The model, which makes its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, is slightly shorter and lower than the previous version and also employs more striking, including front end with the  brand’s “floating” front grille and more aggressive lighting.

Key to the new design is the use of the new EMP2 modular platform, which offers lower engine-mounting positions. It also provides a 140kg weight saving along with benefits to handling.

Helped by other weight savings and a new range of highly efficient petrol and diesels, the new 308 delivers significant reductions in CO2 emissions and Peugeot promises one model offering CO2 emissions as low as 85g/km.

Other highlights include a radical new cockpit-style cabin, dubbed the “i-cockpit”. As well as offering premium materials and build quality, this is focused on providing a clean button-less interior through the use of the 9.7-inch touch-screen interface, which brings together many of the infotainment controls in one place. There’s also the compact steering wheel and head-up instrument layout from the 208, which mean that the driver can see information over rather than through the wheel.

The new 308 will be built at the Sochaux plant in France. The Trémery and Douvrin sites will supply all of the power units.

Sales will start shortly afterwards in mainland Europe and from January 2014 in the UK.