As with most continental cars, the Peugeot 308 appears to look less “updated” from its 307 predecessor than you might think. While additional length and width have been added over the 307, Keith Ryder, designer of Peugeot cars, claims to have been able to hit the car’s proportions spot on.
This has happened by pushing the windscreen forward, just above the front axis of the front wheel, creating a squatted stance associated with recent Peugeot model releases.
The interior has been revised, with white accents on the leather seats, softer materials and white, backlit chronometer-style dials and chrome rings along with the redesigned air-conditioning vents. 
Two engine variants will be offered, namely the PSA Peugeot-Citroen BMW group 1.6-litre VVT and 1.6-litre turbocharged engines from the 207, Citroen and MINI range of cars. In this application, the naturally aspirated sister produces 120hp and 160Nm of torque, while consumption is rated at 7.3 litres/100km on average.
The 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbo of the 308 comes with 140hp and 240Nm of torque from a low 1400rpm. While performance isn’t anything to scream about (0-100km/h in a claimed 9.3 seconds) it should appeal to the young family man who wants the convenience of an automatic and the space of a conventional European “warm” hatch.
Equipment such as ISOFIX mounts with three anchor points for child seats, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, emergency brake assist and a host of airbags are of course, standard, while prices start at $82,900 and go up to $90,900 for the 308 Turbo.
Set in an elaborate French theme, local host Stephanie Carrington, numerous models and four dancers were invited to put on a good show for invited Peugeot customers and members of the media at the launch on Friday, the 30th of May.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Auto France Singapore launches Peugeot 308!
