New Generation Peugeot 308 Boasts Enhanced Technology and a Shiny New Face

New Launches 

PEUGEOT has been playing around with the 308 which, for those of you already thinking of leasing in that direction, is excellent news. If you aren't it might make you reconsider.

There aren't any major changes, rather a series of little tweaks aimed at improving a car that's already pretty good. There are a few design changes to freshen the look, new engine and gearbox options, and some extra technology to play with.

The choice of hatchback, SW and GTi variants remains the same, as does the current choice of trim level.

The styling changes are generally cosmetic but they do make a difference, brightening up the front end of the new 308. Every new model now gets a sculpted bonnet and vertical grille combination that gives the car a sportier look, helped by new headlights with integrated LED running lights. There is also a redesigned front bumper design to improve cooling and updated rear lights across the range.

If you jump a few grades to the mid-level Allure and above you also get a panoramic glass roof as standard. If you haven't been in a car fitted with one of these you may not fully appreciate it but they are absolutely brilliant. The difference they make to the feel of the interior is well worth the additional outlay.





The interior itself is essentially unchanged but there is an upgrade available in the form of the i-cockpit system. A large touchscreen and smartphone connectivity plus a new 3D satnav system with voice control and real-time traffic updates are increasingly expected nowadays so Peugeot has happily obliged.

Driver assistance is also improved with the latest generation of safety systems including emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control to make the driving experience a touch more comfortable. There is also a new 180-degree rear camera and park assist option to take the stresses and strains out of that part of driving too.

Under the bonnet there is a brand new engine option in the shape of a 1.5-litre diesel coupled to a new six-speed manual gearbox. There is also a new eight-speed automatic that promises ‘slick, smooth, linear' responses, although for some reason it is only available as an option in the top-level GT trim with the BlueHDi 180 diesel.

The new BlueHDi 130 S&S features stop/start technology and has a newly designed combustion chamber with emissions control and filtration systems to improve efficiency. Not that too many people are interested in that level of detail, all that really matters is whether or not it offers acceptable running costs.

We don't have any actual figures yet but as Peugeot is one of many manufacturers expecting a further tightening of the regulations it's reasonable to expect this new engine will offer an improved return on emissions and mileage. On that basis alone it's likely the new 308 will be a popular leasing choice.

Peugeot may have only applied a few tweaks but it's been done in all the right places. The 308 was already a good car, popular amongst a whole range of drivers for its practicality, decent handling, and reasonable running costs. All Peugeot has done is make it slightly better.

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2018 Peugeot 308 Hatch Images

2018 Peugeot 308 GTi Hatch Images

2018 Peugeot 308 SW Image

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