Peugeot 308 first photos and details

Peugeot has dialled back the quirky design to bring the new 308 -- the French carmaker’s VW Golf rival – more in line with the recent 208 and 2008. 

Arriving some time in 2014, the all-new 308 promises weight savings of up to 140kg -- largely due to the use of PSA Peugeot Citroen’s new EMP2 modular platform, which will eventually underpin half the group’s products.

The new small hatch is slightly shorter than the model it replaces (4.25m vs 4.28m), while other dimensions will be revealed at the 308’s public debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

The design is much more conservative than the outgoing model, and the earlier 307 and 308 models’ front quarter windows have been dropped, in favour of a more conventional six-window body design. 

Up front, an evolution of Peugeot’s floating grille is flanked by full-LED headlights on most variants – a world first for the small segment.

At the rear, the 308 sports an evolution of the 4008, 208, and 2008’s ‘Peugeot lion claw’ drawn taillight design. “The new Peugeot 308 has a pure and technological exterior design that speaks of high strength and high quality,” Peugeot Design Director Gilles Vidal said.

The 308’s new interior design features an emphasis on material quality and the button count has been reduced through the use of a 9.7 inch touchscreen interface. Designed according to Peugeot’s ‘i-cockpit’ philosphy, the interior has been laid out to favour the driver, promoting a focus on the road ahead.

“When inside the car, one discovers a world of refined style, completely original in the world of hatchback cars, with a cockpit that is intense, innovative and intuitive; it is the Peugeot i-cockpit,” 308 Product Manager Vincent Devos said.

Drivetrain options will continue to include a range of petrol and diesels, producing emissions as low as 85g/km (European cycle). Local options are yet to be finalised, but the new 308’s lower weight is expected to bring significant efficiency gains across the board.

An enhanced driving experience is also expected, with the new platform’s lighter weight being aided by revisions to steering and suspension geometry.

“On the road, driving pleasure is enhanced by the new EMP2 modular platform. With its considerable reduction in weight, it contributes to the dynamism and easy handling of the New Peugeot 308,” 308 Project Director Laurent Declerck said.

This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn