Cars

Sharp looks and more room for new Peugeot 308

Peugeot 308
Peugeot 308 Peugeot 308

SASHAYING its way into showrooms later this year will be this striking new family hatchback from Peugeot, writes William Scholes.

It's the latest 308 and sports a more extrovert look than the restrained current model.

The bold bodywork cloaks a roomier interior, courtesy of a wheelbase which is 55mm longer than at present, with a digital dashboard and Peugeot's trademark small steering wheel.

The company says quality has taken a leap forward, though in fairness the current car's interior is a solid enough affair.

Peugeot 308
Peugeot 308 Peugeot 308

Peugeot has also tipped the balance between luggage and back seat space in favour of passengers, with boot space volume falling from 470 litres to a still-generous 412 litres.

As we are coming to expect these days, a range of electrified powertrains will be offered.

This includes a pair of plug-in hybrids - offering 178bhp and 222bhp - with a claimed electric range of 37 miles.

Recharging the 12.4kWh battery takes two hours, says Peugeot.

You can also have Peugeot's sweet 1.2-litre petrol engine. A 1.5-litre diesel is another option.

An eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard on all models - are we nearing the last rites for the manual gearbox in mainstream family cars?

And there's no word yet of a full-electric version, as the company offers with the 208 and 2008.

Peugeot 308
Peugeot 308 Peugeot 308

Peugeot has said there will be three trim levels - Allure, GT and GT Premium - with more information expected as the car's launch date nears.

The 308 will be the first Peugeot to carry the company's new logo, described as a "roaring lion's head". It doubles as a cover for the car's radar.