SPY PICS: Peugeot's all-new 308
French car-maker's crucial new compact hatchback will lock horns with the Volkswagen Golf Mk7Peugeot’s 308 hatchback has now been around for almost five years, so the stage is all but set for an all-new replacement to take the fight to the likes of the Volkswagen Golf Mk7.
Although the hypnotic disguise worn by this prototype captured by the Carparazzi lenses conceals the key details, what you’re looking at under the livery is the body of the actual production model that’s due to go on sale by the end of next year.
The new model will retain the 308 moniker worn by the current car, as Peugeot recently announced all of its model names will end in either a “1” or “8”. The number 1 will be used for budget vehicles, while the number 8 will be used for more premium offerings.
As per the current three-digit naming strategy, the first digit of each of its model names corresponds to the vehicle’s size (for example 208 for its small hatchback and 508 for its large sedan), while the last digit has in the past indicated the vehicle’s generation.
So, according to this formula, the 308 successor should have been named the 309 – but that’s not going to be the case based on the new nomenclature.
Going on the accompanying images, it’s clear the new 308 has grown in length and width vis-à-vis the current model, which should make for genuinely spacious rear seats and a more generous luggage compartment.
Visually, expect the newcomer to borrow a few styling elements from the 208 and 508, as well as the HX1 and HR1 concepts.
In addition to sharper frontal styling, the new 308 is expected to feature more sculpted profiling and a third side window.
And, as was the case with the 208, the new 308 will be lighter than the model it replaces, and its platform and engines will be shared with the Citroen C4 and DS4.
The line-up will include a raft of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, in addition to the PSA Group’s Hybrid4 diesel-electric powertrain.
Although the five-door model will be the volume-seller, the new 308 line-up is also expected to include three-door, wagon and convertible derivatives.
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site…
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
