What exactly are the average family hatchback buyer's real priorities? With their 308, Peugeot reckon they've got them covered.

If you didn't know what a Peugeot 308 looked like, you could probably make an educated guess, the Peugeot family face having spread to all corners of the model range with its elongated feline headlamps and that dentist's chair gape. A surprise the 308 may not be but Peugeot is confident that it has a shock or two in store for its family hatch rivals.

There are a wide variety of engine options for persons interested in a 308 to mull over. The entry-level petrol contingent employs Peugeot's VTi technology using variable valve timing and lift to adapt the combustion process according to the demands being placed on the engine by the driver. The system gives optimum performance when you want it and improved economy when you don't. The 1.4-litre unit produces 95bhp while the 1.6-litre alternative has 120bhp and is available with a four-speed automatic gearbox in lieu of the standard five-speed manual. The next step up is the turbocharged 1.6-litre engine THP. In the 308, this powerplant develops 150bhp and is capable of covering the 0-60mph sprint in 8.8s compared to 10.8 in the normally-aspirated 1.6. You can also order a 175bhp version of this unit that reduces to 0-60mph figure to about 8 seconds. The diesel range consists of Peugeot's excellent HDi common-rail diesel engines. There's a 1.6-litre unit offered in 90 or 110bhp form and a 2.0-litre 136bhp option topping the range that will get from a standstill to 60mph in 10.1s.

"Peugeot will be hoping that the first model in their '8' dynasty makes a big impression."

The 308 inherits the taller than average roofline that the 307 used to good effect in creating a roomy and airy interior but by shaving 12mm from its height while growing in terms of both length (by 74mm) and width (by 85mm), it achieves a far more dynamic stance than the old car. The long front overhang of the 308 adds to this impression, creating a wedge-shaped profile that brings a further sporty element to the car's shape. If you need more room, there's an SW estate version with up to 2,149 litres of space.

Those familiar with the Peugeot 207 supermini will find plenty they recognise in the 308 but the key differences on the larger car are the prominent V-shaped bonnet that extends down from the base of the A-pillars on a raised plain and the huge oblong foglights. The rear of the 308 has more of a bulbous look to it, helping to maximise luggage space that runs to 430 litres and can be extended to 1,398 litres by folding the rear seats.

The interior takes a sober but classy approach. It feels notably more upmarket than inside of the 307 and even more spacious. The higher specification models in the range are embellished with liberal use of chrome and all derivatives benefit from expensive looking plastics with the lighter colour options proving particularly eye-catching. The middle section of the dash slopes down into the centre console bringing its controls closer to the driver and creating a snug cockpit effect but you sit a long way back from the base of the steeply raked windscreen with a huge expanse of dashboard to look out across. This, combined with the 308's long front overhang, may present problems when manoeuvring but the A-pillars, a constant impediment to the driver's view in the 307, appear much thinner for improved visibility.

A wide range of trim levels are available kicking off with the Urban then running on to the S, SR, Sport, SE and GT models. Equipment on all variants runs to power steering, remote control central locking with deadlocks, electric front windows, a steering column adjustable for reach and rake, a CD player, passenger / driver seat height adjustment, a trip computer and electrically operated door mirrors. There's a wide choice of different transmission options, including a six-speed manual gearbox, a six-speed EGC semi-automatic unit and a full six-speed automatic fitted to the flagship 2.0 HDi 136 model. The 110bhp 1.6-litre diesel unit is also available with Peugeot's economical EGC six-speed automatic transmission.

Peugeot has armed the 308 with a wide selection of technological curiosities to help it battle the family hatchback sector's big hitters. You'll need to dip into the options list to get the bi-xenon directional headlamps and the Lane Departure Warning System (which gives you the electronic equivalent of a dig in the ribs from your better half if you wander across a white line without indicating), but a lot of the safety kit is standard. Seven airbags are included and five-door buyers can add to this count with rear side airbags if they want to. There's also ABS with EBFD and EBA (or anti-lock brakes with brakeforce distribution and brake assistance in laymans' language).

The family hatch sector is notoriously tough to make headway in. The 307 looked good at launch but was quickly overtaken by the usual suspects so Peugeot will be looking for the 308 to show some staying power. To do so, it will need to get chosen on merit over the likes of Volkswagen's Golf, Ford's Focus, Vauxhall's Astra and Fiat's Bravo.

Peugeot is proud of the fact that some of the best aerodynamics in the sector have been achieved with the 308. A drag coefficient of 0.29 will mean little to most buyers but the resultant the slippery styling and fuel economy advantage should strike a chord. The greenest engine choice is the FAP particulate filter-equipped 1.6-litre HDi which gets an excellent 60.1 miles from each gallon on the combined cycle. It also dips under the 120g/km barrier for CO2 emissions. The 136bhp 2.0-litre HDi, also with a particulate filter to clean up its act, returns a creditable 51.3mpg while the 150bhp turbocharged petrol engine lags in behind with 39.7mpg which is still far from disgraceful.

Peugeot will be hoping that the first model in their '8' dynasty makes a big impression. The 308's styling is highly distinctive with the controversial front end treatment that's now evident right across the manufacturer's model range taking pride of place. In the engine room is a selection of proven units that have already seen service in the 207 amongst other models and the interior ups quality standards from the 307 while retaining its impressive spaciousness.

TOP 5 308 DEALS

The results below show the top 308 deals on buyacar

	Peugeot 308 1.6 THP SE 5dr Auto Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £288	Saving £4,025	Price £14,915
	Peugeot 308 1.6 VTi SE 5dr Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £208	Saving £5,263	Price £11,677
	Peugeot 308 1.6 THP SE 5dr Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £269	Saving £3,802	Price £14,138
	Peugeot 308 1.4 VTi Urban 3dr Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £207	Saving £1,896	Price £10,944
	Peugeot 308 1.6 VTi S 5dr Auto Hatchback
	ETR	Mthly £256	Saving £2,709	Price £13,331

typical 12.61% APR

PCP finance quote over 48 months,  10,000 miles pa,  deposit of £1000