PEUGEOT’s second-generation 308 is now on sale in the UK.
For the first time in the company’s history, a new model has been given the same name, or rather number, as its predecessor, not least because the supply of suitable three-digit combinations has been exhausted.
But if this car has the same badge on its nose as the old, there are plenty of changes under the skin.
There’s a new platform, codenamed EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform 2), the subject of 116 patents, and the 308 is the first car to get it – although it can also be expected to turn up in several other models too.
The big win is a reduction in weight compared with the old 308 of up to 140kg, helping the most miserly 308s to achieve a combined fuel consumption of 91.1 mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 82g/km.
Also promised – improved dealer service and the sort of best-in-class driving dynamics for which Peugeots used to be famous. Residual value specialists CAP have also given the new 308 a boost by predicting much stronger resale values than for the old model.
According to Peugeot’s UK boss Tim Zimmerman: “The New 308 is a significant leap forward for Peugeot. It’s high on style and quality and provides a truly rewarding driving experience, all at a value-for-money price.
“We’re confident it will be a big hit with UK customers.”
Prices start at £14,495 for the base Access models, with top-of-the range Feline variants starting at £20,995.