PARIS — Peugeot is including plug-in hybrid choices and options reminiscent of a motorized hatchback to its newest 308 station wagon to problem the Skoda Octavia, which dominates compact wagon gross sales in Europe.
The primary deliveries of the brand new 308 wagon are scheduled for the start of 2022, Peugeot mentioned.
The 308 wagon’s motorized hatchback could be activated by sweeping a foot below the bumper. Different sensible options embody the power to fold down the 40/20/40 cut up second-row bench seat from controls in the rear cargo space, and a wheelbase that’s 55 mm (2.2 inches) longer than the wheelbase of the most recent 308 hatchback.
As well as, the rear finish options an prolonged decrease skirt for higher aerodynamics, and the rear overhang is 210 mm longer.
The wagon’s cargo capability is 608 liters, extending to 1,634 liters with the rear seats folded.
In comparison with the present 308 station wagon, the brand new mannequin is 60 mm longer, at 4,640 mm, and 20 mm decrease, at 1,440 mm. Peugeot says higher aerodynamics have improved CO2 emissions by 2 grams per km.
As with the 308 hatchback, the wagon may have plug-in hybrid choices for the primary time, with 180 hp or 225 hp. Two gasoline engines can be found, with 110 hp or 130 hp. A 130-hp diesel is out there.
Peugeot CEO Linda Jackson has mentioned that there will probably be a full-electric model of the 308 by 2023.
Peugeot says the brand new 308 wagon is coming into a section that has remained viable regardless of the expansion of SUV and crossover fashions.
“Though instantly challenged by SUVs, this section has remained fixed since 2010, demand in Europe stays sturdy and gross sales forecasts are secure for the years to come back,” the model said in a news release Tuesday.
Peugeot mentioned that wagon patrons have been the youngest within the compact section, and have a tendency to make use of their vehicles extra. The 308 wagon’s meant patrons are “energetic {couples}, with or with out youngsters,” the discharge mentioned. About 70 p.c of gross sales are anticipated to be to enterprise prospects.
The Skoda Octavia is the best-selling compact station wagon in Europe, in line with JATO Dynamics. Within the first 10 months of 2020, it registered 123,124 gross sales, in contrast with 69,736 gross sales for the second-place Ford Focus. The Toyota Corolla was third with 53,066 gross sales.
Different compact station wagons bought in Europe embody wagon variations of the Volkswagen Golf, Seat Leon, Renault Megane, Kia Ceed and Hyundai i30.
Germany is by far the biggest European market for wagons, with 404,799 in all segments bought within the first 10 months of 2020, JATO figures confirmed. It was adopted by Sweden (66,760), the UK (65,112), France (53,597) and Italy (52,999).