The automotive industry is in the midst of an “SUV fever”, but hatchbacks and wagons continue to hold their appeal in the European market. This is why Peugeot has just officially introduced the mid-life cycle upgrade of the 308 line with a fresh design style and a range of engine options.

The current generation of the 308, first introduced in 2021, marked a new step in Peugeot’s design language. After four years, the mid-life cycle upgrade has brought changes to the front design, removing the familiar “claw” detail. Instead, it features separated headlights, including LED daytime running lights in the form of claws placed above and main headlights placed within the black glossy bumper. The Allure trim comes with full LED lights, while the GT and GT Premium trims are equipped with Matrix LED technology and sequential turn signals.

Peugeot 308 2026 without the signature claw lights

The Peugeot 308 2026 has ditched the distinctive claw-shaped light bar.

Instead of adding a full-width LED light bar as is the current trend in the global automotive industry, Peugeot has chosen to place light strips above the grille, which is painted the same color as the body. Another highlight is the illuminated logo, a first for Peugeot cars and potentially a feature for future models. According to the French brand, the new air intakes in the bumper improve aerodynamics by directing airflow towards the wheel arches.

Peugeot 308 2026 illuminated logo

The illuminated logo of the Peugeot 308 2026

The body of the Peugeot 308 2026 remains mostly unchanged but now comes with new 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels. Additionally, there are new color options: Lagoa Blue for the hatchback and Ingaro Blue for the wagon.

Peugeot 308 2026 hatchback

Peugeot 308 2026 hatchback

Peugeot 308 2026 wagon

Peugeot 308 2026 wagon

Unfortunately, the rear of the car doesn’t see many changes, except for the removal of the chrome trim on the bumper. The LED taillights with claw-shaped graphics are now standard across all trims. Previously, these taillights were exclusive to the GT trim.

Inside, the Peugeot 308 2026 doesn’t adopt the new digital cockpit seen in the 3008 and 5008. Instead, it features the brand’s i-Cockpit digital instrument cluster with a 10-inch screen, which still looks modern and now includes new 3D graphics.

Interior of Peugeot 308 2026

Interior of the Peugeot 308 2026

The GT and GT Premium trims come with Alcantara-upholstered sports seats. Peugeot says it has used 31% recycled and renewable materials for the new 308, with an average of 405 kg per vehicle. Options include a 10-speaker Focal sound system, 8-color ambient lighting, massaging front seats, and over-the-air software updates.

The wagon version, the 308 SW, has a longer body and a larger trunk with a standard capacity of 598 liters or 1,487 liters with the rear seats folded. The SW also features 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats and an electric tailgate.

Peugeot 308 2026 wagon trunk

The spacious trunk of the Peugeot 308 2026 wagon.

Despite the market moving away from diesel engines, Stellantis, Peugeot’s parent company, has kept the 1.5-liter BlueHDi four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine with 129 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission as an option for the new 308. Additionally, there’s a mild-hybrid option with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine producing 143 horsepower, paired with a six-speed e-DSC6 dual-clutch transmission that integrates an electric motor, allowing the car to run up to 50% of the time in urban areas on electric power alone.

Next is the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version, which uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and an electric motor, producing a combined 192 horsepower. The engine is mated to a seven-speed e-DCS7 dual-clutch transmission and a 17.2 kWh battery, offering an all-electric range of 85 km.

Finally, there’s the all-electric E-308 2026, featuring a front-mounted electric motor generating 154 horsepower and a 58.4 kWh battery. This electric version of the 308 can achieve a range of up to 452 km, an increase of 37 km compared to its predecessor, thanks to improved battery and drivetrain efficiency. It can be charged from 20% to 80% in just 32 minutes using a 100 kW DC fast charger. The E-308 also supports V2L functionality, allowing it to power external devices.

Peugeot 308 2026 diverse engine options

The Peugeot 308 2026 offers a diverse range of engine options.

The upgraded Peugeot 308 will go on sale in Europe and the UK this fall, with pricing to be announced later. It will compete against the likes of the Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla, and Honda Civic.

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