Peugeot Shows the New Face of 308 Range Ahead of the Geneva Salon

At next month's Geneva Motor Show, Peugeot will unveil its refreshed 308 range that enters the 2011 model year with some subtle styling changes, revised powertrains and the introduction of a fuel efficient micro-hybrid e-HDi variant with CO2 emissions under 100g/km.

All three body styles of the Ford Focus-rivaling 308, including the hatchback, CC coupe-convertible and the SW station wagon, have been given a new face that subtly incorporates the latest stylistic codes of the Peugeot brand.

This translates to a less smiley and more compact sized front grille, reshaped LED headlamps and running lights, a new hood design and a re-sculptured front bumper. The fresh alloy wheel designs, new brand logos and some trim changes on certain models complete the exterior makeover.

Interior revisions come in the form of new available colors and materials for the seats and dashboard trim.

Without getting into any specific details, Peugeot said it has reduced the overall weight by an average of 25kg or 55 pounds across the range. Other improvements include the fitment of 16-inch wheels on ultra low rolling resistance tires on certain models, and the optimization of all available diesel and petrol engine options.

From the summer of 2011, Peugeot will also add a new micro-hybrid e-HDi variant that combines a stop-start system and a smart alternator able to recover energy during braking, with a 1.6-liter HDi FAP 112HP Euro 5 diesel engine, hooked up to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed electronically controlled manual gearbox (EGC). According to the French automaker, the 308 micro-hybrid e-HDi model reduces CO2 emissions to 98 g/km.

The new Peugeot 308 will go on sale across Europe shortly after its world premiere at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

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Peugeot 408 Sedan Production Begins in South America

Following on from the launch and the start of production of the new 408 sedan in China earlier this year, Peugeot announced on Monday that it has begun building the compact saloon at the PSA Peugeot Citroën Palomar factory, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Not to be confused with the larger 508, the VW Jetta-sized 408 is the sedan variant of the Peugeot 308 family which includes hatchback, station wagon and coupe-convertible body styles.

The 408 will have its South American premiere at the Sao Paulo Motor Show in Brazil at the end of October. Aside from Argentina and Brazil, the compact sedan will also go on sale in 25 other Latin American countries.

Peugeot did not release any information on the powertrain options for the South American spec model. In China, the 408 is offered with a choice of 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter gasoline engines producing 106HP and 147HP respectively.