2020 Peugeot 308 looks sportier but regulations rule out GT

Peugeot has followed the likes of Honda, Subaru and Toyota for 2020 by offering a host of tech, safety and engine updates for the fun little 308.

Competing in the fast-shifting small-car segment, Peugeot has added value across the 308 range to tempt buyers away from the coming Volkswagen Golf 8, fantastic new Toyota Corolla and comprehensively updated Hyundai i30 due later this year.

There’s a new $36,490 driveaway GT-Line variant that utilises the sharpened styling from the range-topping 308 GT and GTi but without the added engine muscularity.

Unfortunately, the Peugeot Sport developed 308 GT has been dropped from the range for 2020, the brand citing tightening emissions regulations.

The base-model 308 Active has been dropped, too, evidently not gaining sales traction Peugeot Australia had hoped for.

For 2020 the 96kW/230Nm 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder powers both the sportier-looking GT-Line and the base $31,490 driveaway Allure hatch.

A wagon body is available on the Allure trim at a premium of $2,000 ($33,490 driveaway) using that same engine connected to a six-speed automatic transmission as standard.

Level of specification in the base model of Allure is commendable, especially considering the $500 price cut. Both the touring and hatch get navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, AEB and a fetching set of 16-inch alloy wheels.

The range-topping GT-Line includes a set of 18-inch alloy wheels, LED fog and headlights, more aggressive body kit, extra information for the driver’s display, panoramic glass sunroof and exclusive GT-Line interior trim.

While we reckon the GT-Line looks pretty spiffy, it’s hard to ignore the cinching of choice for 2020; with both the GT and bubbly GTI axed, so goes the two-litre diesel with its claimed 4.0l/100km consumption figure.

Despite the sad disappearance of more athletic models, the value proposition is definitely up from 2020. We hope to see if the updated 308 can hang with fresh-faced its peers soon.