Peugeot has updated the 308 hatchback and as reported earlier from the leaked images, the 2018 308 hatch gets a minor cosmetic tweaks with new features, a new diesel engine and an automatic transmission. The 308 was in a need of a mid-life update to keep up with the competition, especially since the last significant revamp for the 308 line-up was done back in 2014.
The minor cosmetic update includes LED treatment on the headlights, sculpted bonnet and a tweaked grille. The most significant change is the bumper design with wider intakes and restyled fog lamps. Peugeot hasn’t revealed the posterior of the updated hatch, apparently because of the little or no update at the rear apart from new lighting signature of ‘claw’ taillights.
Contrary to rumours in the past, the updated 308 does get the carmaker’s new i-Cockpit touchscreen infotainment system. The i-Cockpit first debuted in the 3008 crossover and comes with Smartphone connectivity and 3D sat-nav. On the features front, the 308 facelift comes with no less than eight driver assistance systems including active lane departure warning, active braking, and adaptive cruise control with start/stop function. The parking assist can now even steer the car into the parking space.
The major updates are under the bonnet with an introduction of two diesel units. The BlueHDi 130hp S&S four-cylinder turbodiesel engine debuts alongside the BlueHDi 180hp S&S diesel engine. The latter is exclusively available in the 308GT trim with the new eight speed automatic transmission. Both the engines are Euro 6 emission compliant while the new gearbox is sourced from Aisin and is slicker, smoother, and more linear than the previous six-speed unit. The 1.2-litre three cylinder gasoline engine, on the other hand, continues albeit with a significant update for the Euro 6 compliancy along with an updated six-speed manual gearbox.
The new 308 will go on sale in September this year. As reported earlier, PSA group, the parent company of Peugeot, is going to begin its Indian venture with a three vehicle line-up. One of them is expected to be the 308, albeit we suspect it will be in a C-segment sedan guise as sold in China since late last year.
