Peugeot expands 308 hatchback range

Peugeot has announced an expansion of their 308 hatchback range with the introduction of eight new models.

The new S, Sport and SE HDi 110 models all now feature six-speed manual gearboxes.

The new additions have been specially designed in-house, providing, in comparison to the original five-speed models, optimised fuel consumption under certain driving conditions.

Peugeot's 308 range will also feature a second new gearbox, an Electronic Gearbox Control (EGC), which eliminates the need for a clutch pedal. The carmaker hopes this will appeal to those drivers who like to change gear manually, but also enjoy the stress-free driving provided by automatic cars.

The Peugeot 308 Sport also sees the introduction of two new engine options - one petrol (the 1.4 litre VTi 95) and one diesel (1.6 litre HDi 90).

More than 150,000 308s have been built since the range's launch in September 2007, picking up numerous awards along the way, including German national newspaper Bild am Sonntag's Golden Steering Wheel prize.

The 308 was chosen as the best compact family car and came first in nine of the newspaper's 15 judgement criteria.