Peugeot's great white hope on sale now, the new 308.

• All-new Compact Family Hatchback has style, quality, efficiency and outstanding dynamics
• Striking and contemporary design inside and out
• On sale from 2nd January 2014
• Shortlisted for European Car of the Year 2014

The wait is over. The critically acclaimed New 308 from Peugeot is officially on sale now.

The stunning new vehicle – already shortlisted for the prestigious European Car of the Year 2014 award – signals the start of a new era for Peugeot. It will see even greater focus on design-led desirable cars, outstanding environmental performance and best-in-class driving dynamics.

Underlying everything is a determination to bring a new level of quality to the Peugeot ownership experience, including exceptional customer service from Dealers.

Tim Zimmerman, Managing Director of Peugeot UK, commented: “This is a genuinely exciting time to be leading Peugeot.  Last year was a huge success for our business, and the arrival of the New 308 – plus a number of other great cars – ensures 2014 will build on that solid foundation.”

The New 308 is a Peugeot like no other and at its heart is the innovative Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2). The car is the first new Peugeot to benefit from this advanced architecture, which has incorporated 116 patented technologies.

It has allowed the New 308 to be lighter than ever, up to 140kg compared to the predecessor model. Coupled with eight advanced engines, the result is segment-leading environmental performance. Depending on the model selected, fuel economy can be as high as 91.1mpg with CO2 emissions as low as 82g/km. The New 308 is also an exceptional car to drive thanks to its advanced steering and damping technology.

One of the features which makes the New 308 so desirable is its premium ‘i-Cockpit’ interior.  Driver-focused like nothing else in the segment, and with a notably uncluttered dashboard, it offers one of the most technically advanced touch-screen infotainment systems on any new car. With a large 9.7-inch screen size, this intuitive interface allows the user to control everything from the climate control to the audio system.

The car is also exceptionally practical. The 420-litre boot space with the rear seats upright is the largest in the segment, and supplemented by generous-sized cup holders and storage spaces located around the cabin.

Running costs, particularly for corporate customers, are a key consideration when choosing a car. The good news is that the New Peugeot 308 scores just as highly there as it does everywhere else. The fuel-efficient range of engines means less time spent filling up on forecourts, while the CO2 classifications means low VED road tax bandings.

Furthermore, with a residual value from CAP that’s up 9% compared to the outgoing model, the New 308’s predicted resale value is ahead of several key rivals and the segment average.

Peugeot M.D. Tim Zimmerman continued: “The New 308 is a significant leap forward for Peugeot. It’s high on style and quality and provides a truly rewarding driving experience, all at a value-for-money price. We’re confident it will be a big hit with UK customers.”

The New 308 is available in four trim levels, Access (from £14,495), Active (from £17,195), Allure (from £18,645) and Feline (from £20,995).

New 308 Chassis gives raft of improvements for future Peugeot products

• The New 308 is a dynamic tour-de-force, made possible by its outstanding ‘EMP 2’ chassis
• Design strength makes it possible to be much lighter, thus more efficient
• Production techniques and build-quality enable size optimisation and future design adaptability

View the New Peugeot 308 from any angle, inside or out, and its pure and contemporary styling is impossible to avoid. But almost every aspect of the hatchback’s audacious design – as well as its compact dimensions, class-leading environmental credentials, innovative PEUGEOT i-Cockpit cabin layout and dynamic drive – can be traced back to one thing.

That vital component is the chassis on which the New 308 is built, the utilisation of its innovative ‘Efficient Modular Platform 2’ (EMP2). It’s the first new Peugeot to benefit from this advanced architecture, a number of designs of which were part of a staggering 116 patented technologies, as were the composite tailgate and rear-floor section panel.

The impact of the EMP2 is most obvious on the overall dimensions of the New Peugeot 308. At 4.25 metres from bumper to bumper, it’s 3cm shorter than the outgoing model. Yet the front overhang has been reduced by a massive 6.3cm, creating a ‘wheel in each corner’ profile and more usable space for front seat occupants and their luggage.

At 420 litres with the rear seats up, the boot of the New 308 is the largest in the segment. In addition, the maximum and minimum adjustability of the driver’s seat has been increased, yet space for rear passengers has been maintained at previous levels. Far from being an impossible magic trick, it’s all due to the innovative EMP2 chassis.

The platform has also been engineered so the New 308 can be a lower and wider vehicle than ever before. The car’s roofline is 40mm closer to the ground than on the predecessor model, and with an increase in track width the centre of gravity is 2mm lower.

The EMP2 chassis has been designed to better accommodate many of the car’s bolt-on components. For example, the right-hand drive pedal box is now a perfect replica of the left-hand drive layout. That’s because the air-conditioning unit behind the dashboard has been repositioned to a more central location when compared with the previous generation car. Such an improvement has only been possible because of the attention to detail which has gone into creating the EMP2 architecture.

One of the features which make the New 308 so desirable is its striking and contemporary PEUGEOT i-Cockpit premium interior. Driver-focused like nothing else in the segment, it offers one of the most technically advanced touch-screen infotainment systems on any new car. The EMP2 platform provides the underpinnings on which everything else is built.

For the future owner of the New 308, the benefits of the EMP2 chassis are obvious. Due to advanced materials and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes – including flexible rolling, hot stamping and laser welding – the car is on average 140kg lighter than the outgoing model.

