Peugeot facelifts the 308

Peugeot is to debut a refreshed version of its 308 Hatchback, CC convertible and SW estate at next month’s Geneva International Motor Show.

Thankfully, the opportunity has been taken to reduce the size of the front grille. It’s still ample, but at least it’s not the gaping monstrosity of the pre-facelift car. Other styling changes are limited to revised headlights and the fitment of the now de rigueur LED daytime running lights.



Specifications have also been rejigged, with Access, SR, Active and Allure trim levels available across all body styles. Additionally, Hatchback and CC buyers can order their 308 in GT THP 200 guise, which is powered by a 197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS) 1.6 litre twin-scroll turbo engine.

Standard equipment is now more generous, with all models featuring six airbags, remote central locking, electric windows front and rear, air conditioning, electronic stability programme, brake force distribution and brake assist.



The engine line-up has been revised too, with Peugeot offering four petrol and four diesel options. Apart from the performance-orientated 1.6 THP 200 petrol of the GT, the most interesting is probably the 1.6 litre e-HDi FAP 112 diesel.

Available with either a six-speed manual or electronically-controlled manual gearbox, it features start / stop technology that helps CO2 emissions drop to 98 g/km. That means zero annual road tax and no London Congestion Charge.   



UK prices for the facelift 308 will start from £15,245 on the road. Sales are due to begin in May, although the 1.6 litre e-HDi FAP 112 diesel is expected to follow a couple of months later.



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Peugeot 908 HDi FAP

Peugeot Sport has revealed the car that will be going head-to-head with the Audi R18 TDI in this year’s Intercontinental Le Mans Cup.

It’s still called the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP, which is rather confusing because there are plenty of differences compared to 2010’s version. Those changes are thanks to a revised set of regulations, designed to cut the continued dominance of diesel-powered cars in endurance racing.



Not that Peugeot has been persuaded to switch to a petrol engine, though.



The 908 is still fuelled by diesel, but its motor is no longer a 5.5 litre V12. In its place is a 3.7 litre V8, capable of producing 542 bhp (404 kW / 550 PS). An impressive figure, but that smaller capacity means the 2011 908 is around 147 bhp (110 kW / 150 PS) down on its predecessor.

Having won the 2010 ILMC series, Peugeot is naturally eager to defend its title this season. The expanded championship now includes the Le Mans 24 Hours, a round which will receive particular focus given that all three 908s failed to finish 2010’s disastrous event.



Interestingly, the driver roster for the June race has already been decided, and it’s exactly the same as last year:



#7 908: Alexander Wurz / Anthony Davidson / Marc Gené

#8 908: Franck Montagny / Nicolas Minassian / Stéphane Sarrazin

#9 908: Sébastien Bourdais / Pedro Lamy / Simon Pagenaud

Commenting on the decision Olivier Quesnel, the Director of Peugeot Sport, said: ‘At our debrief after the 2010 Le Mans 24 Hours at our base in Vélizy, I told all our drivers that I had every confidence in them for 2011. They are true professionals, every one of them. We have nine world class drivers who count among the discipline's very best. We have everything to gain from sticking to the same line-up.’

Intercontinental Le Mans Cup 2011
Round	Event	Country	Date
1	Sebring 12 Hours	USA	19th March
2	Spa-Francorchamps 6 Hours	Belgium	8th May
3	Le Mans 24 Hours	France	11th - 12th June
4	Imola 6 Hours	Italy	3rd July
5	Silverstone 6 Hours	UK	11th September
6	Petit Le Mans (Road Atlanta)	USA	1st October
7	(Circuit TBC) 6 Hours	China	12th November

Related post:

Audi unveils R18 race car

Top 10: Irish car sales 2010

According to figures published by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, 88,373 cars were sold in Ireland during 2010.



That was almost 55% more than 2009’s figure of 57,118, an encouraging increase achieved in spite of harsh economic conditions. However, the market still has a long way to go before it recovers to the volumes seen in 2008, when sales topped 150,000.



