2012 Peugeot 308 revealed ahead of mid-year debut

Peugeot has released images of its new 308 range, which will make its local debut in Melbourne this July at the Australian International Motor Show.

Styling cues have been sourced from the SR1 concept car and the updated 308 is latest Peugeot to rid itself of the company’s once familiar goofy oversized grille. I’m sure you’ll agree the world is now a better place.

Impressively, the weight of the new model has dropped across the range by an average of 25kg. Okay, that’s not a lot, but it’s a welcome step all the same. And, of course, no new model would be complete without LED daytime running lights and Peugeot has duly obliged.

For now we’ve got a few more pics and a press release from Peugeot UK. Once we have more news on the local lineup we shall let you know.

New Peugeot 308—Elegant, efficient and full of new technology

• New micro-hybrid e-HDi reduces CO2 emissions to 98 g/km*
• Latest generation Euro 5 VTi, THP petrol and HDi diesel engines
• Four model range – Access, SR, Active and Allure – all with high-level specification
• Two range topping GT THP 200 models – Hatchback & CC
• Range starts at £15,245 O.T.R
• On sale in May

The New Peugeot 308 will be launched in the UK in May with a new look, a range of innovative technology and CO2 emissions from just 98 g/km.

Since launch in September 2007 over 900,000 308 models have been sold worldwide. In the UK over 84,000 vehicles have been sold, making it the second most popular Peugeot model.

The New Peugeot 308 is being launched onto the UK market integrating all the latest Peugeot styling elements already seen on the Peugeot 508 and the SR1 Concept Car. The new Peugeot 308 will be available in three body styles; Hatchback, CC and SW, and four multi-model trim levels; Access, SR, Active and Allure. A range topping hatchback and CC THP 200 model will also be available in a single GT trim level.

A new look at the front with the latest LED headlamps and running lights gives the New Peugeot 308 an elegant and modern look. All the dynamic and emotional strengths of the original Peugeot 308 have been retained and strengthened further with the introduction of more efficient engines and Peugeot’s innovative micro-hybrid e-HDi Stop & Start technology.

Peugeot’s micro-hybrid e-HDi Stop & Start technology is the latest generation technology and combined with Peugeot’s class leading 1.6 litre HDi FAP 112 Euro 5 diesel engine reduces CO2emissions to 98 g/km. This engine option will also be available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed electronically controlled manual gearbox (EGC). This will give the New Peugeot 308 the lowest emissions in its segment.

All models feature air conditioning, ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), ABS, EBFD, EBA, front and rear electric windows with child security, remote control central door locking with deadlocks and six SMART safety airbags.

To ensure the New Peugeot 308 is as environmentally efficient as possible all factors affecting CO2emissions have been optimised;

• Overall weight reduced by 25 kg on average on all models
• Fitment of new 16” ultra low rolling resistance tyres
• Optimisation of all engine options (VTi, THP petrol and HDi diesel engines to Euro5)
• Cx of 0.28 for the low consumption models – Record for this segment

This also enables the New Peugeot 308 HDi FAP 92 model, fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox, to emit CO2 emissions of only 110 g/km.

At launch four petrol and four diesel engines will be available.

Euro 5 Petrol Engines

1.4 litre VTi 98

• 5-Speed Manual Gearbox

1.6 litre VTi 120

• 5-Speed Manual Gearbox
• Automatic Gearbox

1.6 litre THP 156

• 6-Speed Manual Gearbox
• Automatic Gearbox

1.6 litre THP 200 (GT Hatchback & CC models only)

• 6-Speed Manual Gearbox

Euro 5 HDi Diesel Engines

1.6 litre HDi FAP 92

• 5-Speed Manual Gearbox

1.6 litre e-HDi FAP 112

• 6-Speed Manual Gearbox
• 6-Speed Electronically Controlled Manual Gearbox

2.0 litre HDi FAP 150

• 6-Speed Manual Gearbox

2.0 litre HDi FAP 163

• 6-Speed Manual Gearbox (CC)
• Automatic Gearbox

The New Peugeot 308 will be launched at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and go on sale in the UK in May. The new range will start from £15,245 on-the-road with an improved standard specification to the current model.

*The 98 g/km CO2 308 1.6 litre e-HDi FAP 112 model will be class leading in its segment and is pending approval, and will be available from summer 2011.