Next year it will be tough in the C-segment. An extensive series of new models is emerging, one of which is the new Peugeot 308. This new French competitor to cars such as the Ford Focus and the Volkswagen Golf has been caught in the snow in a winter suit.
Groupe PSA is busy. Since the takeover of Opel, the group has been constantly presenting a new model to the world. In a short time, we have been able to welcome a series of compact hatchbacks and compact crossovers. The Peugeot 208 and 2008, the Opel Corsa and Mokka and the DS 3 Crossback: all these models can count on new big brothers next year. DS comes with the new DS 4 (Crossback), Opel with a new Astra and Peugeot will launch the new 308 next year. The 308 can now be viewed better than ever.
New Peugeot 308 (illustration)
The new 308 is, just like the aforementioned new Astra and DS 4 (Crossback), on a thoroughly developed version of the platform that you currently find under the Peugeot 308: the EMP2 platform. These new spy photos confirm once again that the new 308 is also optically a thoroughly renewed version of the already known model. Of course, the entire body is new and there are design elements from cars such as the 208, 2008 and 508, but in general the 308 character is retained. The headlights seem to be slightly lower in the nose than on the current model. Peugeot optically knots the rear lights together and sticks a classic version of its logo on the nose. In the long run, count on a completely new 3008 and possibly even a new 5008 that will be peppered with design influences from the new 308.
The big question with the new 308 remains the following: will there be an electric version? Peugeot CEO Jean-Phillipe Imparato previously hinted at the arrival of an electric version, although that would require far-reaching adjustments to the current platform. Should the electric 308 come, it will of course be a downright attack on cars like the Volkswagen ID3. Groupe PSA has a modular platform specifically intended for EVs in the pipeline, but that eVMP-baptized platform will not be operational until 2023. Whether that means that Peugeot will only come with an ID3 killer in less than three years seems unlikely. In any case, count on a bunch of plug-in hybrids, one of which is classified under the sporty PSE label. In addition, Peugeot also offers a range of PureTech petrol and BlueHDi diesel engines.