Peugeot 308

308

The Peugeot 308 is a compact family car (C-segment) manufactured by the French automaker Peugeot. First introduced in June 2007 and launched later that year, the 308 debuted as a hatchback before expanding its lineup to include a station wagon (308 SW) in 2008, a stylish coupé cabriolet (308 CC) in 2009, and a sedan variant marketed as the Peugeot 408 in 2010. It succeeded the Peugeot 307, fitting neatly between the smaller 208 and the larger 508 in the brand's lineup. The first-generation 308 retained much of the 307’s underlying architecture but with refined updates. In 2013, the second-generation model was introduced with a complete redesign and went on to win the prestigious 2014 European Car of the Year award. The latest third-generation 308, launched in 2021, brought a bold new design language and added a hybrid powertrain option, reflecting Peugeot’s shift toward electrification and modern efficiency.

Generations

First generation (T7; 2007)

The first-generation Peugeot 308 (T7) was launched in 2007 as the successor to the Peugeot 307. Built on the same PF2 platform, it retained much of the previous model’s mechanical underpinnings but featured updated styling, improved aerodynamics, and a more refined interior. The T7 was initially introduced as a 5-door hatchback, followed by the 308 SW (station wagon) in 2008 and the stylish 308 CC (coupé cabriolet) in 2009, which featured a retractable hardtop roof. A sedan version, known as the Peugeot 408, was introduced for select markets in 2010. The first-gen 308 focused on comfort, safety, and drivability, offering a range of petrol and diesel engines along with manual and automatic transmission options. It helped Peugeot maintain a strong presence in the competitive compact segment through the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Second generation (T9; 2013)

The second-generation Peugeot 308 (T9) was unveiled in 2013, marking a significant leap forward in design, technology, and efficiency. Built on PSA’s new EMP2 platform, it was lighter, more rigid, and offered improved handling compared to its predecessor. The T9 featured a clean, minimalist exterior design with sharper lines and a more refined profile, while the interior introduced Peugeot’s innovative i-Cockpit layout—highlighted by a compact steering wheel, high-mounted instrument cluster, and a central touchscreen that reduced physical buttons. Available in hatchback and station wagon (308 SW) body styles, it came with a wide range of efficient petrol and diesel engines, including ultra-low-emission variants. The T9 received widespread acclaim for its design, build quality, and driving dynamics, culminating in it being awarded the prestigious 2014 European Car of the Year title. This generation firmly re-established the 308 as a top contender in the compact car segment.

Third generation (P5; 2021)

The third-generation Peugeot 308 (P5) was unveiled in 2021, bringing a bold new design and advanced technologies to the compact car segment. Built on the updated EMP2 V3 platform, the P5 generation features a sharper, more aggressive exterior with a distinctive front grille, slim LED headlights, and Peugeot’s new emblem at its center. It also introduces a longer wheelbase for enhanced interior space, while maintaining a dynamic and sporty silhouette. Inside, the 308 continues to evolve the i-Cockpit concept with a fully digital 3D instrument cluster, a larger central touchscreen with updated infotainment software, and customizable i-Toggles for quick access to key functions. Notably, the P5 is the first 308 to offer plug-in hybrid powertrains, alongside efficient petrol and diesel options, reflecting Peugeot’s move toward electrification. The third-generation 308 blends cutting-edge style, technology, and sustainability, reaffirming its position as a leader in the modern compact car class.