And this time, it’s for real; no cryptic press releases and teaser images… Due to be launched in Europe this September right after its Frankfurt Show worldwide premiere, Peugeot’s new C-Segment hatch will be available with a broad range of powerplants, including 1.4, 1.6, 1.6 Turbo petrol units producing 95, 120 and 140-150Hp respectively and 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre diesel engines delivering between 90 and 136Hp. In comparison with its predecessor, while the 308 maintains the same wheelbase (2.610 mm) it’s 74mm longer (4.276 mm) and 85mm wider (1.815 mm) promising to boost interior space.

This year, we’ll only see the 3door and 5door versions of the 308 however, according to Peugeot, the C-Segment model will evolve into a number of different body shapes over the coming months and years which translates into a 308 CC (Coupe-Cabrio), a 308 SW and maybe even a 308 Sedan. The French company states that we’ll see a “BioFlex” petrol model (enabling the car to be driven with a fuel composed of up to 85 percent ethanol) in 2008 while they note that the 308 could also one day benefit from Peugeot’s HDi Hybrid technology. -Full high-res image gallery after the jump

Just for the record, we avoided adding the 72-page long PDF file preferring to post Peugeot UK’s condensed version of the press release.

PEUGEOT 308 – INSIGHT INTO A NEW MODEL

• To be launched in September 2007
• Powered by seven engine options
• Class leading aerodynamics
• 1.6 litre HDi 90 emits only 120 g/km of CO₂
• The start of a new “3” series family

Peugeot’s first vehicle of the “8” generation, the Peugeot 308 five door hatchback will be launched in the UK in September.

Designed by Peugeot’s in-house designers, the Peugeot 308 builds on the successful concept of the Peugeot 307, with its semi-high architecture, large interior space, class leading safety equipment and high standards of road holding.

The stylish design not only looks good but contributes to reducing fuel consumption and emissions, due to its class leading aerodynamics – Cx of 0.29 – enabling the 1.6 litre HDi 90 to emit only 120 g/km of CO2.

The Peugeot 308 will be available with 10 powerplant options:

Petrol engines *VTi – Variable valve lift and Timing and injection

• 1.4 litre VTi* 95 bhp - 5-speed manual gearbox
• 1.6 litre VTi* 120 bhp - 5-speed manual gearbox
• 1.6 litre VTi* 120 bhp - 4-speed automatic gearbox
• 1.6 litre THP 150 bhp - 5-speed manual gearbox
• 1.6 litre THP 140 bhp - 4-speed automatic gearbox
• 
  

HDi Diesel engines

• 1.6 litre HDi 90 bhp - 5-speed manual gearbox
• 1.6 litre HDi 110 bhp - 5-speed manual gearbox
• 1.6 litre HDi 110 bhp - 6-speed controlled manual gearbox
• 2.0 litre HDi 136 bhp - 6-speed manual gearbox
• 2.0 litre HDi 136 bhp - 6-speed automatic gearbox

Safety is another strength of the new Peugeot 308, with seven airbags fitted as standard; even rear side airbags will be available as an option on 5 door models. Peugeot’s lane departure warning system (LDWS) and bi-xenon directional headlamps will also be available.

The increased size compared to the 307 results in greater interior space and carrying capacity. The boot of the 308 is cleverly laid out to maximise the space which, with the parcel shelf in place provides 430 litres, increasing to 1,398 litres with the seats folded.

The Peugeot 308 will evolve into a number of different body shapes over the coming months and years, and will see a “BioFlex” petrol model introduced. It could also one day benefit from Peugeot’s HDi Hybrid technology.

The Peugeot 308 will go on sale in the UK in September 2007; price and specification details will be announced nearer the launch date.