Peugeot 308 GT launched in Australia 2022

Peugeot 300 series has a long and illustrious history over 90 years and 10 generations. The latest version has just been launched here in Australia and like all things Peugeot it’s classy, well-appointed and packed with French flair.

It has already won a number of world car awards.

The 308 comes in three models. The GT Hatch, GT Premium hatch and the GT Premium wagon. There is a PHEV version coming early next year.

TO LISTEN TO THE PEUGEOT NEW 308 RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

All models come with the zippy and frugal 3 cylinder, 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine producing 96kW of power and 230Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed Efficient Automatic Transmission (EAT8) driving the front wheels.

Both have stylish design with the front LED headlights and fang style LED DRLs as well as the 3 claw design rear lights. The slightly elongated wagon has perhaps a more elegant appeal.

Inside the 308 comes with the latest generation I cockpit that is 3D and highly configurable through the I toggle control. The 10 inch central touch screen is also able to be set to multiple profiles for different drivers and can be set to have your favourite icons showing.

The vehicle automatically aligns to the individual profile of the driver by recognising the Bluetooth of the phone.

Peugeot all new 308 models are priced from $43,990 to $50,490 plus the usual costs and are available now. They appeal to the buyer that wants something just a little different

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

This is a brief overview of the latest 308 models.

More details on the range can be found HERE

We will bring you in-depth driving reviews in early January. See below for some more thoughts from the 308 launch

More Thoughts on the latest 308 GT

Peugeot 300 series has been running since sometime in the 1930’s (that’s over 90 years), with some 15million vehicles sold worldwide. The latest generation, the 10th, was first launched in 2021 in Europe and we waited this long to get it because of supply issues basically.

The vehicle has already won a number of international press awards since its release.

There were three models presented.

• GT Hatch ($43,990 MLP*),
• GT Wagon Premium ($48,990 MLP*) and
• GT Hatch Premium ($50,490 MLP*).

Even though there is an “entry” GT Hatch, the best sellers I feel will be the Premium versions. They are well equipped for the price.

There is a newer 165kW 308 GT Sport PHEV Hatch version coming early next year. Pricing is not conformed but expect a hefty price premium.

What does the 308 look like

The 308 has the new front grill design and latest design language with the new emblem. This is strangely reminiscent of previous versions.

If a normal hatch or wagon is to compete with the growing SUV sales, they have to have something extra to offer. The 308 has that in bucket loads, style, grace and more for the wagon, a degree of elegance that you find difficult to have in a SUV.

The front LED matrix headlights combined with the ‘fang’ style LED DRLs and the three claw rear tail lights all add to the premium look.

The hatch seems to have a bit of a big bum but it carries it well. The Wagon is sleek and stylish throughout.

18 inch alloy wheels with low profile tyres give a clue to the focus of driving engagement

What about inside the 308?

Overall first impression is premium quality. Even the GT Hatch has that premium feel about it.

Full details of the interior appointments can be found HERE 

Even in the manually adjusted suede cloth with leather insert seats of the hatch i managed to find a comfortable driving position. The Nappa leather seats in the premium versions with electronic adjustments were a touch more comfortable. Both had side and hip bolsters to keep the driver in place.

As many of you know I am 190cm tall and way larger than the average bear and I managed to fit comfortably. Wouldn’t want to be much larger though.

Many prospective buyers are a little perplexed by the Peugeot i Cockpit design and relationship between the drivers instruments and the small sporty steering wheel.

I for one love it.

Its like a full and permanent HUD. and I always have my steering wheel set low anyway. In normal cars that often cuts out half the instrument panel, not so in the 308.

Speaking of the drivers instruments, Peugeot has taken the latest generation i Cockpit to the extreme. Its configurable in ways that makes my head spin. The 3D functionality is great, bringing the more important details to the front.

However, and I stress its probably because of not enough time in the car, to bring up various menus like trip meter and fuel use, you have to have a convoluted combination of pressing two toggles. It seemed to be something that would be automatic once you own the car though, but on a brief drive it was frustrating as I got it wrong many times.

Driver ergonomics are excellent with everything within easy reach and visibility. Elbow rests on the centre console and door are just about spot on.

Rear seats are a little cramped, no different from any other car in this size. With the panoramic sunroof the head room back there is also a little restricted.

They really are for two people, but do fold flat in a 40:20:40 configuration for the wagon and 40:60 configuration for the hatch. This gives a large and practical cargo area.

Technology and Connectivity

I have mentioned the 10 inch i Cockpit functionality. Class leading.

The 10 inch central touch screen is leaps and bounds above previous generations in functionality and clarity. The resolution seems a huge leap.

Again the level of individualisation through the i toggles is bewildering. You can set for up to 5 pages  with two layers of customisation and 8 profiles. (I think i got that right?)  The system shows real time changes with a drag and drop interface. It also recognises who is driving and automatically sets the profile based on the Bluetooth of the drivers phone.

