Peugeot 308

Off-road route for Lion’s 308

Peugeot is hatching a radical plan to diversify its family car range – with a new crossover SUV that could be pitched against Nissan’s Qashqai

Auto Express Car Reviews

New Peugeot hatchback is set to spawn practical off-road version

10th July 2007

Based on the Ford Focus-rivalling 308 hatchback, which goes on sale here in September, the new model would be a smaller brother to the recently launched 4007.

Speaking to Auto Express, Steve Fahey – UK product manager for the 308 – said: “We’re not only dipping our toes in the water with the 4007. We have to move with the [family car] market and lead it.”

Likely to be badged 3008, the newcomer would be offered with a choice of five or seven seats, and front or four-wheel drive, and is set to be introduced in place of a traditional MPV. In addition to an SUV, Peugeot will launch two 308 load-luggers. The lifestyle-oriented SW will get sliding rear seats and a panoramic glass roof, while the more traditional Estate version features
a steel top and conventional seats which split/fold 60:40. Both cars go on sale in 2008, followed by a drop-top 308 CC in 2009. A three-door 308, due in December, will feature a 175bhp 1.6-litre turbo – although there are no plans for a GTi model.