On show: New 308 hatchback, 308 R concept car, 3008 and 5008 faclifted, BlueHDi engine range, 208 Hybrid FE concept car
New 308 hatchback (pictured above)
Peugeot’s latest mid-sized hatchback might look conservative but underneath the svelte bodywork is an advanced car. Bucking recent industry trends the new 308 is lighter than its predecessor as well as being the smallest in its segment.
High quality materials and excellent build quality are promised for the new five-door hatch, in a style that continues from the smaller 208. Yes, that means a small, chunky steering wheel and a large 9.7-inch touchscreen for most of the car’s controls.
High-tech features continue outside with high specification models featuring full LED headlamps.
Initially, engines will be from the existing Peugeot range but they will be joined shortly after launch by the 1.2-litre e-THP petrol and a 1.6-litre BlueHDi diesel with a claimed 91.1mpg and road tax band A CO2 emissions of just 82g/km.
On sale from early 2014, in the meantime you can read our review of the new Peugeot 308 hatchback.
308 R hot hatch concept
Adding a touch of glamour to the 308 launch is a concept ‘R’ version. Powered by the same 270bhp 1.6-litre turbo engine that’s under the bonnet of the new RCZ R coupe, this design study hints at a performance variant of the new hatchback.
While the muscular carbon fibre bodywork and flamboyant paint scheme might not reach production, Peugeot will surely be using the Frankfurt show to test the public’s reaction to a fast mid-sized hatchback. The lowered ride height, 19-inch alloy wheels and sporty detailing certainly look closer to showroom specification.
After the successful launch of the 208 GTI, you wouldn’t bet against a version of the Peugeot 308 R concept getting the green light for production as a Peugeot 308 GTi. Word is there could even be a full on performance version which is likely to be a strictly limited edition version.
3008 (pictured) and 5008 facelifts
Peugeot’s family-friendly pairing, the 3008 crossover and 5008 seven-seater people carrier have also been refreshed. Both feature simpler chrome-framed grilles with small cutout shapes at the base of the headlights, like those on the newer 2008.
At the rear, light clusters have been changed along with other detail changes to help bring the models in line with Peugeot’s new family look.
Full reviews of the Peugeot 3008 crossover and Peugeot 5008 people carrier are here.
508 BlueHDi
In addition to the 1.6-litre BlueHDi that will be installed in the 308, Peugeot has confirmed that two different 2.0-litre versions will soon be found under the bonnet of the larger 508 saloon and SW estate.
Available in 148bhp and 178bhp outputs, the new motors improve fuel efficiency and emissions levels over existing HDi engines.
Peugeot cites figures of 68.8mpg and 105g/km for the lower-powered version, with claims of 65.6mpg and 112g/km for the faster one.
BlueHDi-equpped 508s should be available to order before the end of 2013 with deliveries early next year.
Click for the full reviews of the Peugeot 508 saloon and Peugeot 508 SW estate.
208 Hybrid FE concept
More an engineering exercise than a portent for a hyper-efficient 208, the Hybrid FE concept is nevertheless an interesting proposition. It’s built by the people responsible for Peugeot’s motorsport efforts.
Extensive use of lightweight, composite panels and under-body components are clothed in a 208-resembling drag-reducing shell.
Under the bonnet is a modified 1.2-litre petrol engine mated to an electric hybrid system, which claims to recover 25 percent of the car’s energy over a typical drive.
While the Peugeot 208 Hybrid FE itself is unlikely to reach production, lessons from its development will almost certainly reach the market on other models.
Click here for all the Frankfurt Motor Show coverage.