Coupled with advanced engines and powertrains, the result is segment-leading environmental performance. Depending on the model selected, fuel economy is as high as 91.1mpg with CO2 emissions as low as 82g/km.

The New Peugeot 308 is also an exceptional car to drive, a superbly comfortable place to spend time, and is packed with sophisticated safety and convenience technology. And it’s all because of Peugeot’s EMP2 chassis underpinning the strength of the car.

Needless to say, there is no doubt it will become the foundation for numerous future Peugeot models, each able to offer exceptional eco-motoring, premium features, a sophisticated interior and outstanding handling.

New Peugeot 308 pricing and spec announced.

A Car That Oozes Style, Efficiency, High-Quality And An Impressive Driving Experience

• New 308 offers customers a compelling specification with competitive pricing starting from £14,495
• Four-model line-up with distinctive attributes and many standard-equipment features
• Range includes efficient petrol and diesel engines, most with Stop&Start for class-leading low CO2

The New 308 is now available to order with the announcement of full pricing and specifications, in readiness for the UK launch and first customer deliveries on 4th January 2014.

The pricing and specification of the New 308 builds on the product values: a stylish design, impressive driving experience, class-leading efficiency and built to high-standards with high-quality materials, but does so in ways that also enhance the delights of ownership and the stress-free driving experience.

The New 308 UK range has four trim levels, designated: Access, Active, Allure and Feline, each one with compelling features and competitively priced.

All New 308s, starting with the Access model, feature a high level of standard equipment that includes air conditioning, remote central door locking, cruise control with speed limiter, DAB digital radio, LED daylight running lights and Bluetooth connectivity.

At the next trim level - the Active model - the specification comparison places it very strongly against its key competitors, featuring as standard dual zone air conditioning, electric handbrake, rear parking sensors, integrated 9.7” touch screen (easily the largest in the sector and more functional) and satellite navigation – making it a compelling consideration.

Another popular model in the New 308 range is expected to be the Allure that is distinguished by innovative full LED headlamps, 17” alloy wheels, a reversing camera and front parking sensors.

The Feline is the top-of-the-range model and has an impressive specification that includes a panoramic Cielo glass roof, Alcantara trimmed sports seats and the Driver Assistance Pack with an impressive collection of driver assistance and safety devices: Dynamic Cruise Control, Emergency Collision Alert and Emergency Collision Braking System.

 NEW PEUGEOT 308 – key standard equipment list summary

ACCESS MODEL

Exterior features

- LED daytime running lights, Rear lamps with 'claw effect' LEDs, colour-coded door mirrors / door handles

Comfort and convenience

- Manual mono-zone air conditioning, Electric 'one touch' front windows, remote controlled central locking and cruise control with speed limiter

In-car entertainment

- DAB digital radio, USB connection and Bluetooth connectivity

ACTIVE (extra features over the ACCESS model)

Exterior features

- 16" alloy wheels

Comfort and convenience

- Dual zone air conditioning, electric handbrake, rear parking sensors and leather steering wheel

- Automatic headlamps (with follow-me-home function) and wipers

In-car entertainment

- 9.7” multifunction colour touchscreen, satellite navigation and USB input for external audio device

Interior features

- Electric driver lumbar support

 ALLURE (extra features over the ACTIVE model)

Exterior features

- 17" alloy wheels, Front fog lights and Full LED headlamps with fully integrated LED daytime running lights

Comfort and convenience

- Reversing camera & front parking sensors and electric folding door mirrors with courtesy approach lighting

FELINE (extra features over the ALLURE model)

Exterior features

- 18" alloy wheels, Panoramic Cielo glass roof and tinted rear side windows

Interior features

- Alcantara trimmed sports seats and passenger lumbar support

Comfort and convenience

- Peugeot Open & Go system (keyless entry) and Driver Assistance Pack:

Dynamic Cruise Control, Emergency Collision Alert and Emergency Collision Braking System

A full range of petrol and diesel engines is available from launch, and notably includes the accomplished 1.6-litre HDi 120 with CO2 from 82g/km. The arrival of the New 308 helps further enhance the Peugeot brand’s environmental commitment to low CO2 motoring which is already second to none, and by May 2013 average emissions across the range were just 116.3g/km.

From launch the New 308 will be available with five petrol and HDi diesel engines, all offering class-leading fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. The highlight for environmentally aware drivers will be the 1.6-litre HDi 92, which has CO2 emissions of just 93g/km.

In Spring 2014 the New 308 will be the first Peugeot car to benefit from an innovative three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine - the 1.2-litre e-THP with a choice of 110 or 130bhp. Also available will be BlueHDi models, including a segment-leading engine with emissions of just 82g/km, plus next generation six-speed automatic gearboxes. Together they will ensure the all-new Peugeot 308 has the widest possible range of high-performance and economical engines to suit every taste and budget.

Every car in the New 308 range promises improved levels of dynamic ride and handlng quality. With new low-weight suspension components combined with the advantages from the new EMP2 chassis – reduced weight, shorter overhangs, lower centre of gravity, electric power steering – the New 308 provides drivers with a benchmark in handling, agility, comfort and road-holding.

The New Peugeot 308 is now available to order, with first deliveries in January 2014.