Eliminating the steering column also saves parts and cost, and allows the dashboard to be reconfigured, creating more space in the cabin. This could allow the next generation of both 208 and 2008 to feel more roomy without physically growing.
While Peugeot will take the lead in exploring the C-segment fastback concept, Vauxhall could also embrace the bodystyle. Opel-Vauxhall CEO Florian Huettl told us that while the next-generation Astra will be available as an estate, “it doesn’t necessarily mean that the new Astra is a traditional hatchback”.
Does the bodystyle need to be shared across multiple brands to justify the investment, we asked Favey? “Peugeot is free to do whatever we think is right for Peugeot,” he shot back. “There’s more to it than for other brands to take over what Peugeot’s done and do a reskin of it to fit their needs.
I don’t think someone would say, ‘Peugeot cannot do that because it doesn’t suit Opel’. We try to find common interests but different profit pools. And there’s no censorship for whatever Peugeot wants to do based on other brands’ desires.”
Development work is in full swing and Peugeot may use October’s Paris Motor Show to gauge some public reaction to a new concept: “You will have a nice surprise in the coming months,” design boss Hossann told us while we were in Le Mans.
But, if the 308 Fastback gets the green light, don’t expect a production car soon – even though Peugeot is moving to 24-month development cycles. “The first car will come at the end of 2029 and the others in 2030: it’s very early in their development,” said the CEO. Let’s hope the 308 Fastback makes the grade: it could be just the concept to reinvigorate the mid-size family-car market.
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