The auto industry may be swept up in SUV fever, but hatchbacks and estates still hold plenty of appeal in Europe. That’s why Peugeot has just revealed the facelifted 308, offering fresh styling updates alongside a wider mix of powertrain options.

More: The Most Chic Hatch From Stellantis Just Got a New Identity

The current generation first appeared in 2021, debuting a sharper evolution of Peugeot’s design language. Four years later, the mid-cycle update introduces a new face that drops the brand’s signature “fangs.” In their place are split headlights, with LED claws perched above and the main beams tucked into black lacquered sections of the reworked bumper.

A Sharper Exterior

Rather than adding a full-width LED strip, Peugeot designers chose a set of luminous strands above the body-colored grille. The base Allure comes standard with full LEDs, while the GT and GT Premium add Matrix LED tech with sequential indicators. Another highlight is the illuminated emblem which is a first for Peugeot and will likely be applied to all future models.

According to the company, the new bumper intakes contribute to better aerodynamics, guiding the airflow to the wheel arches. The profile is largely carried-over but gains fresh 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels, a new Lagoa Blue colour for the hatchback and the Ingaro Blue shade for the estate. The rear end also remains unchanged but the bumper drops the chrome inserts and the taillights now feature the fancier LED claws on all trims (previously limited to the GT).

Interior Updates

Moving inside, the 308 doesn’t get the newer digital cockpit of the mechanically-related 3008 and 5008 SUVs, but it’s own version of the i-Cockpit with the 10-inch display still looks quite modern.

Changes include the new 3D graphics for the digital instrument cluster, and the Alcantara upholstery on the GT and GT Premium trims. Equipment can include a 10-speaker Focal Premium Hi-fi System, an eight-color ambient lighting, and massaging seats, while the infotainment benefits from over-the-air upgrades.

More: Which New Stellantis Compact SUV Would You Actually Buy?

Peugeot claims they use 31% recycled and renewable materials for the construction of the facelifted 308, weighing 405 kg (893 pounds) per vehicle.

Wagon Practicality

Luckily for fans of station wagons, the Peugeot 308 SW has survived the facelift, with a longer body and the extra practicality of a large boot. The model can carry between 598-1,487 litres (21.1-52.5 cubic feet) of luggage depending on the seating configuration. It also features a 40:20:40 split on the rear bench, and a power tailgate.

Peugeot

The Peugeot 308 rides on the EMP2 platform which is shared with the Opel Astra and Astra Sports Tourer, and the recently facelifted DS N°4. Chances are that the next generation will move to the evolved STLA Medium architecture which is already used in a number of Stellantis compact SUVs.

Diesel, Mild-Hybrid, PHEV, And Fully Electric Options

While the auto industry is moving away from diesels, Stellantis has decided to keep offering the Peugeot 308 with the 1.5-liter BlueHDi four-cylinder turbodiesel. The only non-electrified engine in the lineup produces 129 hp (96 kW / 130 PS) and is exclusively mated to an eight-speed automatic.

The model is also available with a mild-hybrid turbo 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine which is good for 143 hp (107 kW / 145 PS). This is made to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic (e-DSC6) with an integrated electric motor. Peugeot claims that the MHEV can drive up to 50% of the time in EV mode in urban environments.

Moving further up the electrification ladder, the 308 Plug-in Hybrid combines a single electric motor with a turbo 1.6-liter engine producing a combined 192 hp (143 kW / 195 PS). The setup includes a seven-speed e-DCS7 dual clutch automatic and a 17.2 kWh battery pack, allowing a zero-emission range of 53 miles (85 km).

More: The First Electric GTI Isn’t From VW

Finally, the fully electric E-308 has a front-mounted electric motor producing 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS), sourcing energy from a 58.4 kWh battery pack. The WLTP range is 281 miles (452 km), representing an increase of 23 miles (37 km) compared to the pre-facelifted version, achieved thanks to improvements in battery and powertrain efficiency. When connected to an 100 kW DC charger, the EV can charge from 20-80% in 32 minutes. Furthermore, it is compatible with V2L function using an optional adapter.

The company didn’t mention anything about a potential performance-focused version that could signal the return of the GTI badge in a compact hot hatch. Note that Peugeot has recently introduced the fully electric E-208 GTI, after announcing that the PSE (Peugeot Sport Engineered) badge won’t live past the existing 508.

Availability And Rivals

The facelifted lineup of the Peugeot 308 will be available in Europe and the UK starting this autumn. Prices are expected to be announced at a later date. The model will still be manufactured at the Mulhouse plant in France.

Rivals of the Peugeot 308 include the likes of the VW Golf, Opel Astra, Toyota Corolla, and Honda Civic, as the Ford Focus has been discontinued. More premium offerings in the compact hatchback segment include the DS N°4, Audi A3, BMW 1-Series, and Mercedes A-Class.

If you like the idea of owning a wagon with electric power you’re not short of options in 2025 – at least in Europe. The Audi A6 e-tron Avant, BMW i5 Touring and Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo heading our money-no-object list. Rewind three years, and Peugeot’s E-308 SW was one of only a couple of options, but now with middle age approaching the affordable electric wagon pioneer is getting a makeover.

Spied parked up in a Stellantis R&D facility, this SW – Peugeot says the letters stand for Station Wagon – has the automaker’s trademark crystal-effect camouflage wrap on its nose and tail. And it’s irritatingly good at its job, keeping the details of the styling tweaks mostly safe from prying eyes.

Related: The First Electric GTI Isn’t From VW, It’s From Peuegot

But we can see that the fenders, hood and headlight shape don’t appear to have changed, and it’s just possible to make out the new grille, which consists of a series of upright bars, just like on the facelifted 2008 SUV. It’s possible that the 308 could adopt a similar DRL claw arrangement to the 2008, swapping the current car’s single downward swipe for three.

It looks like the rear changes could be even more discrete, the contours of the bodywork beneath the camouflage suggesting tweaks will be limited to new rear light signatures and possibly a new profile for the section of lower bumper located between the fog and reverse lights.

Potential Powertrain Upgrades

But those minimal styling updates might be hiding some more substantial changes under the skin. Right now the only powertrain setup available in the E-308 is a single 154 h (156 PS) / 115 kW) electric motor that’s pulls its charge from a small 54 kWh battery that gives a range of around 254 miles (409 km).

But since the E-308 was launched we’ve been introduced to several newer single-motor Stellantis EVs built on the same E-CMP platform with far more power. Peugeot’s own E-208 GTI, for example has 276 hp (280 PS / 206 kW), so it’s possible the E-308 SW could get the option of that powertrain – potentially with GTI branding. And the E-208 GTI’s Abarth’s 600e cousin additionally offers a 237 hp (240 PS / 177 kW) motor that could also work in the 308.

A Facelift for the Entire Family

Whatever new goodies the E-308 adopts, you can expect them to be shared with its hatchback sibling. The design updates, meanwhile, will likely make their way to the combustion 308 as well, with an expected rollout in early 2026.

Baldauf