2010’s performance was undoubtedly helped by the scrappage scheme, which accounted for over 17,000 registrations. Good news for the industry is that the programme will continue until the end of June 2011, although the amount of support - which is applied via Vehicle Registration Tax relief - is reduced from €1,500 to €1,250.



The top three manufacturers remained unchanged in 2010, with Ford selling the most cars followed by Toyota and then Volkswagen.



Fourth spot went to Renault, which trebled its sales thanks partly to being the manufacturer with the most scrappage scheme reclaims. Skoda also recorded a notable result but, despite a doubling of volumes, it only moved up one place to seventh on the league table.

Top 10: Irish Car Sales By Manufacturer
Position	Manufacturer	2010	2009	+/-	% +/-
1	Ford	11,215	8,121	3,094	38.1%
2	Toyota	10,660	7,603	3,057	40.2%
3	Volkswagen	10,301	6,174	4,127	66.8%
4	Renault	9,746	2,414	7,332	303.7%
5	Opel	6,603	4,046	2,557	63.2%
6	Nissan	5,494	4,684	810	17.3%
7	Skoda	4,915	2,390	2,525	105.6%
8	Hyundai	2,959	1,665	1,294	77.7%
9	Peugeot	2,924	1,766	1,158	65.6%
10	Audi	2,723	2,388	335	14.0%
Figures provided by SIMI Statistical Service

2011 What Car? Awards

UK publication What Car? has announced its 2011 Car of the Year winners.



During a ceremony held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, prizes were awarded across seventeen vehicle categories, with one model going on to be declared overall champion.



Supermini



Shortlist

Best buy less than £9,000: Hyundai i10 1.2 Comfort

Best buy £9,000 - £13,000: Ford Fiesta 1.25 82 Zetec 5dr

Best buy more than £13,000: Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport



Winner

Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport





Small family car



Shortlist

Best buy less than £15,000: Skoda Octavia 1.2 TSI SE

Best buy £15,000 - £20,000: Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 122 Match 5dr

Best buy more than £20,000: Toyota Prius 1.8 VVT-i T3



Winner

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 122 Match 5dr





Family car



Shortlist

Best buy less than £18,000: Skoda Superb 1.4 TSI S

Best buy £18,000 - £21,000: Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec

Best buy more than £21,000: Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI 140 SE



Winner

Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec





Estate car



Shortlist

Best buy less than £16,500: Skoda Octavia Estate 1.4 TSI SE

Best buy £16,000 - £22,000: Ford Mondeo Estate 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec

Best buy more than £22,000: BMW 5 Series Touring 520d SE



Winner

Ford Mondeo Estate 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec





MPV



Shortlist

Best buy less than £16,000: Citroën C3 Picasso 1.6 VTi VTR+

Best buy £16,000 - £22,000: Peugeot 5008 1.6 HDi 112 Sport

Best buy more than £22,000: Seat Alhambra 2.0 TDI 140 Ecomotive S



Winner

Seat Alhambra 2.0 TDI 140 Ecomotive S





Hot hatch



Shortlist

Best buy less than £15,000: Renault Twingo Renaultsport 133 Cup

Best buy £15,000 - £20,000: Renault Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup

Best buy more than £20,000: Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250 Cup



