Peugeot 308: More than just a number - Introduction

For the best part of eight years, Peugeot's two most important cars – the 206 and 307 – unquestionably had the looks, but these days buyers demand more.

The new generation of Peugeots can also claim much greater depth - last year's 207 supermini was just a taste of things to come; the 308, Peugeot's next small family car, moves things on to another level.

The 308 may be the start of a new Peugeot line-up – the first model with a badge that ends with an eight rather than a seven – but it doesn't ditch the past completely.

There's a lot that's familiar about it, from its basic structure – taken from the outgoing 307 – to its diesel engines.

Even the styling contains elements of 207, 407 coupe and some of the company's recent motorshow concepts.

The 300,000 Brits who bought a 307 will feel right at home.