The vote in the European Car of the Year 2022 competition was special. For the first time in the history of the competition, the vast majority of the finalists – six out of seven – were electric cars. The only internal combustion engine model to make it into the top seven was the new generation Peugeot 308.
This fact suggests that the future belongs to electrified transport. It also suggests that models with an internal combustion engine can compete successfully with an electric car, only they have to be just as great. This fact proves that, although machines with higher ground clearance are becoming increasingly popular, the C – segment hatchback and station wagon are still one of the most suitable candidates for a wide range of buyers. The figures show that the new Peugeot 308, which debuted in Europe at the end of 2021, immediately attracted attention and became the most popular in its segment.
Continue to keep pace with the electric car
Guntars Pulss, the editor of the magazine “Profi Latvija”, says that even with the rapid increase in sales of electric cars and the expansion of the necessary infrastructure, the demand for cars with internal combustion engines will remain high in the coming years. In addition, it will be of interest to buyers for a long time to come, even in countries where electrification has already stabilized.
“It simply came to our notice then. This is especially true for people who travel long distances on a daily basis and would still be better off with internal combustion. If so, it’s great to be able to choose a technologically advanced machine that can meet all your usual human needs, ”says Guntars Pulss.
He also adds that the most interesting and bold solutions have been introduced in electric cars for a long time. The Peugeot 308 has reversed this trend – it does not lag behind most electric models. While in the cabin, everyone will feel as if they have come into contact with something completely new, progressive and interesting. “Electric cars have always stood out with their futuristic interiors and are always associated with future technologies. If someone thought that the technological and design solutions for internal combustion machines were outdated, then Peugeot 308 would break this myth, ”said the editor of Profi Latvija magazine.
Well appreciated from various aspects
The new Peugeot 308 will provide customers with the same high-resolution touch screens and connectivity options as the electric models. When you open the door, the company’s favorite i-Cockpit concept with a compact steering wheel, digital 10-inch instrument panel and central touch-sensitive display make the use of multimedia as intuitive as it is on a smartphone.
Guntars Pulss mentions that the attractiveness of the Peugeot 308 is determined by another important factor – the eye-catching body design. Given all the benefits of this model, it is clear that it was not a coincidence among the finalists of the European Car of the Year. The attractive exterior, the modern interior with the most modern equipment and good car handling have given the new model a high rating. The Peugeot 308 has been highly rated by experts in other categories as well, and if a model is positively evaluated by a majority of the members of the European Car of the Year jury and all score points, success is almost guaranteed. I also agree that it is a good car, ”Guntars Pulss supports the decision of his colleagues.
Plug-in hybrid – an opportunity to save
One of the biggest advantages of the Peugeot 308 is the wide range of engines. The 100% electric version will be available in 2023, but the range of powertrains is already quite wide – customers are offered both petrol and diesel engines, as well as two plug-in hybrid versions.
Of course, no one knows what it would have been like, but it is very likely that if Peugeot had only competed in the European Car of the Year with the 308 electric version, the model would not have reached the final seven. Despite the expansion of the range of electric cars, conventional cars will be relevant to everyone for a long time, including members of the jury, and internal combustion engines will not lose their popularity, ”Guntars is convinced.
The French hatchback is equipped with a 180 or 225 hp plug-in hybrid engine. According to Guntars Puls, this could be the optimal solution for a person who is considering buying an electric car, but is not yet confident enough to take such a step. “While plug-in hybrid engines don’t have the same benefits as electric cars, such models would make the transition to them easier. If it is possible to charge the battery and it is not lazy to do so on a daily basis, only the electric motor and the battery can be used. Even if you have to drive more and the internal combustion engine starts, the average fuel consumption will be only a few liters per hundred kilometers, and the increase in fuel prices will not seem so terrible, ”concludes the editor of the magazine Profi Latvija.
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