The new compact family hatchback makes its debut prior to going on sale from early next year and will offer a refined and contemporary exterior design, a new Peugeot i-Cockpit interior and a revised line-up of fuel-efficient powertrains that includes an 82g/km HDi diesel. 

The new model uses the Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2) architecture, which reduces the body weight by 140kg compared to the outgoing model and makes the 308 the lightest model in its segment, according to the brand, as well as the most compact with a length of 4.25m.

Reduced overhangs also make for a generous interior that also offers the new Peugeot i-Cockpit minimalist design inspired by the SR1 Concept. This features a compact steering wheel for enhanced agility, an elevated instrument panel for easy reading over it, a high centre console and a 9.7-inch touch-screen for intuitive use of the car’s many features. 

The engine line-up at launch will comprise five petrol and HDi diesel engines, all offering class-leading fuel economy and low CO2 emissions according to the brand and including a 1.6-litre HDi 92, which has CO2 emissions of 93g/km.

From the spring, the model will gain a three-cylinder 1.2-litre e-THP turbocharged petrol engine along with BlueHDi models, including an 82g/km unit set to lead the class, plus next-generation six-speed automatic gearboxes.

Advanced driving aids on the range include Blind Spot Monitoring, Dynamic Cruise Control, Emergency Collision Alert System and Emergency Collision Braking System. Full LED headlamps – a new feature for the C-segment – are standard on the higher trim level models.

At the Frankfurt Motor Show Peugeot will also be showcasing its new BlueHDi diesel technology on the 508 SW, which will show the use of "Selective Catalytic Reduction” (SCR) and diesel Particulate Filtration with additive (FAP), which reduces NOx emissions by up to 90% to optimise CO2 emissions and fuel economy while eliminating 99.9% of particulates.

The technology already complies with the Euro 6 diesel standards and will be extended from the end of 2013 to all of the marque’s diesel models.

At the other end of the spectrum, the Frankfurt Motor Show will see Peugeot showcase a high-performance of its new 308 hatch in the form of the “308 R Concept”, which features a 270bhp 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine along with six-speed manual transmission and a Torsen differential.

Styling also gets the hot hatch treatment with a lowered stance, wider track and prominent haunches as well as 19-inch wheels and a carbonfibre two-tone skin.

Other models at the Frankfurt Motor Show will include the 208 HYbrid FE, 2008 HYbrid Air Concept and HYbrid4 diesel-electric hybrid cars as well as the RCZ R, a high-performance version of the RCZ Sports Coupé due at the beginning of 2014.