The Peugeot 308 II, launched in 2013, represented a significant step forward for the French automaker, aiming to compete more effectively in the highly competitive European compact car segment – known as the C-segment. This second generation of the 308 was a departure from its predecessor, focusing on reduced weight, improved fuel efficiency, and a more refined driving experience. The Phase I models, produced from 2013 to 2015, included a range of engine options, with the 1.6 e-HDI diesel being a popular choice for its balance of performance and economy. While the Peugeot 308 wasn’t directly sold in the United States, understanding its position in the European market provides context for its design and engineering priorities.
Peugeot 308 II (Phase I): A Focus on Efficiency
The 308 II was designed with a core philosophy of efficiency. This manifested in several key areas, including the use of a new platform that reduced weight by an average of 70 kg (154 lbs) compared to the previous generation. This weight reduction, combined with advanced engine technology, contributed to significant improvements in fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions. The Phase I models, like the 1.6 e-HDI, were targeted at buyers seeking a practical, economical, and reasonably stylish hatchback.
Engine & Performance
The 1.6 e-HDI variant of the Peugeot 308 II is powered by a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated the 9HC DV6C. This engine produces 115 horsepower (Hp) at 3600 rpm and 270 Newton-meters (199.14 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1750 rpm. The engine features a turbocharger and intercooler to enhance performance, and utilizes a Diesel Commonrail fuel injection system for precise fuel delivery. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is 73.7 Hp/l. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, the 308 1.6 e-HDI achieves a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10.2 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 9.7 seconds. Its maximum speed is 196 km/h (121.79 mph). A key feature of the e-HDI engine was its focus on reducing emissions, meeting Euro 5 standards with CO2 emissions of just 95 g/km.
Design & Features
The Peugeot 308 II Phase I is a five-door hatchback, offering seating for five passengers. Its exterior design was a significant departure from the more rounded styling of the first-generation 308, adopting a sharper, more angular aesthetic. The interior was also redesigned with a focus on ergonomics and quality. A key feature was the “Peugeot i-Cockpit,” which included a smaller steering wheel and a raised instrument panel, intended to provide a more engaging driving position. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, and a basic audio system. Safety features, crucial in the European market, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and driver and passenger airbags. The hatchback body style provides a practical cargo capacity of 420 liters (14.83 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up, expanding to 817 liters (28.85 cu. ft.) when the seats are folded down. The fuel tank capacity is 53 liters (14 US gal).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Peugeot |
| Model | 308 |
| Generation | 308 II (Phase I, 2013) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 e-HDI (115 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.3 l/100 km (71.3 US mpg, 85.6 UK mpg, 30.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 3.7 l/100 km (63.6 US mpg, 76.3 UK mpg, 27 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 95 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 196 km/h (121.79 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.1 kg/Hp, 99.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.3 kg/Nm, 232.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 3600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 73.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 270 Nm @ 1750 rpm (199.14 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 9HC DV6C |
| Engine displacement | 1560 cm3 (95.2 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.3 mm (3.48 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.75 l (3.96 US qt | 3.3 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1160 kg (2557.36 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1780 kg (3924.23 lbs.) |
| Max load | 620 kg (1366.87 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 420 l (14.83 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 817 l (28.85 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 53 l (14 US gal | 11.66 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1400 kg (3086.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 615 kg (1355.84 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4253 mm (167.44 in.) |
| Width | 1804 mm (71.02 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2043 mm (80.43 in.) |
| Height | 1457 mm (57.36 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2620 mm (103.15 in.) |
| Front track | 1559 mm (61.38 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1553 mm (61.14 in.) |
| Front overhang | 863 mm (33.98 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 770 mm (30.31 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.4 m (34.12 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent suspension, longitudinal arms with transverse torsion shafts |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15H; 205/55 R16V; 225/45 R17V; 25/40 R18W |
| Wheel rims size | 15; 16; 17; 18 |
