If it’s flair you’re after, the 308 has it in abundance. But there is much more to this car than simple good looks. It has a fantastic cabin that really moves Peugeot upmarket, offering great materials and an impressive kit list. And even though the driving experience isn’t as sharp as that of a Ford Focus, it has a decent blend of comfort and fun. Factor in a wide engine range, and you have an excellent family car that deserves to succeed.

If there’s one theme that unites family hatches at the moment, it’s styling. Good looks are more important than ever these days, with Fiat having created a curvier Bravo, VW set to launch a racier Golf next year and a facelifted Ford Focus due later this month.

However, when it comes to design, Peugeot knows more than most. And here is the company’s latest offering: the 308. On sale this month, it certainly stands out; but is there substance beneath the style?

Taking the gaping lower air intake and huge headlights first seen on the 407, the new hatchback adds a more defined snout, with raised edges that run up the bonnet to the A-pillars. At the back, there’s a sporty, sloping tail, a wraparound screen and bright red lights which stretch over the wings.

The car is 8cm wider, 7cm longer and 1cm lower than the outgoing 307, and looks far more sporty. Add thin backrests for the front seats, and those increased dimensions have also resulted in more space inside.

But the best feature of the cabin is its quality; Peugeot has really raised its game in this area. The 308 also offers lots of showroom appeal, with a classy panoramic sunroof offered as an option. The low-mounted dash has an uncluttered layout, and is covered in tactile soft-feel material.

Pleasing details inside include the five chrome-ringed air vents and neat cream dials on the instrument binnacle, while the optional sat-nav system gets a clever flip-out screen. Another thoughtful touch is the deep parcel shelf, which includes extra storage space and can be opened from inside the cabin or via the boot door.

Under the skin, the 308 has a modified version of the platform found on the 307. However, Peugeot engineers have tweaked the suspension set-up, widened the track front and rear and lowered the centre of gravity.

Together with a stiffer bodyshell, these changes ensure the car handles and rides better than its predecessor. It’s pleasingly agile and doesn’t roll much when cornering, yet soaks up any bumps and ruts in the road surface with ease. The only letdown is the vague electric power-steering.

From launch, petrol engine choices comprise a 95bhp 1.4-litre, a 120bhp 1.6 and a 150bhp 1.6-litre turbo. The HDi diesel line-up ranges from 90bhp and 110bhp 1.6-litre powerplants to a 2.0-litre delivering 136bhp.

A hybrid version of the oil-burner is due in a couple of years’ time, while manual and automatic gearboxes are offered across the new range. An increase in safety kit has raised the 308’s weight – although it does mean a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating – but improved aero-dynamics help the range provide 10-15 per cent better fuel economy than before.

And while we’re talking about saving the pennies, the most frugal model is the 1.6 HDi. This has tyres with low rolling resistance, returns 62.7mpg combined and emits 120g/km of CO2.

Our car was fitted with the current range-topping 1.6 THP petrol turbo unit, which is the same engine as found in the 207 GT. Until a GTi version arrives, it’s the fastest 308 available, covering 0-62mph in less than nine seconds and hitting a top speed of 133mph. It’s also very refined.

Standard equipment is good, with all but the base Urban model getting air-con. Sport-trimmed cars represent the best value for money, though, as they have 17-inch alloys, MP3 player compatibility and a racy front grille.

So, the new 308 is a big improvement over its predecessor, as it offers a decent driving experience, plenty of space and a real leap in quality. It’s not lacking in the style department, either.

RIVAL: FIAT BRAVO
The Italian family hatch is a match for the 308 in terms of style as it looks great inside and out. As with the Peugeot, it doesn’t drive as well as the best models in the class – and it’s also tight for space in the rear – but keen pricing certainly makes it a worthy contender.