Winner

Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250 Cup





Coupé



Shortlist

Best buy less than £25,000: Volkswagen Scirocco 1.4 TSI 160

Best buy £25,000 - £40,000: Audi TT 2.0 TFSI 211 Sport

Best buy more than £40,000: Jaguar XKR



Winner

Audi TT 2.0 TFSI 211 Sport





Open-top



Shortlist

Best buy less than £25,000: Mazda MX-5 1.8i SE AC

Best buy £25,000 - £35,000: BMW Z4 sDrive23i

Best buy more than £35,000: Mercedes-Benz E350 CDI Cab Blue Efficiency SE



Winner

BMW Z4 sDrive23i





Performance car



Shortlist

Best buy less than £60,000: Lotus Evora 3.5 V6

Best buy £60,000 - £120,000: Audi R8 Spyder V10

Best buy more than £120,000: Ferrari 458 Italia



Winner

Ferrari 458 Italia





Crossover



Shortlist

Best buy less than £15,000: Nissan Juke 1.6 Visia

Best buy £15,000 - £20,000: Peugeot 3008 1.6 THP 156 Sport

Best buy more than £20,000: Volvo XC60 2.0 D3 DRIVe SE



Winner

Peugeot 3008 1.6 THP 156 Sport





4x4



Shortlist

Best buy less than £30,000: Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 CRDi Style 7 seats

Best buy £30,000 - £40,000: BMW X3 xDrive20d SE

Best buy more than £40,000: Land Rover Discovery 3.0 SDV6 XS



Winner

Land Rover Discovery 3.0 SDV6 XS





Compact executive



Shortlist

Best buy less than £25,000: BMW 3 Series 316d ES

Best buy £25,000 - £30,000: BMW 3 Series 320d ES

Best buy more than £30,000: BMW 3 Series 330d SE



Winner

BMW 3 Series 320d ES





Executive car



Shortlist

Best buy less than £30,000: BMW 5 Series 520d SE

Best buy £30,000 - £40,000: Jaguar XF 3.0D V6 Luxury

Best buy more than £40,000: Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI 245 quattro SE



Winner

Jaguar XF 3.0D V6 Luxury





Luxury car



Shortlist

Best buy less than £65,000: Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 CDI BluTEC

Best buy £65,000 - £100,000: Range Rover 4.4 TDV8 Vogue 

Best buy more than £100,000: Rolls-Royce Phantom



Winner

Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 CDI BluTEC





Ultra-low carbon car



Winner

Nissan Leaf





Safety Award



Winner

Volvo for Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake





Security Award



Winner

Volkswagen





What Car? Car of the Year 2011



Winner

Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Sport

PEUGEOT 5008: the Old Compact Van In a New Style

Peugeot 5008 is an embodiment of absolutely new concept of a compact van. This model is the original continuer of basic values of a Peugeot brand. In a new 5008 the optimised indicators and exclusive dynamic characteristics are combined. The car equipment includes the most advanced systems of comfort and safety.

2011 Peugeot 5008

The 5008 has all bases to become the fashion-maker in the market of compact vans. Minivan Peugeot 5008 develops a brand line of models in the M1 segment. Besides a new van, the mark in this segment is represented by two models: Peugeot 508 (sedan) and Peugeot 3008 (crossover).

At the description of design of a Peugeot 5008 it's necessary to allocate especially harmonious proportions and accurately outlined silhouette.

The car differs high aerodynamic indicators — the factor and the area of front resistance are equal accordingly 0,29 and 0,77 m2. Precipitancy and high road qualities — this is main lines of Peugeot 5008.

The sensation of natural precipitancy in addition amplifies thanks to the chromeplated decorative elements of a radiator enclosure.

Thanks to an extensive glass cover the car as if is captured by a transparent belt. Such effect is reached, basically, at the expense of glass of a rear lateral wall of the body, different the unusual form and smoothly flowing in glass of a door of a baggage compartment. Besides it the panoramic glass cover of a roof creates additional space in a passenger compartment.

The type, the specific form and technology of tail lights form unique shape of a new 5008 Peugeot in which the sensation of cleanliness, reliability and the high status of the car is combined.

The organisation of a driver's place is built on absolutely original and innovative technology. The high landing typical for cars of the given segment, provides to the driver the fine review and promotes formation of reliable protection.

