Fully-revamped Peugeot 308 released, but only diesel version

Peugeot introduced the Peugeot 308 hatchback in the Korean market Wednesday, fully revamped after nine years.

The Peugeot 308, fully revamped after nine years [STELLANTIS KOREA]

Peugeot introduced the Peugeot 308 hatchback in the Korean market Wednesday, fully revamped after nine years.

It is also the first car to be released by the brand after six months of integrating its business into Stellantis Korea.

The new emblem noticeably stands out, which features a lion's head, ditching the traditional standing lion body.

“Peugeot’s new emblem reinterprets 212 years of industrial heritage in a modern style,” said Linda Jackson, the CEO of Peugeot, in a video during the release event on Wednesday. “This logo embodies Peugeot’s strong commitment to its move upmarket.”

The car is only available with diesel engines in the Korean market.

When asked about the plans for releasing the model in other powertrains, Jake Aumann, managing director of Stellantis Korea, said he will make an announcement about gasoline, hybrid and full electric models in the future.

The Peugeot 308 is available in gasoline, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions in global markets.

Equipped with 1.5-liter diesel engine, the vehicle generates a maximum of 131 horsepower and 30.6 kilogram-meters of torque. Fuel efficiency stands at 17.2 kilometers (10.7 miles) per liter.

The trunk capacity is 412 liters, and expands to 1,482 liters when the back seat is folded down.

"We know that Korean people have high standards for premium products and that they seek new, innovative products," Jackson said. "We have no doubt that the new Peugeot 308 will be very attractive to Korean consumers."

The sticker price starts from 36.8 million won ($28,140), with two versions available depending on the specs.

Peugeot sold 2,320 cars in the domestic market in 2021, down 11.1 percent on year.

Interior of the Peugeot 308 [STELLANTIS KOREA]

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]