Preview: Peugeot 308

By: John Simister

06 Jun 07

IN THIS FEATURE

The engine range is likely to be cherry-picked from Peugeot's current powertrain portfolio, with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel supplementing the 1.6, plus the petrol engines co-developed with BMW: a 1.6 with a version of BMW's throttle-less Valvetronic control, plus a turbo 1.6 as used in the 207 THP 150. A 1.4-litre engine will be added three months after launch.

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The larger turbodiesel will have a six-speed automatic option using the transmission already seen in the 407 Coupe, and there will be biofuel-capable versions by the end of the year (E85 for petrol, E30 for diesel). Early 2008 will see a six-speed sequential transmission option and, in 2010, Peugeot will launch a diesel hybrid 308. Coupé-cabriolet and SW estate versions are, naturally, also in the plan.

Built in Peugeot's eastern France heartland factories at Sochaux and Mulhouse, the 308 makes its public debut at September's Frankfurt show, by which time 4Car will already have driven the range.

The five-door goes on sale in France on September 20, the three-door shortly afterwards.