The next generation of Peugeot models will start with the new 308 in 2022, and an early indication of what to expect has come in the form of a camouflaged prototype.
As expected, the next-generation 308's styling appears to mark a radical departure from that of the current car, to bring it into line with the new 208, 2008 and 508, plus the facelifted 3008 and 5008.
Heavy camouflage means it's unclear at this stage how exactly that will be achieved, but it looks like the 308 will swap its protruding lower bumper for a rounded front end that incorporates Peugeot's new frameless grille and narrow headlights, while the brand's vertical daytime running lights are likely to feature in some form.
The roofline also appears to curve more steeply towards the rear, which makes the hatchback appear longer and lower, while details including new wing mirrors, a subtle rear spoiler and a sharkfin-style aerial will round off the transformation.
Peugeot boss Jean-Philippe Imparato has previously hinted that the 308 will build on the bold look of all other recent Peugeots: “We put the design first,” he said when describing why the brand's comeback has been so successful. “On top of all the investment choices, I protected the design. Then the brand image recovers.”
When it was launched in 2014, the current 308 kick-started the transformation of the entire Peugeot range with a more confident design approach. The successful, more daringly styled 3008 followed, along with the 5008, 208 and 2008.
The next 308 is set to play that role again by laying the groundwork for a new era of Peugeots when it goes on sale in 2022, most likely after a public debut towards the end of 2021.
It will be built on an updated version of the EMP2 platform that underpins more than a dozen PSA Group models and was originally introduced on today’s 308.
PSA’s strategy so far has been for EMP2 models to be offered with plug-in hybrid technology and for smaller CMP models to come with dedicated electric versions, both offered alongside existing petrol and diesel variants.
The 308 is set to get a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, mixing a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to drive the front wheels in a mainstream variant. However, it’s a proposed second plug-in hybrid model that will interest enthusiasts.
This model, developed by the brand’s new PSE performance arm, would gain an additional electric motor on the rear axle – a set-up already used on the 3008 PHEV – to give the 308 four-wheel drive and create a new 300bhp-plus hot hatch version that would also receive a host of sporty chassis and styling upgrades to challenge the likes of the Volkswagen Golf R.
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scrap
I don't understand this.
I don't understand this. Peugeot has real heritage with the GTI badge, almost as much as VW. There was even a 505 GTI back in the day, which was obviously not a hot hatch, but as a range topping saloon made sense. PSE is just meaningless.
Peter Cavellini
Not the selling factor now?
The GTi moniker stuck on the back of any car signified you'd bought something a little bit special, but, I think it doesn't mean so much today, Seat persist with FR , PSE...?, sounds like something a Doctor would call a disease. as for the car itself, it's generic, it has the same rough shape as all Hot hatch have, the interior will get a little titivation, and 300bhp even to day is a bit limp, and of course there's the "how much!" I hope it's the low thirties......
Andrew1
@scrap
This hybrid, 300bhp it might be but it won't be a GTI, and then reviewers (including this magazine) with drop a "star" for not being "a proper GTI" (in addition to the star they drop by default for being French).
They will most likely save the GTI moniker for a future full electric version, maybe the model after this one, if a new battery technology is commercially viable by then.
artill
Wouldnt it be nice to read
Wouldnt it be nice to read the Peugeot were going to give us a hot hatch with the feel, and ride and handling balance of the 309GTi or the 306GTi6. Do we really care if its got 300BHP if its heavy, and 4wd?
I really couldnt care what badge they stick on it. Make it drive like a Peugeot from the 90s and call it what ever you want
catnip
artill wrote:
And also offer it in 3-door version.
SAS32
I think Peugeot have given us
1250kg
272 bhp from a 1.6T with forged internals, Mahle pistons etc
Totsen LSD
4 Pot Alcon brakes with 380mm discs
Wider track
19 Alloys with MPSS tyres.
It has been on sale for 4 years and it's a cracking car with serious pace and an excellent ride/handling balance due to a slightly softer suspension set-up. Unfortunately they just don't sell here in the UK as it seems the majority of UK drives will now only buy German and without even considering what else is out there, which is such a shame. Fortunately some of us aren't obsessed with the country of manufacture or a plastic badge.
Respect to Peugeot for giving us the 308 GTI but it's such a shame that low sales of what is a truly excellent hot hatch will mean it's unlikely to be replaced.
NoPasaran
@artill
Passive safety + active safety + larger + more insulation (probably) + widgets/trinkets/ = more weight.
Weight is inevitable today.
Anyway, given the global development I see very few people buying new expensive(ish) hot hatches.
smallblock
I owned a 205GTI 1.9 and did
I owned a 205GTI 1.9 and did many miles in a company 309 GTI, both were great cars, the 309 in particular had a proper sprinkle of magic dust in its balance. Peugoet would have a real winner if this could be replicated. They were of there time though, I remember a drive down the M4 London to Wiltshire, massive headache and ears ringing at the end of it. There were real downsides to the 205 and cars this age. Fiesta ST is much better in reality.
Paddy Asphalt
Anyone else cringe...
when they see a rival listed in a new car's description on Autocar? "Rival". It's such inflammatory, childish, nonsense.
LucyP
SAS32 - It also doesn't sell because it doesn't win any tests
And it totally isn't a German thing. The tests rave on about the Honda Civic Type R and the Hyundai I30 N and the RS and ST Focus.
The Peugeot is just a less well made Golf. It looks like a Golf - i.e. a bit dull, and it might have Mahle pistons like a Ferrari, but it also has the same engine that used to be in the MINI and is in the previous model 208 GTi and it has a poor reputation, so if you want something like a Golf, then just buy a Golf because it's better made and more reliable. If you want something "boy racer", buy the Civic. If you want something different buy the I30 N and the Focus is between the Civic and the Golf.
And I'll believe this car when I see it! Autocar went on and on about the new 208 GTi, with a choice of petrol or electric, and where is that car? It doesn't exist at all!
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