Peugeot 308 gets significant upgrades with new tech and hybrid options for 2021

The Peugeot 308 is getting a significant update as it moves into its third generation in 2021 - with the handsome new hatchback seeing a new design, new logo, upgraded interior and introduction of hybrid engines into the line-up.

The most obvious of those changes is the exterior, bringing the new 308 more in line with the other models in Peugeot’s range. The front end features slim LED headlights (standard on all variants) with the brand’s trademark vertical LED daytime running lights and a large grille. Higher-spec versions will get headlights that feature Matrix LED Tech.

The Volkswagen Golf rival is the first model to showcase the Peugeot’s new logo (a roaring lion’s head), which hides the radar used by the autonomous driving aids. At the rear, there’s an extended roof spoiler, too.

As with virtually all cars making the transition to the next generation, the 308 is larger than its predecessor. The wheelbase has been extended by 55mm and its overall length by 110mm to offer more space in the back seats. The windscreen is set at more of an angle and placed further back too, and the roof is 20mm lower - all in the name of more aerodynamic efficiency.

The boot offers 412 litres of luggage capacity, with a further 28 litres of storage in a hidden compart beneath the floor. With the rear seats folded flat, the maximum capacity increases to 1323-litres - meaning there’s more boot space than in the Volkswagen Golf, Hyundai i30 and Ford Focus.

Peugeot will offer the 308 with two pure petrol options, one diesel and two petrol plug-in hybrids. The 1.2-litre (110PS or 130PS) three-cylinder petrol turbocharged engine is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed auto in 130PS guise. The sole diesel is Peugeot’s BlueHDi 130, a turbocharged 130PS 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine - which is available with a six-speed manual gearbox. Peugeot has not revealed any performance, fuel economy or CO2 figures yet.

The plug-in hybrid line-up opens with the Hybrid 180 model. This combines a 150PS PureTech petrol engine with a 111PS electric motor and a 12.4kWh battery. The 308 will be able to cover 37 miles on pure electric, according to Peugeot. With CO2 emissions as low as 25g/km, it should make it a compelling company car option.

More power is available with the Hybrid 225 drivetrain, which combines a 181PS petrol engine with the same 111PS electric motor for a maximum combined power output of 225PS. The carmaker says this variant also offers a 37-mile electric-only range.

There are two types of on-board chargers available: a standard 3.7kW charger and an optional 7.4kW fast charger. The estimated recharging time is one hour 55 minutes when fitted with the optional 7.4kW unit.

The plug-in hybrid versions of the 308 feature a thermal pre-conditioning function, too. Via the MyPeugeot smartphone app or the car’s touchscreen, users can schedule a wake-up point for the battery so the cells are at the optimal temperature for efficiency.

Inside is Peugeot’s i-Cockpit with the familiar small steering wheel and a 10-inch digital panel above it. The central infotainment screen is also 10-inches as standard. A row of so-called 'i-toggle' switches also sits below this screen. Each one is a shortcut to a major function, like climate control.

Up to eight individual profiles can be stored and two phones can be connected at once via Bluetooth. Smartphone-mirroring functionality is now wireless as standard and the new 'OK Peugeot' voice control function can be used to change infotainment settings.

New autonomy features include long-range blind-spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, a cleaning nozzle for the reversing camera, 360-degree parking assist and wing mirrors that lower when reversing.

Peugeot has yet to reveal pricing for the new 308 but we expect the entry-level variant to start from around £22,000 with the hybrids costing slightly more. The new 308 will go on sale in Europe in the second half of 2021. However, UK orders won’t begin until the tail end of 2021.