New 2021 Peugeot 308 revealed with two plug-in hybrids
7Peugeot has pulled the covers off its latest family hatchback, the third-generation 308, with the new hatch the first car to feature the brand’s new logo as part of its recent rebrand.
The big news is that the new Peugeot 308 will be available with electrified powertrains for the first time, including two plug-in hybrid models from launch.
New 2021 Peugeot 308: design and practicality
From a design perspective it could be argued that the look of the 308 isn’t all too surprising, but still striking. Peugeot has recently introduced an evolution of its latest design language on the facelifted 3008 SUV, and though the 308 is smaller and sportier, it’s still in keeping with its higher riding and more practical sibling.
The bonnet swoops downwards to create a lower looking nose than before, while beneath it sits a new, larger grille wearing that updated badge. Slimmer headlights are integrated into the edges of the grille, alongside Peugeot’s fang-like LED daytime running lights.
A strong shoulder line runs from the top of the headlight to the tailight, and there are two prominent new creases above the front and rear wheels.
At the back, there’s a prominent rear spoiler on the boot door, while the tailgate is headlined by another typical modern Peugeot design feature - tail lights with three ‘claw’ style lighting elements.
It’s 11mm longer than the old car, at 4,360mm, and 20mm lower. But more importantly, the wheelbase has grown by 55mm, so despite the more rakish looking rear end, space in the back has improved.
Boot space stands at 412 litres, so the new 308 should prove one of the more practical options in the family hatchback category when it goes on sale. It means the boot is larger than the Volkswagen Golf, Hyundai i30, Ford Focus or Mercedes A-Class.
A more practical estate version is coming too, with the ‘SW’ badged 308 model to be revealed in the coming months.
New 2021 Peugeot 308: interior and technology
Inside, the 308 has undergone a heavy transformation. The dashboard integrates some of Peugeot’s newest infotainment and display technology into a completely new design, to place some distance between the 308 and the 3008 SUV.
The tall, sloping dashboard features air vents placed high up, while a sharp-looking 10-inch touchscreen display on the dashboard controls most of the in-car tech, and now features wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. There are two versions of this screen - the basic i-Connect version and the i-Connect plus, which features widescreen navigation from TomTom. The new graphical interface is customisable and uses a widget-based organisation system, like a smartphone or tablet. Beneath it is a row of freely configurable touch-sensitive controls, called ‘i-Toggles’. Each one is a shortcut to a major function, such as climate control, the telephone or radio. A row of ‘piano key’ style buttons sits at the base of the infotainment zone.
The 308 continues to use Peugeot’s i-Cockpit steering wheel and instrument layout. That means that the small steering wheel sits below the new digital instrument panel, which is now available with the clever 3D image tech used on the brand’s smaller 208 supermini.
The large centre console gets a new look too. It comes with 34 litres of storage space, including a large cubby, which is home to a wireless smartphone charger.
Luxury touches include the availability of nappa leather upholstery and massaging seats. There’s also a new cabin air filtration system designed to keep polluting gasses and particles out, with the cabin air quality level displayed on the infotainment screen.