Local News: Facelifted Peugeot 308 Now Out

The Peugeot 308 is back with sleeker and smoother lines, as well as added safety features. Elegant new exterior aside, its engine offers
heightened efficiency and greater vigour, creating an exceptionally desirable drive.

The 308 boasts several external enhancements, including a new floating grille and a smaller air inlet grille. Its new LED Daytime Running Lights lend it a new-generation technological touch and a light signature in the form of a boomerang, which is visible both in the day and at night. Its front bumper comes with a sleek piano black finish, as well as redesigned front foglights, while a black rear diffuser and chrome strip have been added between the rear lights, proving that style is all in the details. It will also be available in an all-new colour, Philae Blue.

For those who take their playlist wherever they go, the 308 has a new WIP audio Bluetooth hands-free feature, with a USB port and audio streaming functions to boot.

With the release of the 308 facelift, two Euro 5 engine variants will be available: the 1.6 120hp 4-speed Tiptronic auto and the 1.6 Turbo 156hp 6-speed Tiptronic auto. These engines offer extensive efficiency of up to 13.0 km/litre (EC combined cycle), as well as athletic performance, going from 0 to 100km/h in 8.8 seconds, with a top speed of 212km/h.

The safety aspect, always a principal concern of Peugeot, has not been left out, with a total of six airbags now included, an increase from the four airbags in the original 308. On the Euro NCAP crash tests, the 308 achieved the maximum 5-starsafety rating.

The 308 also comprises lightweight materials, including an aluminium bonnet and Noryl composite front fenders. This gives the car a lighter weight overall and more balanced weight distribution, enabling better handling on the road. The 308 is also the only hatchback with a panoramic glass roof in its class.

For the environmentally-conscious soul on the go, the Facelift 308 1.6A Active now has new 16” alloys and Michelin ‘Energy Saver’ low-rolling resistance tyres. This tyre features a new architecture which reduces rolling resistance for better fuel economy, but without compromising its roadholding qualities.

For that special edge, the Facelift 308 1.6A Turbo Allure 5-dr has new 17’’ alloys rims and features a Sports leather steering wheel with a flat bottom, as per the 308CC. For added safety, it also now has factory reverse sensors with a centre console mounted display. This, together with new white-faced instrument dials, comes in a sleek piano black finish, offering a touch of chic.

Peugeot 308 is priced at $118,800 (1.6A Active) and $125,800 (1.6A Turbo Allure). Prices include COE (accurate as of 8 December, 2011).

Credits: wilswong