New Peugeot 308 hatchback spied ahead of 2021 reveal

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Peugeot’s next-generation hatch has been spotted testing before it is officially unveiled.

The third-generation Peugeot 308 hatchback has been spied ahead of arrival in 2021, when the new French family hatchback will offer renewed competition for the Ford Focus and the Mk8 Volkswagen Golf.

We expect the new Peugeot 308 hatchback will be based on the same eVMP underpinnings as the forthcoming third-generation 3008 crossover. The platform is a heavily redesigned version of the current 308’s EMP2 architecture, which can support a new fully-electric powertrain in development by the company.

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So like the next-generation 3008, Peugeot’s replacement for the 308 hatchback will likely move to a line-up of 48-volt mild-hybrids, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric powertrains, with an electric e-308 version to rival the Volkswagen ID.3 crowning the range.

PSA has already confirmed that the new eVMP underpinnings can support an electric powertrain with a maximum range of 650km. The platform will also be available with either front or four-wheel drive and will be offered with a choice of battery packs, ranging in size between 60kWh and 100kWh.

Buyers should have a selection of electric powertrains to choose from, too. Entry-level models could be fitted with PSA’s familiar 100kW front-wheel-drive electric powertrain, that’s found in everything from the e-208 supermini to the e-Expert panel van. The range-topping version of the e-308 will likely feature a 250kW four-wheel-drive electric powertrain.

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Specific details on PSA’s next-generation mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains are yet to be confirmed. The last time Peugeot teased a plug-in hybrid version of the 308 was with the R HYbrid concept from the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. It featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and two electric motors, producing a combined output of 368kW and 730Nm of torque. However, a detuned version of the same powertrain eventually found its way into the 3008 SUV and 508 sedan, so it’s possible that PSA could further refine the system for the new 308 hatchback.

The styling of the third-generation Peugeot 308 appears evolutionary rather than revolutionary. It shares the same basic silhouette as its predecessor – but we expect Peugeot will add its current styling cues, including fang-like LED daytime running lights, a broad radiator grille and full-width rear light bar.

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Inside, buyers will likely get the same design language and infotainment system found on the 208 hatchback, with a 3D digital instrument cluster, a 10-inch infotainment system, plenty of piano black trim and a row of toggle switches for the car’s climate control and ventilation systems.

Luke Wilkinson

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