Peugeot 308 offers French flair and functionality

MANILA, Philippines – Since Peugeot’s re-launch in the Philippines in 2012, it’s been steadily adding new vehicles to its line-up. Now, it’s finally going back to the segment which started it all: the C-segment (compact car). Peugeot is showcasing the Peugeot 308 which is now available in two body styles: hatchback and touring. Either way, they fuse function and efficiency with technological features and design.

An integral part of Peugeot’s plans in the Philippines from the beginning, the 308 features a sophisticated design that’s both sporty and streamlined. The front end is dominated by the brand’s trademark “floating” front grille flanked by a strong lighting signature. Slim-LED headlights are standard on a majority of trim levels. At the back, the LED lighting signature features a “lion’s claw” motif.

Inside, the 308 features the a compact steering wheel with the instrument panel mounted on top of it, eliminating the need for a separate heads-up display. The main highlight though is the large 9.7-inch touchscreen interface which removes the need for any physical buttons or controls.

Peugeot concentrated in making the 308 fun to drive and that starts out with a lightweight construction. Many of the 308’s chassis and structure was reduced in weight saving some 140 kgs in the process without sacrifices to rigidity and solidity. Furthermore, it has a raised ground clearance and a lower center of gravity at the same time.

The 308 is powered by either a 1.6-liter petrol or 1.6-liter diesel powerplant. For the gasoline variant, it does 150hp and 240Nm of torque thanks to the fitted turbocharger. Meanwhile, the diesel is good for 120hp and 300Nm of torque. All models come with a 6-speed automatic.