Founders of the car managed to improve ergonomic characteristics of a driver's place even more. It has been reached thanks to improvement of a design of seats, and also at the expense of seating of a steering wheel with a small discharge angle (almost vertically), as at Peugeot 308. Besides, the used scheme of the organisation of a driver's place provides a maximum level of comfort during driving.

2010 Paris Motor Show — Peugeot 5008

Top 10: UK car sales 2010

Despite the car scrappage scheme ending in March, figures just published reveal that UK car sales managed to rise very slightly in 2010 compared to the previous year.



Total registrations were 2,030,846, up 1.80% on 2009’s figure. This modest growth was mainly down to increased fleet activity, particularly in the first half of the year.



However, the harsh economic climate continues, and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is predicting that sales will fall by 5% in 2011.



The ten best-selling cars in the UK during 2010 were:



1. Ford Fiesta (103,013 registered)

Despite its overall sales dropping by over 36,000 to 280,364, Ford was the manufacturer that shifted the most cars in 2010. The Fiesta remained the most popular model, too, and deservedly so. A great drive, decent equipment and affordable prices make it one of the best superminis on the market.









2. Vauxhall Astra (80,646 registered)

In its first full year on sale, the sixth-generation Astra managed to out-perform its rivals, even though the range has been criticised for its prices. Overall, Vauxhall registrations were up by almost 4%, finishing the year at 247,265.









3. Ford Focus (77,804 registered)

A perennial favourite, the Focus managed to secure third place in 2010’s chart. Sales weren’t too far behind the much newer Astra, a feat that was probably helped by some healthy discounts and fleet sales. Due to be replaced by the third-generation Focus in 2011.









4. Vauxhall Corsa (77,398 registered)

The Corsa is strong on refinement and comfort, but it seems a very large number of buyers still prefer the Fiesta. It’ll be interesting to see what impact the recently introduced Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty has on 2011’s sales figures.









5. Volkswagen Golf (58,116 registered)

One of the best all-rounders on the market, it’s no great surprise to see the Golf make the top ten. Overall, Volkswagen sales were up by over 8% in 2010, with 174,655 cars registered. That was good enough to retain third place in the manufacturer league table behind Ford and Vauxhall.









6. Volkswagen Polo (45,517 registered)

Under the skin, the Skoda Fabia and Seat Ibiza have a lot in common with the Polo, but apparently customers are happy to shun the cheaper brands in favour of Volkswagen. Whatever the reasons for this behaviour, sixth place was a respectable result for the 2010 European Car of the Year.









7. Peugeot 207 (42,185 registered)

Another decent all-rounder, although the somewhat gawky styling and lack of image might have put some buyers off. Peugeot didn’t have a bad year with total sales up over 6% to 109,324, making it the fifth most popular manufacturer.









8. BMW 3 Series (42,020 registered)

It has become a bit trite to say that the 3 Series outperforms its mainstream rivals such as the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia, but the fact is it does. Overall, BMW achieved 109,418 sales in 2010, an increase of nearly 11% that gave it fourth spot in the manufacturer table. A premium brand, but no longer exclusive?









9. Mini Hatchback (41,883 registered)

A fantastic image, low emissions, that terrific chassis and extremely strong residuals continue to make the Mini Hatchback an attractive buy. The only things letting it down are a lack of kit on lower-spec models and a small boot.











10. Nissan Qashqai (39,048 registered)

This British-built crossover is arguably the ideal family car. There’s plenty of choice, too, with front- or all-wheel drive available and ‘+2’ extended wheelbase versions that seat seven. Total Nissan registrations rose by 15% in 2010 to 89,681, but it remained in eighth place in the manufacturer chart.

Nine electric cars get grant

The UK’s Department for Transport has announced the first nine models that will be eligible for its Plug-in Car Grant.



Beginning in January 2011, the scheme will see buyers able to claim 25% off the list price (up to a maximum of £5,000) per qualifying vehicle. The government has allocated £43M for the grants up until the end of March 2012, with a review of the programme’s viability beyond that date scheduled for January 2012.



