The new Peugeot 308: ten powerplant options starting at 120 g/km

It doesn't yet have a hybrid powertrain that will give it 70+mpg (but that option is coming), but Peugot's new 308 does have a lot of options in the engine bay. The new 308, coming to the UK in September, has ten powerplant choices, with the lightest emitter sending out just 120 g/km of CO2. This aerodynamic little hatchback has got a below-average drag coefficient of just 0.29.

Aside from the talk of the diesel hybrid drive in one of these things, the best upcoming change is this: Peugeot says the 308 will evolve into a few different body shapes over the coming months and years, and there will be a "BioFlex" petrol model introduced at some point. Should be able to knock that 120 number down to double-digits one of these days.

You can peep the full list of powerplant options in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Peugeot]
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

(*15 inch wheels)

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.