Peugeot 308 named as finalist for 2023 Autobest award

MANILA: The new Peugeot 308 has advanced to the finals of the coveted 2023 Autobest award.

The new Peugeot 308 has been chosen as one of the six finalists for this prestigious award by the 31 independent automotive journalists that make up the Autobest jury from 31 European countries. The winner of the 2023 Best Buy Car of Europe award will be announced in December.

The new Peugeot 308, which debuted in 2021, has already solidified a position among the top-selling compact cars (C segment) in Europe. Peugeot 308 has already received numerous accolades in various countries, including the German Car of The Year 2022, the Women's World Car of The Year 2022, the Red Dot Award 2022, and the Argus Trophy 2022.

The new Peugeot 308 stands out in a highly competitive market, thanks to its strong aesthetic identity, both as a sedan and SW estate. The new Peugeot 308 is deeply anchored in Peugeot's DNA with its exquisite and angular design. It is a part of a dynamic, upscale frame of reference, encapsulated in an elongated front bonnet that balances and streamlines its proportions.

Peugeot's signature design language and next-generation i-Cockpit interior are featured in the new Peugeot 308 and Peugeot 308 SW. These are the first models to sport the brand's new emblem — a roaring lion's head that also includes the radar sensors used by the autonomous driving aids for a more streamlined look.

The new Peugeot 308 and Peugeot 308 SW are offered with efficient plug-in hybrid powertrains, with fully electric variants arriving in 2023.

On the inside, both models come with Peugeot's new i-Cockpit configuration, which includes a new compact multi-function steering wheel and a 10-inch HD capacitive color touchscreen with Peugeot's new i-Connect infotainment system. The programmable i-Toggles controls are also new for the Peugeot 308 and Peugeot 308 SW, allowing owners to select custom shortcut keys for various functions for greater ease of use. Heated AGR-accredited front seats with 10-way electric adjustment and a multi-point massage system are available on both the new Peugeot 308 and Peugeot 308 SW.

The two new models are also equipped with advanced safety and driver assistance technologies such as Active Safety Brake with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Intelligent Speed Adaptation, Lane Keeping Assist, programmable cruise control and speed limiter, and driver attention warning. Customers may also opt to avail additional features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop Function, full matrix LED headlights, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and 360-degree surround view parking camera.

There are two hybrid powertrain options available: Hybrid 180 and Hybrid 225. Both models use Peugeot's 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine and are powered by a 12.4kWh battery and an 81kW electric motor. The Hybrid 180 can go up to 59km on a single charge and is eligible for a low 8% Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) rate (2022/2023), making it perfect for fleet and corporate clients. A full charge takes just three hours and 50 minutes with the 7.4kWh Wall Box charger, or one hour and 55 minutes with the optional 7.4kW charger.

Peugeot's advanced 1.2-liter PureTech petrol and 1.5-liter BlueHDi diesel engines, both with 130bhp, are also available, offering customers the “Power of Choice” to select the powertrain that best suits their needs.

Pricing starts at £25,270 (approximately P1.7 million) for the Peugeot 308 and £26,470 (approximately P1.8 million) for the Peugeot 308 SW.

Photos from Peugeot and Green NCAP

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