The nine are:

Manufacturer	Model	First UK Deliveries	Price
Mitsubishi	i-MiEV	January 2011	£23,990 including grant
smart	fortwo electric drive	January 2011	TBC. Available to lease in limited volumes from January 2011 ahead of full series production starting in 2012
Peugeot	iOn	January 2011	Only available via four year lease at £415 plus VAT per month
Nissan	Leaf	March 2011	£23,990 including grant
Tata	Vista EV	March 2011	TBC
Citroën	CZero	Early 2011	Only available via four year lease at £415 plus VAT per month
Vauxhall	Ampera	Early 2012	£28,995 including grant
Toyota	Prius Plug-in Hybrid	Early 2012	TBC. Currently only available to lease in limited volumes
Chevrolet	Volt	Early 2012	TBC

smart fortwo electric drive

Although it looks like there’ll be plenty for customers to choose from, the choice isn’t as wide as it first appears. The Peugeot and Citroën are essentially re-badged versions of the Mitsubishi, while the Ampera shares its underpinnings with the Volt.

Peugeot iOn

Business Minister Mark Prisk said: “Today’s news that motorists will be able to choose from at least nine cars under the consumer incentive scheme… will further reinforce the message that the UK is Europe’s leading producer of ultra low carbon vehicles."



Unfortunately the last part of that particular statement shouldn’t be taken at face value just yet. The only model on the list that is definitely confirmed for UK production is the Nissan Leaf. However, domestic manufacturing will only start in 2013, with cars being imported from Japan until then.



Meanwhile, GM Europe has yet to decide whether the Vauxhall Ampera will be built at Ellesmere Port in England, but it has confirmed that the Ampera’s UK price will be £28,995 after the Plug-in car Grant has been applied.

Vauxhall Ampera

A surprising inclusion is the Tata Vista EV, mainly because it’s an unknown quantity in the UK. Apparently it has been developed from the Indica Vista, the previous version of which was the basis for the almost universally unloved and derided CityRover.

Tata Indica Vista

Tata Motors European Technical Centre in Warwick has been involved in the project, and the rumour is that the Vista EV may be built in the UK. A location has yet to be disclosed so, unless there has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes, an on-sale date of March 2011 seems very optimistic unless the initial cars are going to be imported from India. And then there’s the slight issue of not having a dealer network to sell through. Maybe Tata will use the showrooms of its Jaguar and Land Rover subsidiaries?



Related posts:

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US to get wider i-MiEV

SMMT Electric Car Guide

Mitsubishi i-MiEV costs

UK i-MiEV prices slashed

Electric car grants saved

PSA goes electric

The future’s electric

2011 Peugeot EX1 Concept Is An Electric Sport Cars Concept The "Extreme Dream Car"

Peugeot's thoughts are that of an "extreme dream car" which demonstrates the "exciting possibilities for electric power". Peugeot has created an all-new electric sports car bearing the alphanumeric appellation EX1, which it will show at the upcoming 2010 Paris Motor Show. This car and the images are real. The 100% electric sports car Peugeot’s latest concept car is a visually striking two-seater roadster with a futuristic styling and an original architecture, designed to offer intense driving sensations as a celebration of the Marque’s 200th anniversary.

The electric motor is a potential source of new driving sensations thanks to its exceptional acceleration capabilities, but also because it is silent in operation and makes the car very easy to drive (no need for a gearbox). On the EX1 sports car concept, two electric motors are used, one on each axle, each with a peak output of 125 kW (250 kW / 340 bhp in total), and an immediately available constant maximum torque of 240 Nm at the front and rear.

The 2011 Peugeot EX1 Concept Is An Electric Sport Cars Concept The "Extreme Dream Car" benefits from characteristics that give it a high enough level of performance not only to leave behind the city centre, the preferred territory of electric vehicles, but also to challenge acceleration records. Its lightness, weight distribution and aerodynamics, the torque and power of its two electric motors and its high-output lithium-ion battery are just some of the characteristics that make this a car capable of lightning acceleration: the latter can exceed 1G of gravitational force.

