Peugeot 308 2009 News

Manufacturers including Hyundai, Holden, Jeep, Peugeot, Citroen and Audi have all issued safety recalls for various models, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

The Australasian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced another set of national safety recalls, with models from Mazda, Tesla, Mitsubishi, Peugeot and Citroen impacted.

Hot hatches are in high demand, and they include everything from warm hatchbacks with sporty details to boiling hot turbocharged terrors.

French automaker Peugeot is launching a new generation of its 308 hatchback at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show, and to help build excitement will also roll out this performance-oriented concept version. Dubbed the 308 R, the concept hints at a hotted-up Peugeot 308 that if built would target the likes of the Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST. The 308 R concept is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which rates at 200kW and is found in the Peugeot RCZ R sports coupe, which also debuts in Frankfurt next month. Peak torque registers at 329Nm and is available from a low 1,900 rpm. Drive is channelled to the front wheels, via a six-speed manual transmission and a Torsen differential. The wheels are 19-inch light allows wrapped with 235/35 tires, and inside them sits four-piston brake calipers and Alcon discs. The concept gets a number of unique body panels, which are made out of carbon fibre and bolted directly to the regular 308’s lightweight platform. That platform is Peugeot’s new EMP2 modular set, which is also found in the latest Citroën C4 Picasso and is said to be around 135kg lighter than the platform in the previous 308. But to further improve dynamics, the 308 R also sports lowered suspension and a wide track--up to 30mm wider at the front. At the rear, there is a discreet roof spoiler and a bumper with an integrated diffuser. Also integrated with the rear bumper is a pair of square-shaped exhaust tips. Inside, there’s a driver-focused cockpit with a big 9.7-inch touch-screen display mounted in the dash. Peugeot explains that the dash was designed so that the displays can be viewed over and not through, helping to reduce driver distractions. Sales of the new Peugeot 308 commence in Europe after the car’s Frankfurt debut. Hopefully, we’ll see a production version of the 308 R in the not too distant future. www.motorauthority.com  

...that started with the elegant 401, 601 and 402 Eclipse models in the 1930s.It’s now more than seven years since Peugeot introduced one of its best-known coupe cabriolets, the 206CC.Following on from this popular model, Peugeot led the trend away from soft-tops to the comfort and security of metal folding roofs when it introduced the307CC and 207CC.Peugeot Automobiles Australia spokesman Mathew McAuley says the new 308CC continues this trend.The CC has four full-size seats and has all the inbuilt strengths of the 308 variant, including its range of 1.6-litre four-cylinder engines and safety credentials.It also has all the features usually reserved for far more expensive convertibles, such as full leather interior and a warm air heating system built into the front seats.This “Airwave” system acts like a scarf by diffusing warm air around occupants’ shoulders and necks. It can be adjusted for temperature, flow and direction. The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show... 

The 308-based Prologue seen at the Paris motor show will be the first into production, hitting the European market in 2010. The five-door hatch will be in Australia as a conventionally-powered diesel by mid-2009 and as an all-wheel-drive hybrid — as shown in Paris — by late 2010 or early 2011.“The Prologue will be the first of our low-emission, diesel hybrids,” says Peugeot communications director, Christian Peugeot. “Then we will widen the range.”Peugeot showed its Prologue at Paris in its all-wheel-drive layout — a design that allows a relatively simple hybrid solution by retaining a conventional front-engined, front-wheel drive and adding electric motors to drive the rear wheels.The HYmotion4 — Peugeot-speak for the AWD hybrid drive — shows how the Prologue will be offered as a traditional front-wheel drive diesel or the AWD hybrid.Peugeot displayed the Prologue hybrid along with a low-emission 407 sedan that claims just 130g/km CO2 from its 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine. This 407 goes on sale in Europe in December.Vehicles that aren't hybrids will, by 2011, get stop and start systems that automatically switch off the engine when the vehicle is stationary and restart when needed.Depending on driving conditions, this system saves 5 to 15per cent in fuel use and an equivalent reduction in emissions. 

Its second-gen CC, the 308 Coupe Cabriolet, adheres to the successful 307 and 207 CC’s proven unapologetic French styling and high specification, with some added tricks and spec upgrades underneath its folding roof, such as the ‘Airwave’.This cosy feature is similar to Mercedes-Benz’s wonderful ‘neck scarf’ heating system from the SLK, which blows warm air onto cold hair and necks with the roof down.The 308CC will arrive in April 2009 with Euro 5-compliant turbo petrol and diesel engines.Peugeot also debuted its ‘GT’ version of the 308, dubbed XTS.The flagship model runs the PSA-Peugeot 128kW 1.6-litre turbo from the 207 GTi, put through a new six-speed shifter and to the ground via large 18-inch alloys and low-profile rubber.The front bumper differentiates the spec with longer skirting, bi-Xenon headlights and fog lamps, while a lowered suspension and chrome exhaust hint at sporting prowess.Thick-set sports seats, aluminium and leather interior enhancements, a panoramic glass roof, seven airbags and traction/stability control areal standard for $38,990.And the RC HYmotion4 concept, glimpsed through fake snow and twirling pairs of dancers, points towards Pug’s touring car future.Following on from the string of RC concept cars (2002 and 908) the four-door, four-seater runs a new hybrid powerplant through all four wheels.The PSA 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol four is backed up by a 70kW electric motor for an impressive combined power output of 230kW, yet only 109g/km of CO2 is clocked from its tailpipe.

