Peugeot 308 2021: Does it Look Like BMW ?

The third generation of the 308 can be discovered a little more than a few months before its official presentation, scheduled for March 2021. Argus has chosen to undress it completely to reveal all the secrets of Peugeot's new compact which will be launched in October 2021.

It’s the excitement on the web: the third Peugeot 308 2021 of the name is approaching. However, it will be necessary to wait until March 2021 to discover this new generation of the Sochaux compact (which will be manufactured in Mulhouse…) and to be satisfied with stolen photos of prototypes laying around here and there on test sites. LatestCarNews, we preferred to drop the camouflage, no matter how thin, to show you what the car will look like.

More dynamic!

As expected, the P51 project, its internal code, is an evolution of the current sedan. Based on the same EMP2 platform, we will come back to this, the new one takes on aesthetic characteristics similar to the second generation of the Peugeot 308 2021, which has recently been updated.,: like the outline of the glazing, the imposing rear pillar… However, the designers have significantly reshaped the silhouette by pushing the cabin backward and lengthening the muzzle of the car. In profile, this Peugeot 308 2021 III takes on the air of BMW 1 Series, we are talking about the rear-wheel-drive generations.

To further accentuate this look of a feline ready to pounce, the wings offer a more generous curve, the line is more prominent as if to reveal tense muscles. The car will be equipped with generously sized rims which will fill the wheel arches all the better as this Peugeot 308 2021 is slightly lowered compared to the version we know today. The in-house engineers worked on aerodynamics, as proof of the integration of an imposing spoiler, to reduce CO 2 emissions as much as possible.

Muscular Exterior

Peugeot 308 2021
Peugeot 308 2021

In detail, this new Peugeot 308 2021 evolves with subtlety. Thus, its grille follows the trend initiated by the 508, and not by the recent restyled 3008: the car is above all a sedan and not an SUV. It thus displays a certain finesse, especially in the optics embellished, as it should be, by fang-shaped daytime running lights. The surprise comes from the adoption of a bodybuilder hood, as on the family of the band. An element at a significant cost but which will allow it to play on a more upscale register.

Peugeot could not let a “simple” Seat Leon offer this type of hood… If the hood is longer than before, it also plunges more readily towards the asphalt, thus accentuating the sportiness. At the rear, the bezel is well framed by the imposing spoiler. Like the essential fangs at the front, the black band on the stern has become a must, and it incorporates the lights cut into three distinct elements. In order not to leave the bottom flap of the tailgate empty, Peugeot affixed its new logo, a large neo-retro style badge, inspired by that of the E-Legend concept. This logo will also be found on the fenders of certain finishes, a bit like Ferraris …

Peugeot 308 2021
Peugeot 308 2021

Peugeot 308 2021 Technology

Onboard, Peugeot maintains its layout with the small steering wheel which will take the form of that of the 508 and which will now have integral shift paddles. The readable counters above this steering wheel will automatically adopt the digital panel and will add also the 3D effect of the 208-2008 duo. The size of this instrumentation will be enlarged, as will that of the new capacitive touch screen of the infotainment system, which will finally adopt a new operating system that is more intuitive and more responsive. It won’t be a bad thing! 

On the other hand, there will be no screen at the base of the console, nor a head-up display as on the future DS4. Regarding the rear seats, do not expect miracles, the car displaying a more dynamic style and a remote cabin, the habitability was not the main criterion of the specifications.

Peugeot 308 2021 Engine

Regarding the technical part, the EMP2 platform has recorded some changes to be able to integrate new driving aids and a 48V light hybrid system. This technology will be available at launch on the 1.2 PureTech petrol units associated with the manual gearbox. From 2022, it will also be offered on automatic versions via an original electrified double-clutch gearbox from Punch Powertrain. If the 100 and 130 hp engines are used, doubts remain about the 155 hp engine because of its CO2 emissions.

This offer will be supplemented by a plug-in hybrid version. Or more exactly, two versions: that of 225 hp already available in the bowels of the 508 hybrids (but with a battery of a lower capacity, 12.4 kWh), and another, of 150 hp, more accessible (around the price of a current 308 equipped with the BlueHDi 180) because it has a smaller battery, and therefore less expensive. The diesel range will only include the 1.5 BlueHDi 130 version, the 2.0 going out of the way at the end of 2020 (except on the 5008). There is no 100% electric version on the program: not profitable enough according to Carlos Tavares. As for the PSE (Peugeot Sport Engineered) version, management is waiting to see how the eponymous 508 behaves commercially to validate the project.

More American!

At PSA, it’s a bit like, within the Volkswagen group, each brand struggles to be able to present its model first. Thus, the third 308 of the name will have to wait for DS to unveil its compact, in February 2021, to finally appear in the spring (in March precisely).

On the other hand, it is the Peugeot which will arrive in the dealership first, during October. In 2022, the sedan will be closely followed by the SW station wagon (code P52) then by a third silhouette which will take the form of a 4.70 m crossover. A model with which Peugeot intended to (re) conquer America from 2023. A project put on standby with the creation of Stellantis, the result of the merger between FCA and PSA.

Elenor Kling

A tech lover and generally a car enthusiast who likes to do a lot of research and share knowledge.

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