Peugeot�s sporty 308 GT THP 175 and SW wagon

[Plex]

Peugeot plans to unveil two new 308 models at next month�s Geneva Motor Show, the 308 SW wagon and the sporty 308 GT THP 175. The new sporty GT hatch gets the same 1.6L turbo-charged THP engine that appeared in the 207 GTI THP 175 from last year and once again develops a peak output of 175hp. The SW, meanwhile, is your everyday station wagon but is available with a large panoramic glass roof and seven seater capability.

The 308 GT gets a 6-speed manual gearbox to wring as much performance out of the little engine as possible, while the interior gets continues the sporty theme with an aluminum shifter, foot pedals, plus a unique steering wheel. The exterior of the GT also gets a few changes to make it look a little more menacing, including a lower front bumper and a rear spoiler as well as reduced ride height.

The engine develops its max power at 6,000rpm, and torque hits its max of 195lb-ft with overboost at just 1,600 rpm. This sees the car reach 62mph in just 8.3 seconds and the torquey nature of the engine means you won�t often be hard pressed to find in-gear acceleration. While performance is decent, fuel consumption is a very respectable 37.1mpg. Add to this a carbon emissions rating of just 180g/km. The new 308 GT is shaping up to be popular among those looking for an environmentally-friendly but not completely dull city car to nip around in.

Motorauthority

[Rory Phoulorie]

[Plex]

Those models have not reach our shores yet...

The 308 is coming with more features than the 207, so i guess the emphasis is on the safety aspect rather than performance..

[Plex]

Peugeot 308 grows into a wagon

A few months after the launch of the new 308 hatchback into the medium car segment, Peugeot now presents the SW version, due to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.

First unveiled in the form of a concept car at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, the SW benefits from the hatch's semi-tall architecture for greater interior space; interior brightness and visibility; stylistic identity; and road holding and safety features.

The 308 SW also benefits from many of the features of the original concept car: compared to the 307 SW the panoramic glass roof is now 27 percent larger (for a total area of 1.68m�); the modularity is easier to operate and improved; and it now has a very large opening rear tailgate glass.

The exterior design builds on the hatch, with an original and curvaceous design at the rear, while the interior and the design of the fascia panel are identical to that of the hatchback. Its sloping design and flowing lines reinforce the impression of space.

A key feature of the concept vehicle and the interior ambience is that panoramic glass roof, which on the 308 SW now extends beyond the heads of the second row passengers, and can also be enjoyed by the occasional occupants of the third row seats. It increases the total glazed surface area of the vehicle to 5.58m�.

Particular attention has been paid to the vehicle's modularity so that it can be adapted simply and efficiently according to the requirements of its occupants. For example, the rear seats in the second row are all individual, easy to remove, identical in size and, therefore, offer a multitude of combinations in the passenger compartment.

Also in the "7 seat" configuration two occasional seats are fitted in the third row. These seats, however, when required can be folded and with the second row seats folded as well, create a flat floor which makes loading of bulky items easier.

The vehicle which can accommodate up to 674 litres under the rear load cover with the second row seats in place. With the seats removed it provides a total volume of 2149 litres up to the level of the roof. The load volume can be increased further by folding forwards the back of the front passenger seat into the 'shelf' position and then the 308 SW can accommodate loads up to a length of 3.1m.

Access to the load area via the wide tailgate or the opening rear tailgate glass is made easier by the design of the rear load cover.

On the road

With regard to road holding, the wheels and suspension of the 308 hatchback have been revised to meet the requirements of the SW version. Electro-hydraulic power steering provides the driver steering precision � also assured by the design of the McPherson type front suspension and by the use of a torsion beam at the rear.

In addition to the wider front and rear tracks, the fitment of larger tyres (up to 18'') and a lower centre of gravity than the 307 SW, help to improve the overall dynamic performance.

In Europe the 308 SW is available with a range of 11 engines, including five petrol engines (rated from 70 to 128kW) and three HDi diesels. They are available with either a five-speed manual gearbox, four-speed automatic or a new six-speed manual gearbox.

The use of the latest technology in both the petrol and diesel engines, combined with the car's aerodynamics, weight saving measures and the use of new Michelin Energy Saver tyres, first introduced on the 308 hatchback, give the 308 SW an improved environmental efficiency compared to that of its predecessor. Its fuel consumption, compared to similar engines, can be up to 10 percent less than the 307 SW.

Safety standards

The 308 SW offers a range of equipment such as the Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and directional bi-Xenon headlamps.

With regard to secondary safety, the structure (thanks in particular to the presence of three impact absorption structures) has been designed to provide optimal protection, combined with the ability to absorb the maximum amount of impact energy in a controlled manner. In addition, the SW can be equipped with up to seven air bags, including a steering column air bag.

A major innovation is the use of a "Wifi " seatbelt sensor system that assures the fasten seat belt warning function is even available on the removable second row seats, without any compromise on their modularity.

Motoring.iafrica

[Plex]