2011 Peugeot EX1 Concept Is An Electric Sport Cars Concept The "Extreme Dream Car"

Indeed the EX1 sports car concept has already broken the following international records (approved by the International Automobile Federation) for an electric-powered terrestrial vehicle. This series of records was established, by Nicolas Vanier, the famous French explorer and film-maker ("The Last Trapper", "Wolf") who drove the EX1 concept car.

Between now and the end of the year, China, the world's largest car market, will be the setting for the EX1 sports car to pursues other world records.

2011 Peugeot EX1 Concept Is An Electric Sport Cars Concept The "Extreme Dream Car"

Paris 2010: Peugeot HR1 Concept

In addition to pulling the sheets back on its new 508, Peugeot unveiled its newest concept at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Called the HR1 Concept, the car is what we would assume would happen if a Prius knocked boots with the SEMA world. Behind the only-a-mother-could-love face, the HR1 benefits from a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine in front and a 37-horsepower electric motor positioned in the rear of the vehicle. This is a through-the-road hybrid, which means the two powertrains operate independantly and are only connected, well, through the road. Both are bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission, and all told, the company says that the drivetrain is good for a combined "potential power" of 147 hp. Even better, fuel consumption is kept down to 3.5 liters per 100 kilometers, or around 67 mpg US.

In marketing speak, the HR1 boasts an "alternative door structure" as part of its effort to combine as many vehicle body structures as possible. Peugeot says its designers baked elements from the city car, coupe and SUV philosophies into the final look of this hybrid. Surprisingly enough, there are no current plans to bring the HR1 to life.

Paris 2010: Peugeot 508 is a glimpse of things to come

Peugeot is celebrating its 200th birthday (as a company), and to mark the occasion, the French automaker is planning an all-out product offensive. Chief among them is the mighty 508 – a sedan that benefits from reduced weight and increased interior room compared to the old 407. In a word: Progress.

Initially, the company says that the 508 will be available with everything from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 120 horsepower and 118 pound-torque of torque to a 150-hp 2.2-liter turbo-diesel engine with a gobsmacking 331 pound-feet of torque. Available gearboxes vary from a six-speed automatic to both five- and six-speed manuals. Peugeot also plans to roll out a hybrid version of the big sedan, though the company says that European buyers can expect to wait a little while on that one. Interestingly, Pug officials say when the 508 does get its batteries, the hybrid will pack a 200-hp diesel engine in addition to whatever the electric motors add.

Peugeot company showed models 508

Peugeot company extended the detailed information on family 508 which replaces with itself at once two models — 407 and 607.

Peugeot 508: 9,2 cm longer...

The world premiere of a novelty takes place in the beginning of October on autoshow in Paris, but sales in the European car market begin from next year. About it it's told in the official press release.

The overall length of Peugeot 508 with a body "sedan" makes 4,79 metres, "universal" — 4,81 metres that on 10,1 and 4,8 centimetres accordingly more than at model 407 with the same body types. The wheelbase thus increased by 9,2 centimetres.

Despite the increased sizes, weight of a new sedan in comparison with Peugeot 407 (in versions with identical engines) decreased on 35 kgs, and universal became easier on 45 kgs. Besides, model 508 has, according to representatives of the company, one of the best for a sedan the class of aerodynamic resistance — 0,25, and at version SW — 0,26.

C 2012 the novelty also can be equipped with the hybrid power-plant combining a 163-strong 2-litre diesel engine and the electromotor which if necessary provides with pull-rod rear wheels of the car.

When Peugeot 508 deliveries in the USA begin, yet is not informed.

