2022 Peugeot 308 delayed; petrol and plug-in hybrid options set for Australia

The new-generation 2022 Peugeot 308 won't launch in Australia until the second half of next year, but when it does it'll offer a choice of petrol and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power.

Now due to arrive in the third quarter of 2022 (July to September) – a hefty delay from the first quarter (January to March) timing initially confirmed, due to semiconductor delays – Peugeot's Australian importer Inchcape has confirmed both hatchback and SW wagon versions of the new 308 will be offered locally, with both body styles tipped to launch within close proximity of one another (though final details remain unconfirmed).

Australian government certification documents (likely for the hatch; more in a moment) seen by Drive reveal Peugeot has certified three 308 variants for sale locally thus far – led by a fuel-sipping plug-in hybrid model (a first for the nameplate), pairing a 132kW/250Nm 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 165kW.

Driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the 308 PHEV claims to sprint from 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds in Europe, with its 12.4kWh battery capable of 59km of all-electric driving (according to European WLTP testing) and a fuel economy claim of 1.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

For buyers not ready to make the switch to electrified power, Peugeot will offer a standard, non-hybrid petrol engine: a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder shared with the outgoing 308, sending 96kW and 230Nm to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Two equipment levels will be available across the 308 hatch line-up, expected to be named Allure and GT Sport – with the PHEV system to be available solely with the range-topping model.

The entry-level Allure will feature 17-inch alloy wheels and "base level lighting" (expected to refer to fixed LED headlights), while the range-topping GT Sport gains 18-inch wheels and "high level lighting", likely referring to matrix LED headlights that can blank out parts of their beam to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers.

It's worth noting it isn't 100 per cent clear which body style the government listing refers to; the 'P51' codename listed and photos attached refer to the hatchback, yet the 4750mm body length and 2800mm wheelbase are within 20mm of the long-roof wagon. Given the breadth of the model range – and the availability of a (relatively niche, in Australia) PHEV – the hatch is more likely, though this remains unconfirmed.

While the government documents don't list full standard equipment lists – and these details won't be confirmed officially until early 2022 – Peugeot's other models (including the 2008 small SUV) can provide a hint at what to expect from the 308 line-up.

One option could see the Allure fitted as standard with a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, fabric seats, climate control and autonomous emergency braking, while the GT Sport could add a 10-speaker Focal sound system, satellite navigation, ambient cabin lighting, leather trim, heated front seats with massaging, and wireless phone charging.

A full suite of active driver assistance features is available in Europe – including adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane-centring assist, long-range blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitoring and traffic sign recognition – but it remains to be seen whether all features will be standard across the Australian range, or whether some will be exclusive to the GT Sport.

Pricing for the new Peugeot 308 range is expected to be announced in early 2022 – along with the final model range, and full specifications – however increases are likely over the outgoing 308 range, priced from $30,499 before on-road costs in Allure hatch form, $32,499 before on-roads in Allure wagon trim, and $34,990 before on-roads in GT-Line hatch guise.

The 2022 Peugeot 308 range is slated to arrive in Australia in the second half of 2022, pending no further delays, with first arrivals between July to September expected (third quarter). Stay tuned to Drive for all the latest updates.