Peugeot 308 updated for 2020

The Peugeot 308 has been freshened up in an attempt to keep the small hatch relevant in the face of the all-new Mk8 Volkswagen Golf and it's due on sale in Europe in the next couple of months.

Externally, aside from a new Vertigo Blue paint option and two new alloy wheel designs, it's impossible to pick out the updated 308 from the outgoing model.

Inside though, the model refresh sees the introduction of a new i-Cockpit 10.0-inch digital instrument panel, while the car's 9.7-inch infotainment system now works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and can also be controlled by voice commands.

As part of its end-of-life updates, the second-generation Peugeot 308 first introduced in 2013 has also switched to a three-grade line-up including Active, Allure and GT variants.

Whichever trim you plump for, all 308s will come with dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, DAB digital radio, auto wipers, adaptive cruise, a 180-degree camera, active lane departure warning, auto high-beam headlights, speed sign recognition, active blind spot and driver attention alert.

The range-topping Peugeot 308 GT trim will be offered with a Black Pack option that swaps out the chrome grille, fog light surround and side window trim for gloss black items.

Under the bonnet, the flagship 2.0-litre turbo-diesel has been dropped and the engine line-up simplified to just two petrol engines -- the 1.2-litre PureTech with 81kW or 96kW -- and just one small 1.5-litre diesel that produces 74kW or 96kW.

All engines come with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions.

There's no official confirmation of when Peugeot plans to introduce the all-new, third-generation 308, but it's thought this mild update will see the current model soldier on for most of 2021.

It's not yet known if or when the updated 308 will land Down Under.