Sedan Peugeot 508

Related Posts: Peugeot

• Official photos of new Peugeot Hoggar
• There were official photos of the fastest Peugeot 308
• Peugeot begins the European sales of sport coupe RCZ
• Hatchback Peugeot 207 for the champion
• For Chineses Peugeot 308 have transformed into a sedan

2010 Peugeot Cars 308 Millesim Special Edition

The British division of Peugeot announced today it will expand its 308 range by adding a special edition to the lineup that celebrates Peugeot’s 200th anniversary: the Millesim, after unveiling the 207 special edition wearing the same name. There will be four models available powered by VTi petrol and HDi diesel engines.

Model Range On-the-road Price Combined MPG CO2 Emissions :

308 Millesim 1.4 VTi 98 £16,245.00 43.46 149    

308 Millesim 1.6 VTi 120 £16,745.00 43.46 155

308 Millesim HDi 90 £17,495.00 62.70 120

308 Millesim HDi 110 £18,245.00 62.70 120

The Peugeot 308 Millesim comes equipped with a free Nokia 5230 smartphone with Satellite Navigation and in-car mounting kit, 16 inch alloy wheels, Sports front grille, Sports rear bumper. The Peugeot 308 Millesim also features USB and Bluetooth connectivity, special badges and various other styling accents. Other features offered as standard include ABS, EBFD, EBA, ESP, driver airbag, passenger airbag, side airbags, curtain airbags, remote control central locking with deadlocks, electric front and rear windows, radio / single CD player, air-conditioning and front fog lights, among others.

For the petrol versions, the 308 Millesim is equipped with Peugeot’s class leading VTi petrol engines. Two engine options are available, a new Euro 5 1.4 litre 98 bhp, or a 1.6 litre 120 bhp version. Both engines benefit from Peugeot’s particularly innovative VTi technology which improves the engine’s overall efficiency, significantly reducing fuel consumption (particularly in phases of partial load) and, therefore, CO2 emissions. For HDi diesel versions, the 308 Millesim is powered by Peugeot’s 1.6 litre 90 and 110 bhp engines, both acknowledged for their driveability, performance and low running costs (62.7 mpg in the combined cycle and zero vehicle excise duty). An additive based diesel particulate filter system (FAP) is fitted as standard on the HDi 110 bhp engine.

The 308 Millesim benefits from Peugeot’s extensive experience and the latest technological advances to ensure safety of the highest order at all levels. A five star EuroNCAP rating is combined with the standard fitment of: ESP, six airbags, five three-point inertia reel seat belts with a “fasten seat belt” warning system, front and rear head restraints designed to limit whiplash, three Isofix mountings to accommodate a child seat – one at the front and two in the rear outer seats and an electrically operated child safety system which simply and safely locks the rear doors and disables the electric rear windows.

UK gets Peugeot 308 GT

When the Peugeot 308 GTi was first announced back in May, we were left wondering whether the car would make it to the UK.



Well now it’s here, except it’ll be known as the Peugeot 308 GT THP 200 in this country. Maybe Peugeot felt that leaving an ‘i’ tacked on after the ‘GT’ might build up the expectations of UK buyers, who would just draw comparisons with GTi models of old?

And Peugeot isn’t exactly focussing on the 308 GT’s sporty nature, preferring to talk about ‘good levels of performance’, ‘high levels of comfort and convenience’ and being ‘enjoyable for day-to-day driving [and] equally at home transporting the family’. Stirring stuff.



That said, it’s no slouch. Powered by a 1.6 litre twin-scroll turbo engine producing 197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS), 0-62 mph (100 km/h) takes 7.7 seconds, while its top speed is 140 mph (225 km/h). Yet despite that level of performance, the combined cycle fuel consumption is a very respectable 40.8 mpg (6.9 l/100km) and CO2 emissions are a reasonable 159 g/km.



