Peugeot 308

308 to be a hybrid

The new Peugeot 308 hides a surprising secret, Auto Express has discovered...

Auto Express Car Reviews

New car will herald arrival of Peugeot’s first diesel-electric hybrid engine. Model will be pitched against the Prius and Civic Hybrid

By Dan Strong

22nd March 2007

When it goes on sale early next year, it will pave the way for the French company's first-ever diesel-electric hybrid powerplant. Aimed at established rivals such as the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid, the new 308 dual-fuel offering could return as much as 83mpg. And the firm hopes its CO2 emissions would be as low as 90g per km. That's enough to make the 308 the most fuel-efficient car in its class, ensuring it qualifies for a no-charge tax disc as well as exemption from London's con-troversial congestion charge.

The hybrid HDi features an efficient 1.6-litre turbodiesel, as well as a high-voltage battery pack and powerful electric motor. The model will also get stop/start idle technology - which cuts the engine when stationary in traffic - and a semi-auto gearbox. On top of this, the stop/start set-up will work even if the electric motor battery pack is completely flat, while an all-electric zero-emission setting is also offered, which will propel the car up to around 30mph.

As with its competitors, the 308 HDi recharges its batteries by recycling the kinetic energy usually lost while braking. In addition, the electric engine is expected to improve the diesel's acceleration and refinement.Although no prices have been announced, it's expected the hybrid could go on sale as early as autumn next year.