Since its launch in 2014, the Peugeot 308 has been one of those cars that sat firmly in the course of the pack. It did most issues nicely, but sporadic failings concerning ergonomics and infotainment let it down. In an attempt to rectify some of these flaws, Peugeot has given its household hatch a mid-life makeover. So is it sufficient to beat the perfect automobiles in a aggressive class? Look closely and you’ll discover the 308’s new, extra upright grille and Peugeot badge, as effectively as the reprofiled bonnet and bumpers. New headlights and built-in working lights also feature, plus revised tail-lamps. Despite fitting its vastly improved second-technology i-Cockpit in the most recent 3008 SUV, Peugeot has kept the identical analogue set-up as before in its revised hatch. Their awkward position means you still look over the steering wheel at the dials relatively than by way of it, so some drivers will proceed to struggle to get comfy. Elsewhere, the minimalist cabin stays. The 9.7-inch touchscreen has been up to date to supply new 3D mapping, voice-activated controls and MirrorLink, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It’s not essentially the most responsive unit, but the functionality brings it consistent with more tech-centered rivals such as the SEAT Leon and Volkswagen Golf. The 308’s local weather controls are still buried inside the show, nevertheless, making them fiddly to function. Every car has Bluetooth, DAB radio and sat-nav, in addition to computerized lights and wipers, 16-inch wheels and rear parking sensors. Step as much as the GT Line (as per our test car) and you’ll add sportier styling, LED lights and a reversing digicam. On the highway the 308 feels as agile as ever, whereas the wonderful three-cylinder PureTech turbo petrol engine is punchy and quiet. Grip is good and physique management up there with the very best hatches on sale; a Vauxhall Astra is marginally extra responsive, but the Peugeot runs it shut. While the ride is on the agency aspect, it’s never uncomfortable. Where the 308 has the sting is on running prices, with this petrol automotive almost matching some diesel rivals. Official fuel financial system of 61.4mpg is impressive, while low emissions make it an affordable company automotive.
Volkswagen design hasn't been very exciting of late, but then once more, it hasn't been that thrilling for quite a while. One automotive that has exuded fashion because it was launched is the Volkswagen CC, and the next technology of this fastback sedan has simply been revealed ahead of its formal debut tomorrow at the Geneva auto present. VW is looking it the Arteon however the model due to succeed in the United States in mid-2018, as a 2019 model, will possibly be the CC as soon as once more. While the CC has never been a giant seller right here, within the absence of the Phaeton it helps fill the important flagship sedan position for VW. The Arteon was previewed in idea type two years in the past and heralds the arrival of a new, more dynamic design language for the VW model. Essentially the most dramatic factor is the grille whose horizontal slats are built-in with the internals of the LED headlights. The physique panels are also rather more sculpted than traditional and on the rear a lot of horizontal strains help to instill a way of width. For a sportier look, buyers can be in a position so as to add an R-Line package deal.
This provides customized bumpers and wheels plus a couple of sporty objects in the cabin. Speaking of the cabin, the layout is typical of the most recent VW fashions. However, the car consists of as options a digital instrument cluster and VW’s latest infotainment system full with gesture management. In the assorted menus of the infotainment system, all it takes is a swipe gesture to move menu objects left or proper, allowing the driver to rapidly scroll through pages. Other tech contains VW’s newest adaptive cruise management system which now takes under consideration information reminiscent of velocity limits and/or route data and automatically adjusts the pace accordingly. The headlights can also predict a corner via GPS and highway information and bends the sunshine to help visibility. And among the electronic driving aids is an emergency function that may routinely convey a automotive to a cease in conjunction with the street if the driver passes out. There’s loads of area, too. The platform is the flexible MQB found in the Golf, and for the Arteon it’s been stretched to an total size of 191.4 inch inches and a wheelbase of 111.9 in. This means more interior area compared to the current CC whose overall size is 189 in but wheelbase is just 107 in. VW quotes 55 cubic feet of storage area all up. Within the powertrain lineup, the Arteon, relying available on the market, will include as much as six options, the most powerful delivering 276 horsepower. Transmissions include 6-pace manual and 7-pace twin-clutch models and buyers also can select from front- or all-wheel drive.
Volkswagen is introducing an all-new model to the American marketplace for the 2019 mannequin-year — the VW Arteon midsize sedan, which is replacing the discontinued VW CC. There’s much to like about the new Arteon, together with its athletic design, wonderful efficiency and driving traits, comfy and roomy interior, and lots of commonplace and out there premium options. The 2019 Volkswagen Arteon, which made its American debut at the latest Chicago Auto Show, will arrive at dealerships someday within the summer/early fall of 2018. It will likely be provided in three grades: SE, SEL, and SEL Premium. Pricing might be introduced closer to the launch date. Update: Volkswagen is delaying the release of the 2019 VW Arteon. While the 2019 Arteon is the successor to the Volkswagen CC and shares a few of its premium qualities, it differentiates from it with its extra athletic design, with a wide and planted stance, as well as a extra coupe-like profile. Exterior design highlights include a rear decklid spoiler, LED headlights and taillights, frameless aspect home windows, and a chrome grille. The cabin of the Arteon gives a cushty and refined trip with its plethora of premium features. This contains standard heated entrance seats, the three-zone Climatronic automatic climate control system, an 8″ touchscreen infotainment system, and leatherette seating. With the new Arteon, you can too get an optionally available panoramic sunroof, massaging driver’s seat, heated rear seats, and ventilated front seats. The 2019 Volkswagen Arteon delivers an exhilarating driving expertise with its 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine, which generates 268-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. All VW Arteon grades come commonplace with an eight-velocity automatic transmission, as well because the 4Motion all-wheel drive system.