Peugeot trims 308 range
But adds new technology to its refreshed small car.
Peugeot has given its 308 range a cut - in more ways than one.
Under the leadership of a new importer, the French brand’s local 308 hatch and wagon range has been slashed from 14 models down to just five options.
The reshuffle comes with the updated 308 arriving in Australia. It features a number of changes, including a restyled grille, front bumpers and rear taillights across all examples.
There are changes inside too, with a new touchscreen for the infotainment system that now includes Peugeot’s in-house smartphone mirroring tech as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
With the exception of the manual-only GTi, all models are now equipped with a new six-speed automatic transmission.
The previous entry-level Access model, which was priced from $19,290 (plus on-road costs) has been axed. Instead the line-up begins with the Active powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine and priced from $26,990; a $1000 price cut over the out-going model.
The three-cylinder engine produces respectable 96kW and 230Nm outputs.
Next up in the reduced range is the Allure, with the Allure Premium discontinued, with the choice of either 1.2-litre petrol or a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engines. The ‘BlueHDi’ engine produces 110kW and 370Nm.
It is also available in the single wagon variant left in the range (originally there were four options), which comes in Allure trim level.
The GT badge has been dropped as has the GTi 250 hot hatch, with only the more powerful GTi 270 remaining. Now known simply as the 308 GTi, the hero of the range is priced from $45,990, a $4000 drop from the GTi 270's previous price.
Safety has been increased with a reversing camera now standard across the range. The Allure and GTi get active blind spot monitoring and lane keeping assist, but autonomous emergency braking is notably absent.
Standard equipment for the Active includes 16-inch alloy wheels, driver attention alert, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth and navigation.
Stepping up to the Allure adds 17-inch alloys, unique bumpers, electric parking brake, front parking sensors, semi-autonomous parking assistance, LED headlights and sports front seats.
2018 Peugeot 308 pricing
Hatch
Active petrol auto - $26,990
Allure petrol auto - $31,990
Allure diesel auto - $35,990
GTi petrol manual - $45,990
Wagon
Allure diesel auto - $37,990
2018 Peugeot 308 Active and Allure specifications
Engine: 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol/2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel
Power: 96kW at 5500rpm/110kW at 3750rpm
Torque: 230Nm at 1750rpm/370Nm at 2000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Fuel use: 5.0L/100km/4.4L/100km