Its second-gen CC, the 308 Coupe Cabriolet, adheres to the successful 307 and 207 CC’s proven unapologetic French styling and high specification, with some added tricks and spec upgrades underneath it

An array of futuristic hybrid concept cars, mainly from Japan, will join exotic supercars and new and updated models at the Darling Harbour show from October 9-19.And there will be increased interest for children at this year's show with two family days featuring TV characters.Organisers this week announced two new carmakers to the Australian scene, Cadillac and Isuzu, will unveil models at the show.Cadillac will display its US award-winning 3.6-litre V6 CTS sedan ahead of its Australian showroom debut later this year.Isuzu, meanwhile, will show its new D-Max range of one-tonne utes, in a return to the Australian car market. It is effectively the latest version of the Holden Rodeo which, designed by Isuzu, has sold here for the past 28 years.But now Isuzu is selling the car under its own name. Holden has since released its Rodeo replacement, the Colorado.Organisers say they will be among more than 40 concept vehicles and all-new or updated models on show. Futuristic fuel-efficient machines on display include the Mazda Taiki concept car, the Nissan Mixim electric car, Toyota's Hybrid X, the Lexus LF-Xh and the latest Suzuki Kizashi 3 machine.Toyota will also be displaying its Camry hybrid, which will become the first locally made hybrid car when it goes on sale next year.VW will have two of its BlueMotion economic range on show, a Passat and a Polo.Nissan will show off its next generation GT-R supercar while Holden will have its Coupe 60 concept. Volvo's take on the future is on a different path. It will show the newXC60 SUV, the latest in advanced safety technology — a car that avoids crashes by using distance-monitoring sensors. The City Safety technology seeks to prevent front-end collisions at speeds below 30km/h.Safety will also be the theme on the RTA stand, where NSW cricket team players will make guest appearances to meet showgoers.But the stars of every motor show are usually the ultimate exotic supercars. This year organisers have brought them together in the new Supercar Central area to showcase the latest in dream machines. Starring this year will be the $2 million Koenigsegg CCX, capable of just under 400km/h. Going from standing still to 100km/h takes just 3.2 seconds.The super Swede will be joined by the $1.5 million Pagani Zonda Roadster, a new Elfin to be unveiled on opening day, a Lotus Elise S, Bolwell Nagari, Gemballa Avalanche GTR 800 Evo, Morgan Aero 8, Chamonix 550 Spyder and the retro Bufori La Joya.Children's favourite TV character Roary The Racing Car will attempt to steal the limelight from the real cars, with two family days on each Saturday. Roary and his sidekicks, plus other TV characters, including Bob The Builder, will greet children and their families.“Family day is extremely busy and in previous years we've found there's just not enough time to accommodate the huge number of children and families on one Saturday,” event organiser Robby Clark says.“By adding an extra day dedicated to families and children, we can provide an even more enjoyable day for all visitors.”Outside, 4WD fans will again be able to assess the value of the latest machines on the Waeco 4WD Action Track. Showgoers canbe chauffeured up and down the track, which includes serious rocks, hills and a see-saw.Shannons has 25 rare and classic cars to display ahead of the last day auction. Last year the headline act was a Falcon GT-HO. This year a Ford from the same era, but of different heritage, will be the most valuable classic on show: a fully-restored American 1969 Boss 429 Mustang, complete with a 7.0-litre V8 engine (top speed above 320km/h), and likely to sell for between $320,000 and $350,000.A '69 Falcon XW GT HO Phase I is expected to sell for up to $200,000, while Holden fans will admire a black, four-door 1977 Torana A9X and an original 1950 ute.And a yellow and black NSW Z number plate is tipped to fetch up to $25,000.SHOW STARSTen cars not to miss at the show* Mazda Taiki* Suzuki Kizashi 3* Toyota Hybrid X* Nissan Mixim* Lexus LF-Xh* Nissan GT-R* Koenigsegg CCX* Cadillac CTS* Holden Coupe 60* Peugeot 308 CCAustralian International Motor ShowWhere: Darling Harbour Convention and Exhibition CentreWhen: Thursday, October 9-Sunday, October 19Opening hours: opening day 5pm-10pm, other weekdays 10am-10pm, Saturdays 9am-10pm, Sunday October 12 9am-9pm and Sunday October 19 9am-7pmTickets: adult $18, under 16 $11.50, under 5 free, senior $14, family of two adults and up to three children under 16 $44Don't miss the official motor show program free in The Daily Telegraph on October 10. 

The Australian public will have an opportunity to preview the car at the 2008 Australian International Motor Show  in Sydney before it goes on sale here in April next year.As the pioneer of “folding roof cars” with its elegant 401, 601 and 402 “Eclipse” models from the 1930s, Peugeot now reveals details of its latest coupé cabriolet, the 308 CC.It’s now over seven years since Peugeot introduced its best known coupé cabriolet, the 206 CC, which brought the ownership experience of a hard-topped convertible to within reach of all motorists.Following on from this hugely popular model, Peugeot led the trend away from soft-tops to the comfort and security of metal folding roofs with the introduction of its current 307 CC and 207 CC models.Peugeot is once again at the forefront of the convertible segment with the announcement the all new 308 CC.The 308 CC, with its four full-size seats, capitalises on all the inbuilt strengths of the 308 range whilst still embodying the “307 CC spirit” and Peugeot’s coupé cabriolet expertise. Above all, it promises enthusiasts of “lifestyle” motoring a unique and genuinely attractive offer.The 308 CC will offer features usually reserved for far more expensive convertibles, such as the introduction of a warm air heating system built into the front seats. This “Airwave” system acts like a scarf by diffusing warm air adjustable for temperature, flow and direction around the occupant’s shoulders / neck.See the Peugeot 308 CC at the show from October 9.