Peugeot's great white hope on sale now, the new 308.

• All-new Compact Family Hatchback has style, quality, efficiency and outstanding dynamics
• Striking and contemporary design inside and out
• On sale from 2nd January 2014
• Shortlisted for European Car of the Year 2014

The wait is over. The critically acclaimed New 308 from Peugeot is officially on sale now.

The stunning new vehicle – already shortlisted for the prestigious European Car of the Year 2014 award – signals the start of a new era for Peugeot. It will see even greater focus on design-led desirable cars, outstanding environmental performance and best-in-class driving dynamics.

Underlying everything is a determination to bring a new level of quality to the Peugeot ownership experience, including exceptional customer service from Dealers.

Tim Zimmerman, Managing Director of Peugeot UK, commented: “This is a genuinely exciting time to be leading Peugeot.  Last year was a huge success for our business, and the arrival of the New 308 – plus a number of other great cars – ensures 2014 will build on that solid foundation.”

The New 308 is a Peugeot like no other and at its heart is the innovative Efficient Modular Platform 2 (EMP2). The car is the first new Peugeot to benefit from this advanced architecture, which has incorporated 116 patented technologies.

It has allowed the New 308 to be lighter than ever, up to 140kg compared to the predecessor model. Coupled with eight advanced engines, the result is segment-leading environmental performance. Depending on the model selected, fuel economy can be as high as 91.1mpg with CO2 emissions as low as 82g/km. The New 308 is also an exceptional car to drive thanks to its advanced steering and damping technology.

One of the features which makes the New 308 so desirable is its premium ‘i-Cockpit’ interior.  Driver-focused like nothing else in the segment, and with a notably uncluttered dashboard, it offers one of the most technically advanced touch-screen infotainment systems on any new car. With a large 9.7-inch screen size, this intuitive interface allows the user to control everything from the climate control to the audio system.

The car is also exceptionally practical. The 420-litre boot space with the rear seats upright is the largest in the segment, and supplemented by generous-sized cup holders and storage spaces located around the cabin.

Running costs, particularly for corporate customers, are a key consideration when choosing a car. The good news is that the New Peugeot 308 scores just as highly there as it does everywhere else. The fuel-efficient range of engines means less time spent filling up on forecourts, while the CO2 classifications means low VED road tax bandings.

Furthermore, with a residual value from CAP that’s up 9% compared to the outgoing model, the New 308’s predicted resale value is ahead of several key rivals and the segment average.

Peugeot M.D. Tim Zimmerman continued: “The New 308 is a significant leap forward for Peugeot. It’s high on style and quality and provides a truly rewarding driving experience, all at a value-for-money price. We’re confident it will be a big hit with UK customers.”

The New 308 is available in four trim levels, Access (from £14,495), Active (from £17,195), Allure (from £18,645) and Feline (from £20,995).