allure 1.6 Hdi 115bhp (98g CO2) model, retails from €24,490 plus delivery.
The new 308 will be sold from launch with options on Active and Allure models, to include a reverse camera and satellite navigation pack at a retail price of €575 and a reverse camera, satellite navigation and panoramic roof pack at a total retail price of €1,100. For even more comfort and safety, the new Peugeot 308 has an option of a Driver Assistance Pack: dynamic cruise control, emergency collision alert system and emergency collision braking system. When a vehicle is detected by the radar the system works to firstly maintain a constant distance, then to warn the driver that the vehicle in front is too close and to automatically apply the brakes to prevent impact. Blind spot monitoring is available where an LED integrated in the side mirrors warns a driver of the presence of a car or motorcyclist in the blind spot. A reversing camera and park assist system is also offered as an option.
The new 308 is the embodiment of Peugeot’s move upmarket, a process started some years ago with 508, 208 and new 2008. As with 208 and 2008, the brand’s move upmarket is clear and more than 50% of 308s to date have been level 3 and 4 trims. The choice of specific quality materials, assembly of components, soundproofing, durability, the sculpted exterior and simple, clean interior all work together to place new 308 among the very best in the segment. The new Peugeot 308 successfully passed numerous quality tests: 2.5 million kilometres driven before launch, 2,500 hours of tests the 4-ram vibration and climate test beds, 2,500 cycles of air conditioning tested, 4.3 million presses on the touch screen without failure.
Destined also for an international market, the new 308 will be manufactured first at Sochaux, France and then in China, for Asian markets. The French sites in Tremery and Douvrin will supply all the diesel and petrol powertrains.
