Peugeot 308: More than just a number - On the road

The front is dominated by a huge grille – finished in black or silver, depending on model, an equally prominent badge, a high central bonnet section that tapers into a slim nose like that on a racing car, and Peugeot's familiar cat's-eye lights on top of plastic wings.

At the rear there's now a pronounced bustle on the boot, although it's less angular and prominent than the Renault Megane's.

Higher-specification models have a fake air diffuser in the bumper.

Overall the car is 64mm longer than the 307, all of it added to the front and rear overhangs to provide better crash safety and reparability, and quite a bit wider.

All the engines are the result of partnerships with other manufacturers.

The petrol units – 95bhp 1.4, 120bhp 1.6 and 150bhp 1.6 tubo – are shared with BMW; the diesels – 90 and 110bhp 1.6s and a 136bhp 2.0 – come from collaboration with Ford.

The 1.4 will hit the EU's Holy Grail for emissions, with a carbon dioxide output of just 120g/km, which is excellent for this size of car.

However, even the most-polluting, the 1.6 turbo, puts out a relatively modest 167g/km, which is hardly sinful for a car that can crack 0-62mph in less than nine seconds and go on to a maximum of 132mph.

All bar the turbo better 40mpg in the official test.

There'll be five- and six-speed manual gearboxes and four- or six-speed autos, depending on engine, and for the first time in this size of Peugeot you'll be able to get a diesel auto.

The more powerful of the 1.6 diesels will also offer the option of a paddle-shift manual gearbox.

The suspension layout is the same as the 307's, but because the wheels are further apart on each axle and the body is much stiffer – Peugeot says it will already meet forthcoming tougher side impact regulations – the 308 is said to deliver a much more engaging drive.

The steering is again electro-hydraulically power-assisted rather than a lifeless fully-electronic system, and it's been recalibrated to provide better feedback.

Wheels of between 15 and 18 inches in diameter are fitted, with low-rolling resistance tyres to help save fuel.