The Peugeot 307 was a big hit for Peugeot, but its popularity has waned a little over the past couple of years, mainly because there have been so many additions to its segment. It also suffered in the early years from significant recalls.
However, it was spacious, comfortable and came with a good range of engines and body styles. It was good value too.
With the 308, it appears that Peugeot is not straying too far away from its successful formula and it's still based on the existing platform. It is longer by 74mm and wider by 53mm than the car it replaces, and while there are two different rear bumpers and two different fronts on both versions of the hatchback, it could never be said that this is anything more than a quiet evolution of the 307.
Most of the more dramatic changes occur on the inside of the car, where there has been a palpable step-up in quality and there is a greater sense of space. Rear space has been greatly improved, and Peugeot is claiming class-leading room for rear passengers.
There are three petrol engines, developed jointly with BMW, and these are a 95bhp 1.4-litre VTi, a 120bhp 1.6 VTi and a turbocharged version of the 1.6, the THP, which produces 150bhp. The three HDi diesel engines are 90 and 110bhp versions of the familiar 1.6-litre unit, and the 2.0-litre producing 136bhp.
These diesel engines can run on a 30 per cent biodiesel mix without engine modifications, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 18 per cent.
In 2008, a 308 BioFlex 2-litre petrol model will run on a blend of 15 per cent unleaded petrol and 85 per cent bioethanol (E85), while in 2010 Peugeot will launch a diesel hybrid 308. The technology will offer a reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of around 35 per cent compared to a traditional diesel engine. Finally, a diesel hybrid version - an industry first if it comes to fruition - is predicted to go on sale in the next three years.
Hopefully, the 308 will herald an improvement in quality over the 307, which was not always what it should be.
The new car goes on sale here in Ireland as a three- and five-door in October. Expect to see coupé-cabriolet and SW estate versions in due course. Prices have yet to be released, but expect them to be very much in line with the existing car, so in the region of €21,000 starting off.