New images of the 2008 model year Peugeot 308 have been leaked prior to their official launch in early June.
The photos reveal the new model has been designed to have more physical links with other models in the Peugeot range. The rear end has a bolder appearance with a stylised brake light design like the new Peugeot 207 (which was released in Australia in March), while the front end has a subtle resemblance to the 407 models with its large front air dam, and vertically aligned fog light nacelles.
It also gets an intriguing 'snout' that defines the leading edge of the engine hood, and flows back into the A-pillars that support the windscreen.
Peugeot is set to release new information and also these images in preparation for the car's official debut, which will occur at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), Germany, in September.
Though at first glance it looks primarily like a nip and tuck job, as the 308 has a very close resemblance to its precursor, a closer inspection reveals a new belt line and other subtle sheet metal changes. This suggests that the Peugeot 308 will be an entirely new car, complete with a range of new chassis and powertrain advancements.
We'll wait for Peugeot's release statement on June 5th for the official changes.
After it's public launch at the Frankfurt Motor Show later in the year, the new Peugeot 308 will go on sale in Europe in late September, starting with the French market, and followed later by England, Spain, Italy and other major European markets. The car is expected to come wing its way to foreign markets including Australia later in 2008.
The interior of the car gets a new look centre console and the minty-white colour scheme shown in the leaked photo gives the interior an elegant look.
Being a small European-made car, the new 308 will be equipped with a range of low emissions engines, such as 1.6-litre petrol engine.
There will also be a number of diesel engines, which have proved popular for the 307 model in the last few years, including 1.6-, 2.0-, and even 2.2-litre HDi turbo engines. There is also talk a diesel-electric hybrid 308 model in the works, which would be a great surprise as Peugeot has previously stated that it was aiming for a 2010 release date for the world's first diesel hybrid passenger car.
An E85 bio-fuel (ethanol) engine is more likely to begin with.
The range-topping 307 sports version will be the 308 RC model will launched in 2008 and will use the company's tried-and-tested 4-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, which is expected to output around 164kW (220hp). With large wheels, rigid suspension and upgraded brakes, the 308 RC could be a serious contender for the 4-cylinder hot hatch crown.
The new style king has broken cover:
Peugeot's 308 will be coming in 2008
