Peugeot 308

Peugeot 308
A.BourgeoisP · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Peugeot 308
Manufacturer	Peugeot
Production	2007–present
Class	Small family car (C-segment)
Body style	Hatchback, estate, coupe cabriolet
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive

Peugeot 308 The Peugeot 308 is a small family car produced by Peugeot since 2007. Positioned in the compact car or C-segment market, it succeeded the Peugeot 307 and competes with models such as the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Renault Megane. The 308 has been offered in multiple body styles and powertrains, including petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and electric variants, and has been marketed across Europe, Asia, and South America.

Introduction

The 308 was introduced as a replacement for the Peugeot 307 and designed to consolidate Peugeot’s presence in the European passenger car market alongside rivals like the Opel Astra, SEAT Leon, Toyota Corolla, and Honda Civic. It debuted at major motor shows including the Frankfurt Motor Show and the Paris Motor Show, and has been showcased in international auto events such as the Geneva Motor Show and the Mondial de l'Automobile. Throughout its lifecycle the model has been influenced by industry-wide trends shaped by organizations like the European Commission and regulatory frameworks such as Euro emissions standards.

Development and Design

Development involved collaboration between Peugeot’s design studios in Vélizy-Villacoublay and engineering teams in Sochaux. Styling cues were guided by design directors linked to projects such as the Peugeot RCZ and by corporate strategies from Groupe PSA and later Stellantis. The 308’s architecture drew on modular platforms developed within the PSA group, including the PF2 platform and later the EMP2 platform. Exterior and interior design references often cite influences from concept cars presented at events like the Frankfurt Motor Show and the Geneva Motor Show, while lighting and ergonomics reflect standards promoted by bodies such as the European New Car Assessment Programme.

Models and Generations

The first generation (T7) launched in 2007 and spawned hatchback, coupe cabriolet and estate derivatives; it shared components with models like the Citroën C4. The second generation (T9) appeared in 2013 with a revised silhouette and chassis updates related to the EMP2 platform, and competed against the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 and Ford Focus Mk3. The third generation introduced in 2021 emphasized electrified powertrains to align with initiatives from institutions like the International Energy Agency and market movements influenced by manufacturers including Renault and Volkswagen Group. Special trims and estate versions mirrored strategies used by marques such as Audi and BMW to broaden market appeal.

Technical Specifications

Engine options historically ranged from PSA-sourced inline-four petrol units to turbocharged diesel engines developed alongside partners within Groupe PSA. Powertrains included naturally aspirated engines, turbocharger-equipped petrol units, BlueHDi diesel engines, and plug-in hybrid systems featuring electric motors and battery packs comparable to systems used by brands like Volvo and Mitsubishi. Chassis and suspension tuning took cues from competitors such as the Mazda3 and Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Transmission choices included manual gearboxes and automatic transmissions supplied by vendors akin to Aisin and Getrag. Emissions performance and fuel economy were tested under protocols influenced by the WLTP regime and regulatory testing standards from the European Union.

Safety and Equipment

Safety features evolved to include multiple airbags, electronic stability control systems and driver assistance suites incorporating technologies similar to those deployed by Mercedes-Benz and Tesla. Advanced driver assistance systems offered adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking with sensors and radars sourced from suppliers such as Valeo and Bosch. The 308 underwent crash testing by organisations including Euro NCAP, and equipment levels mirrored offerings from rivals like Skoda and Hyundai with infotainment systems and connectivity aligned to standards promoted by Apple and Google integration initiatives.

Facelifts and Special Editions

Across its generations the 308 received mid-cycle facelifts introducing revised bumpers, lighting elements influenced by LED trends adopted by Audi and BMW, and interior updates to infotainment comparable to units from Alpine and Harman Kardon. Special editions and trim packages were released to commemorate anniversaries or motorsport heritage, resembling limited runs from Cupra, Mini, and Abarth. Collaborations for high-spec variants sometimes referenced performance parts or branding approaches used by teams in the World Rally Championship and events affiliated with manufacturers like Peugeot Sport.

Motorsport and Performance Variants

Peugeot has leveraged motorsport pedigree via performance-oriented models and racing programs linked to Peugeot Sport. The 308 nameplate inspired competition variants in touring car and rallycross arenas, with technology exchange comparable to relationships seen between Ford Motorsport and its road cars or BMW M divisions. Privateer and factory-backed entries competed in national series influenced by regulations from the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile and championships such as the British Touring Car Championship and various European rallycross events.

Sales, Reception, and Awards

The 308 earned recognition in auto press comparisons against the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Toyota Corolla, and received awards in markets where organizations like the European Car of the Year juries and national automotive clubs influence consumer perception. Sales performance varied by region, with strong showings in France, Spain, and parts of Western Europe, while facing stiff competition in markets dominated by Japanese and German manufacturers. Critical reception highlighted design, ride comfort, and efficiency relative to contemporaries from Skoda, Renault, and Mazda.

Category:Peugeot vehicles Category:Compact cars