Redesigned Peugeot 308 Loses the Fangs but Gains New Features | Carscoops

      The compact model makes a comeback with a bolder design, advanced technology, and electrified choices, demonstrating that hatchbacks and estates continue to thrive.

      The Peugeot 308 receives a mid-cycle refresh featuring more angular styling and significant enhancements.

      Both the hatchback and estate (SW) showcase a revamped front with split headlights.

      The available powertrains now include diesel, mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric options.

      While the automotive industry leans heavily towards SUVs, hatchbacks and estates remain appealing in Europe. This is why Peugeot has unveiled the updated 308, presenting new styling along with an expanded range of engine choices.

      The latest generation debuted in 2021, showcasing a refined evolution of Peugeot’s design ethos. Four years later, the mid-cycle refresh reveals a new front end that replaces the brand’s trademark “fangs” with split headlights, featuring LED elements above and main beams integrated into black lacquered sections of the redesigned bumper.

      A More Defined Style

      Instead of a continuous LED strip, Peugeot's designers opted for illuminated strands above the body-colored grille. The base Allure model includes full LEDs, while the GT and GT Premium trims add Matrix LED technology with sequential turn signals. A notable new feature is the illuminated emblem, a first for Peugeot that will likely be featured in future models.

      The new bumper intakes are said to enhance aerodynamics, directing airflow towards the wheel arches. The overall profile remains largely unchanged but now includes new 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels, and a new Lagoa Blue color for the hatchback, along with an Ingaro Blue option for the estate. The rear maintains its previous design but the bumper omits chrome accents, and all trims now feature upgraded LED taillights with stylish claws (previously only available on the GT).

      Interior Enhancements

      Inside, the 308 lacks the newer digital cockpit found in the mechanically related 3008 and 5008 SUVs, but its version of the i-Cockpit with a 10-inch display still looks contemporary.

      Updates include new 3D graphics for the digital instrument cluster, along with Alcantara upholstery for the GT and GT Premium models. Available features include a 10-speaker Focal Premium Hi-Fi audio system, eight-color ambient lighting, and massaging seats, while the infotainment system supports over-the-air updates.

      Peugeot states that the updated 308 is built using 31% recycled and renewable materials, weighing in at 405 kg (893 pounds) per vehicle.

      Wagon Versatility

      For station wagon enthusiasts, the Peugeot 308 SW remains part of the lineup after the facelift, providing additional length and practicality from its spacious boot. This model can accommodate between 598-1,487 liters (21.1-52.5 cubic feet) of cargo based on the seating layout. It also features a 40:20:40 split in the rear seat and a power-operated tailgate.

      The Peugeot 308 is built on the EMP2 platform, shared with the Opel Astra and Astra Sports Tourer, as well as the recently updated DS N°4. The next generation is expected to transition to the upgraded STLA Medium architecture, already utilized by various Stellantis compact SUVs.

      Diesel, Mild-Hybrid, PHEV, and Electric Choices

      Despite a general move away from diesel engines in the automotive sector, Stellantis continues to offer the Peugeot 308 with a 1.5-liter BlueHDi four-cylinder turbodiesel. This remains the only non-electrified option in the lineup, producing 129 hp (96 kW / 130 PS) and paired solely with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

      Additionally, the vehicle can be equipped with a mild-hybrid turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine generating 143 hp (107 kW / 145 PS). This engine is coupled with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (e-DSC6) that incorporates an electric motor. Peugeot claims that the MHEV can operate up to 50% of the time in electric mode in urban settings.

      For greater electrification, the 308 Plug-in Hybrid merges an electric motor with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, delivering a combined power output of 192 hp (143 kW / 195 PS). This system includes a seven-speed e-DCS7 dual-clutch automatic and a 17.2 kWh battery, with an all-electric range of 53 miles (85 km).

      Finally, the fully electric E-308 is equipped with a front-mounted electric motor generating 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS) powered by a 58.4 kWh battery. It boasts a WLTP range of 281 miles (452 km), an improvement of 23 miles (37 km) over the previous model, thanks to advancements in battery and powertrain efficiency. The EV can charge from 20-80% in just