Peugeot 308 III

The Peugeot 308 has been known for rewriting the French carmaker's customs with the second-generation model rewrote Peugeot's naming strategy to freeze the -08 instead of advancing to the next number as models evolved. The advent of the third-generation 308 marks a bold new era for Peugeot, now that it's part of the newly-christened Stellantis family of car brands from PSA and FCA. It's the first to don Peugeot's new logo first seen on the e-Legend concept. Let's get to know the first Peugeot of its new era.

With prices starting at 24,800 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new Peugeot 308 is once again rewriting the Peugeot custom with its evocative styling, new interior, improved performance, and a plethora of driving tech that will attract neophyte drivers and get acquainted with it until the end.

Starting with the design, the new model has an aggressor feel than the previous model's generic approach. Speedo boys could say that the new model's aggressive exterior design is a recipe for a hot hatch but hold it right there boys because even though the new model has the striking looks of a cobra, Stellantis says no for the new model to become a hot hatch, unlike the previous model, because of the new normal. Boo.

Although the new exterior design is the main reason to fall in love with the all-new 308, the new interior is a worthy challenge. The i-Cockpit has been given a major overhaul on the new model with the introduction of the first-ever Peugeot i-Connect. While the new interior gives drivers the feeling of a sci-fi fighter, the minimalist approach and the gear select buttons in place of a lever can easily scare speedo boys straight or as some would say, "Marty, we got to go back!". What's also worse is the voice control that works like Alexa so expect trouble for those sitting on its sweet spot.

In terms of comfort, the new 308 is as comfortable as most mainstream cars should and it's surprisingly more spacious than the previous model it replaces because of its increased wheelbase. Also, the boot space is slightly more as well. With such room, the new 308 is capable of almost all walks of life.

The new 308 is powered by a choice of a 1.2L PureTech, 1.5 Blue HDi, and a 1.6 HYBRID variant, all mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The most powerful version is the 1.6 HYBRID variant, which is basically a plug-in hybrid with the turbocharged 1.6L petrol engine connected to an 81kW electric motor. It produces a system power output of 225PS of power, has a 0-100kph of 7.5 seconds, a top speed of 235kph. The HYBRID 180 variant is the most efficient because of its 1.1L/100km combined fuel economy based on WLTP standards. You can kiss your Corolla Sport hybrid goodbye.

In terms of dynamics, the new 308 is part comfortable, part sporty at the same time thanks to its reworked suspension setup and the Driving Style Selector. Whichever style you're driving, rest assured that the new 308 is better to drive than the previous model. Not perfect but it will do.

As the car that represents the new era of Peugeot, the new 308 comes with a wide array of driving tech such as Semi-automatic lane change, anticipated speed recommendation, curve speed adaptation, long-range blind-spot monitoring, RCTA, Peugeot Open & Go, E-call+ emergency call, and more, standard or with the Drive Assist pack.

The new 308 truly is the start of the new era of Peugeot, apart from being the first to proudly wear the new Peugeot logo. Although not suitable for speedo boys because Stellantis says no to a hot version of this new model, it has the credentials normal drivers need to get through the new normal in style and dynamics. Not perfect but it's the best 308 made for the new normal.

Photo: Peugeot