Distinguishing the GT from lesser 308s are 18” alloy wheels clad with 225/40 R18 tyres, a meaner looking front bumper, a black diffuser, a rear spoiler and twin chrome exhaust pipes. Ride height is reduced by 10 mm to help improve road holding.



Interior equipment levels look generous, and include sports seats with half-leather upholstery, climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free telephone connectivity and rear parking assistance. As an extra incentive, anyone who takes delivery of their 308 GT during July also gets a free Nokia 5230 phone that features inbuilt satellite navigation.



Available only as a five-door hatch, the 308 GT is priced at £21,995.



Funnily enough, that’s virtually the same as the Renault Mégane GT, which costs only £85 less. However, the Peugeot beats its compatriot on economy (37.2 mpg / 7.5 l/100km), emissions (178 g/km) and power output (177 bhp / 132 kW / 180 PS), although the Renault’s performance ends up being similar (0-62 mph in 7.8 seconds and a 140 mph / 225 km/h top speed).



But what if neither of the French cars appeal? Other competitors include the £21,005 Vauxhall Astra SRi, which has a 1.6 litre turbo engine and the same power as the Renault Mégane GT. Economy is marginally better than the 308 GT at 41.5 mpg (6.8 l/100km) and emissions are the same, although the slight power deficit makes it just a little slower (0-62 mph takes 7.9 seconds, and its top speed is 138 mph / 222 km/h).



Then there’s the new 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS) Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TB MultiAir Veloce. Priced at £20,795, it’s down on horsepower versus the Peugeot, but it still manages to do 0-62 mph in 7.8 seconds before going onto 135 mph (217 km/h). The Giulietta is arguably one of the best looking models in this market segment, but its real trump cards are economy and emissions: its 48.7 mpg (5.8 l/100km) and 134 g/km trounce the 308 GT.



If saving the environment isn’t a top priority, but performance and low cost is, then the Skoda Octavia vRS has to be a strong contender. Its two litre FSI petrol engine has as much power as the Peugeot, however it manages to be much quicker. It’ll hit 150 mph (242 km/h) and accelerate from 0-62 mph in 7.2 seconds, although the consequence is a relatively poor 37.7 mpg (7.4 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 175 g/km. The Octavia is also a bargain at £19,380, despite lacking some standard equipment compared to the 308 GT.

Peugeot 508 revealed

Ahead of its unveiling at the Paris Motor Show in September, Peugeot has released the first details of the new 508.

It replaces both the so-so 407 and the slow-selling 607, and will be available as either a saloon or estate from launch. Based on the same platform as the Citroen C5 and outgoing 407, the 508 saloon is 4790 mm long, while the estate is 4810 mm. Those measurements are increases of 99 mm and 47 mm over the respective 407 versions, and reflect the 508’s dual segment role.



The 508 sees the arrival of a new design language for Peugeot. Gone, thank goodness, is the gaping wide-mouth look typified by the 407 and 4007 SUV. The new model also manages to be less fussy at the front than more recent Peugeot offerings such as the 5008 MPV, but some of the details - like the ‘Peugeot’ name badge on the grille, and the strange bonnet lip that comes down to meet it - seem a bit unnecessary. The rest of the car looks neat enough though, the most striking feature being a strong shoulder line that runs the length of the body.

For many prospective customers, cabin fit and finish will be key factors when deciding whether to buy the 508. However, Peugeot has yet to release any interior design details.



Similarly, technical information is sparse, but it is known that the diesels will get an improved stop-start system to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy. Also promised soon after launch is a Hybrid4 version. This combines a diesel engine driving the front wheels with an electric motor powering the rears. Peugeot claims the package offers 200 horsepower performance combined with CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km. That’ll be very attractive for UK drivers, because it means no road tax and potentially no London Congestion Charge.

When sales start in early 2011, the Peugeot 508 will doubtless have to face the usual challenges of a non-prestige large car in Europe. However, it may be the case that success here is secondary to Peugeot’s objective of strong sales in China, where the car will also be built.