Peugeot reveals full 308 specs

Leaked pictures of Peugeot's all-new 308 aired a month ago (more here), but the French carmaker has just released the first official images, along with detailed information about the hatchback.

Due to debut at September's Frankfurt motor show, the 308 replaces the 307 and it will be offered in Europe with a choice of seven engines.

The newcomer is also a significant car as it's Peugeot's first vehicle of the "8" generation -- it will be followed over the coming years by the 208, 408 and 608, which will replace their "7" predecessors.

Penned by Peugeot's in-house designers, the 308 is an evolutionary design that carries over many elements from the 207 (more here) and 307.

It goes without saying that it's fronted by a large, gaping mouth -- as all contemporary Peugeots are. Also notice the large, angular headlights, wedge-like profile and protruding bottom.

Its maker claims the 308 will offer "large interior space, class leading safety equipment and high standards of road holding."

Peugeot is also boasting of "class-leading aerodynamics" as the 308 has a drag coefficient of 0.29.

Practicality should be a strong suit as luggage capacity measures 430 litres with the parcel shelf in place, increasing to 1398 litres with the seats folded.

The Euro petrol engine line-up features 1.4- and 1.6-litre units co-developed with BMW and the range-topper in the initial line-up will be a turbocharged 1.6 with 110kW.

Further down the track, we can expect to see the 308 offered with the 130kW unit that propels the existing 207 GTi.

The diesel range will comprise engines displacing 1.6 and 2.0 litres, with the larger of the two pumping out 100kW. It will be mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed auto transmissions.

Dimensionally, the 308 is 74mm longer and 85mm wider than its 307 predecessor, and this lends weight to Peugeot's claims that it will be more spacious. Interestingly, the wheelbase is unchanged, which suggests some of the added length has been used to provide better crash protection and more in the way of pedestrian-impact protection.

Standard safety kit will include seven airbags (a novelty for its class), and this quota can be boosted in five-door models by optional rear side airbags.

Peugeot's lane departure warning system (LDWS) and bi-xenon directional headlamps will also be available.

The 308 will evolve "into a number of different body shapes over the coming months and years", says Peugeot, and there will also be a "BioFlex" petrol model introduced in Europe.

Peugeot says the 308 is also likely to feature HDi Hybrid technology in due course.

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