Peugeot 308 offers style and comfort

In South Africa, the new Peugeot 308 line-up initially consists of two models: the 308 1.2 PureTech Active, and the 308 1.2 PureTech GT Line. Both hatchbacks benefit from core 308 features, including the advanced, lightweight EMP2 platform, latest-generation PureTech engine technology, a compact and athletic exterior design with arresting details, optimised aerodynamics, and a spacious cockpit with superior appointments.

The Active version of the new 308 is the more affordable member of the range and gets a slim, chrome-trimmed grille with horizontal bars, framed by tapered halogen headlights, a large lower air intake and a lower bumper section with neatly integrated fog lamps. Separate daytime running lights are integrated into the front bumper trim.

Viewed from the rear, the LED tail light clusters are the most prominent feature, together with the total absence of any visible exhaust tailpipes, emphasising the smooth contours and crisp lines of the integrated bumper and the contrasting lower apron. An integrated roof spoiler extends the smooth curve of the roofline.

Additional exterior features specific to the 308 Active include colour-coded door handles and mirrors, and 16-inch alloy wheels, shod with 205/55 VR16 tyres.

The new Peugeot 308 offers style and comfort. Picture: Supplied.

The 308 Active’s inviting interior showcases Peugeot’s new i-Cockpit, which includes a large touchscreen interface for intuitive access to key vehicle and infotainment system functions without the need for confusing arrays of buttons and switches.

The raised instrument binnacle combines an analogue speedometer and rev counter with a central digital information display and smaller instruments for engine temperature and fuel tank level. Like all new-generation Peugeots, the 308 is fitted with a small-diameter, leather-trimmed steering wheel to allow a clear view of the raised instrument binnacle over the steering wheel rim.

The steering wheel is reach- and height-adjustable, and includes multifunction controls for the sound system, hands-free telephony and the cruise control.

Comfortable, textured cloth upholstery is standard for the high-backed front seats, with their adjustable head restraints, and the 60/40 split rear bench seat. Textured surfaces, soft surfaces and satin chrome accents create a smart ambience that exudes quality.

The new Peugeot 308 offers style and comfort. Picture: Supplied.

The new 308 Active benefits from an extensive array of active and passive safety systems, underlined by its five-star Euro-NCAP safety rating. Dual front and side airbags are standard, together with inertia reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters in front. Isofix child seat mountings are also fitted.

Active safety systems include an all-disc braking system with ABS anti-lock control, electronic brake force distribution, and emergency braking assistance. In addition, the Active’s standard Electronic Stability Program ensures further peace of mind.

From a security perspective, the Active features remote central locking with auto locking on vehicle drive-off, an electric child lock system, automatic activation of the hazard lights when executing an emergency braking manoeuvre, and an anti-theft system with integrated alarm.

Standard convenience features include a six-speaker sound system incorporating an FM/AM tuner, CD player, USB socket and auxiliary jack, and Bluetooth audio streaming. Also standard is the cruise control system with speed limiter function.

The 308 Active is powered by Peugeot’s PureTech 1,2-litre e-THP 110 engine. The turbocharged three-cylinder unit has a maximum output of 81kW and 205Nm. The engine is linked to a five-speed manual gearbox.

The new Peugeot 308 offers style and comfort. Picture: Supplied.

It is said to go from 0-100km/h in 11.1 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 188km/h. The newcomer boasts a combined-cycle fuel consumption figure of just 4,6 litres/100km, together with a CO2 emissions rating of just 105g/km. One step up from the 308 Active is the even smarter, sportier and more comprehensively equipped 308 GT Line.

The exterior shape and silhouette is identical, but the GT Line gets a revised grille with thinner crossbars and the Peugeot lion badge prominently displayed in the centre. The headlights are full LED designs, and incorporate LED daytime running lights along the upper edge, while sequential LED turn indicators are standard.

The large lower air intake remains the same, but chrome surrounds emphasise the position of the low-mounted fog lamps. Instead of colour-coding, the exterior mirrors get housings finished in gloss black, and fold back automatically when locking the car.

At the rear, the most obvious difference is the presence of slim, contoured exhaust tailpipes on either side of the black-finished diffuser. The LED tail lights are the same as those on the Active, and feature a three-row ‘claw’ design when illuminated.

Viewed in profile, the windows are tinted, and the side glass is augmented with a chrome surround strip, while the wheels are larger, 17-inch designs, shod with 225/45 R17 rubber.

The GT Line interior also features Peugeot’s new i-Cockpit, dominated by the large, centrally located touchscreen interface, which allows intuitive access to vehicle settings and the comprehensive infotainment system.However, the cabin execution is sportier and more upmarket.

The front seats are electrically operated and feature a massage function. Instead of cloth, the upholstery comprises leather bolsters and Alcantara inserts, together with contrasting stitching.

The steering wheel is trimmed in perforated leather, also with contrasting stitching, and the pedals gain alloy finishes. Even the touchscreen display gets an exclusive, selectable red-hued colour theme.

The new Peugeot 308 offers style and comfort. Picture: Supplied.

Instead of manual air-conditioning, the GT Line is equipped with automatic dual-zone climate control. The headlights and windscreen wipers feature automatic operation, while front and rear parking sensors are fitted as standard. The parking brake is electrically operated, and releases automatically when the 308 starts moving.

The already comprehensive array of active and passive safety features fitted as standard to the 308 Active is carried over to the GT Line, but with the added benefit of curtain airbags, bringing the airbag tally to six.

The 308 GT Line is powered by the more powerful e-THP 130 version of the 1.2-litre PureTech three-cylinder engine. Maximum power output increases to 96kW and 230Nm.

The Active’s five-speed manual gearbox is replaced by a six-speed transmission and the 308 GT Line will accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds, and reach a top speed of 207km/h.

The new Peugeot 308 is supported by a comprehensive service and warranty offering that includes a three-year/100 000km manufacturer warranty, a five-year 60 000km Premium Plan maintenance plan, and a three-year/100 000km roadside assistance package.