We first saw the new Peugeot 308 in May, but the French brand's latest C-segment hatchback will be shown in the metal for the first time at the IAA show in Frankfurt this month. It's interesting to note that this is the first time an all-new Peugeot is using a carryover name.
The handsome hatchback (looks so much more matured now, doesn't it?) is an all-new Golf-fighter underpinned by the new EMP2 modular platform, which replaces the long-serving PF2 platform used since the Peugeot 307. Development of this new architecture has resulted in 116 patent applications and contributes towards the new 308's dynamic qualities, which is claimed to be excellent.
The new platform also plays a key role in the considerable weight reduction, by an average of 140 kg compared to the outgoing car. Size wise, the new Pug is about the size of the Mk7 Golf at 4.25 metres long.
Looks wise, the front end is dominated by Peugeot's new family face, which features a 'floating' grille and slim LED headlamps, the latter a first in the segment. At the back, you'll find Peugeot's triple 'lion claws' drawn by LEDs.
Inside, the 308 gets an i-cockpit with 'head-up' instrument layout, something we first saw in the smaller 208. Like the supermini, there's a big touch screen in the middle that reduces the number of physical buttons - it's 9.7 inches wide in this case.
The new 308 will go on sale in mainland Europe shortly after its Frankfurt debut. UK, the car's major right-hand-drive market, will get the car from January 2014, so it should be awhile more before it sails to our shores. Full details when the wraps come off.
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