Peugeot reveals facelifted 308

French lion waves the makeover wand over its volume-selling hatchback... with pleasing results. And it will be on sale in Australia from September
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These are the first images of Peugeot's facelifted 308, which makes its global debut at the Geneva motor show on March 1.

The revamped hatchback will be unveiled here in July at the Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) in Melbourne, and it's due to go on sale locally from September onwards.

Immediately evident from the pics is that the controversial smiley face of the existing model has been comprehensively revised to fall in line with the design language of the 508 and SR1 concept car that have set the template for the new look of Peugeot.

Notwithstanding its slightly awkward styling, the existing 308 has been a solid seller for the brand, with over 900,000 units sold worldwide since its 2007 launch.

As is the case with the current range, the new 308 will be available in three body styles -- Hatchback, CC (coupe-convertible) and SW (station wagon). All will be fronted by the new-look face, which features LED headlamps and daytime running lights.

Among the new 308's technical highlights are the introduction of more efficient engines and Peugeot's micro-hybrid e-HDi Stop & Start technology (although the latter feature is not as yet confirmed for our market).

The petrol engine line-up includes normally aspirated 1.4-litre engines and turbocharged 1.6 units (with 115kW or 147kW). The diesel units displace 1.6 and 2.0 litres and range in power from 68kW to 120kW.

Transmission choices will include conventional five- and six-speed manual gearboxes and a six-speed electronically controlled manual (EGC in Peugeot-speak). The company claims the new drivetrains give the updated 308 the lowest emissions in its segment.

Euro-spec models come standard with air-con, ESP, ABS, EBFD, EBA, front and rear electric windows with child security, remote control central door locking with deadlocks and six SMART safety airbags.

Peugeot claims kerb weight has been reduced by 25kg on average on all models, and further efficiency gains come via new 16-inch ultra-low-rolling-resistance tyres and a drag coefficient of 0.28 for the low-consumption models -- touted as a record for this segment.

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