There is wireless smart phone mirroring and charging.

There is also three years of free connectivity subscription, but if you fail to continue that the services stop.

The interior has been mapped to maximise the premium audio experience.

Another update is that the A/C continues to monitor the air quality and will automatically switch to recirc if it detects poor quality air. For someone that has their A/C set to recirc and 18-20 degrees 24/7 its a new experience.

Other clever technology is walk away locking and inbuilt feature demonstration and owners manual on the central screen.

What about engines and drivetrains?

There is one choice of engine for the three initial variants. This is the PureTech 130 S&S powerplant, a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine featuring automatic Stop & Start technology.

This engine produces 96 kilowatts of power at 5500rpm and 230 Newton metres of torque at 1750rpm. It doesn’t seem like much, but punches well above its weight.

ADR fuel figures are 5.3 litres/100km on the Combined cycle. Fuel tank capacity is 52 litres.

Exhaust emissions for the Euro6-compliant engine are a modest 120 grams per kilometre (all measurements taken using the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure [WLTP] protocols). This is equivalent to planting 6 trees, using the AnyAuto tree offset index, to offset those emissions for the life of the vehicle and beyond.

What is it like to drive? 

The test drive was around the south coast near Gerringong. This meant a good selection of open freeway, suburban and twisty hilly roads.

The 308 has a sporty dynamic about it. Its zippy, not fast, but on the go it really scoots along and hugs the road and corners. It feels some road imperfections but not too bad as the chassis is fairly tight. On the freeways it glides along nicely. Maybe the GT means Grand Touring rather than a sporty context.

What is good is the responsiveness to steering, throttle and braking inputs. The small quick ratio, flat bottomed steering wheel really helps in the driver engagement.

Its quiet, smooth and comfortable over most surfaces. The little turbo engine acts a bit like a diesel in that it develops low down torque and has a slight raspy note. However I was left wanting for more power, more is always better.

I’m surprised that Peugeot didn’t use the zippier engine tune from the 2008 GT Sport, with 114kW and 240Nm. Its not much but would be enough. Bring on the PHEV please.

The eight speed AT is well matched to the small engine and extracts the best from it. Its also perhaps the best in class.

The car rides on independent pseudo-MacPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent torsion beam rear axle with coil springs and telescopic dampers front and rear. Brakes are effective across both models.

The hatch feels slightly more nimble and responsive than the wagon. The wagon is more suited to longer distance cruising.

Peugeot Owner benefits

Peugeot is going all out to accommodate their owners. They now have Peugeot Finance with guaranteed future value  (GFV) along with fixed priced discounted pre paid service plans.

In addition All-new PEUGEOT 308 GT Hatch, GT Premium Hatch and GT Premium Wagon comes with PEUGEOT’s five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, five-year roadside assistance and five-year Service Price Promise program.

All new Peugeot 308 final thoughts

There is a LOT to like about the new 308. 

Its well equipped, especially in premium mode and compared against pricier, bigger premium brands.

It looks stylish as a hatch and particularly elegant in the sportswagon variant.

Inside it is inviting and accommodating for front occupants. In reality most buyers will usually carry no more than two people anyway. The boot is large and flexible.

It also takes technology in some areas like the 3D i Cockpit and central screen with impressive functionality and customization.

Peugeot 308 also has personality in bucket loads with that inimitable French Flair.

For buyers that want something just a little different!

Also Look At

The 308GT sits in a shrinking segment, being replaced by SUVs. However it’s an important segment, hence the enthusiasm for the latest model.

Its premium brand and quality at a somewhat lower price than many competitors. Look towards the:

• Audi A3 35 TFSI at $47,100 MLP*,
• Mercedes Benz A Class A180 @$53,200 MLP*,
• BMW X1 118i @$53,900,MLP*
• VW Golf 110 TSi R Line @$ 39,990 MLP* and
• Lexus UX 200 Sport Luxury @$56,850 MLP*.

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

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• Peugeot releases the all new 308 GT
• Peugeot all new 308 pre orders now open
• New 308 wins Women’s World Car of the Year (WWCOTY) 2022
• 2022 The New 308 wins Women’s World Car of the Year (WWCOTY) 2022
• Peugeot Unveils The 308 SW in a Global Reveal
• 2020 308 GT Line 2020 Radio Review
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• Peugeot Sharpens Award Winning 308 Range
• Peugeot GT 308 Radio Review
• 2019 308 GTi Special Edition
• 2018 308GTi 270 Video Review
• Peugeot latest 308 GTi 270 Review
• 2018 Peugeot Wagon Review
• 2016 Peugeot launches 308 GTi after fifteen years absence
• Two Peugeot GTi models to launch in Australia under $50K
• Peugeot 2015 308 Touring Allure Premium Review
• Peugeot latest 308 GT Diesel Review
• Peugeot Touring 308 demand soars
• Peugeot CC S 1.6L Twin Scroll Turbo 6 Speed Auto – Review

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