This is the new, bigger, longer, wider yes new Peugeot 308. And yet again Peugeot has aced the styling language. But you will have to wait for the pandemic to end to get one. That’s what we’re being told straight from the horse’s mouth, but the wait might just be worth it. The next-generation 308 will continue to run with petrol and diesel engines for as long as is feasibly possible. The new 308 is built upon an updated version of the EMP2 platform which is designed to accommodate compact and mid-size cars. The platform will be shared across the Stallantis Group which consists of Peugeot, Citroen, DS Automobile and the Fiat group.

The EMP2 platform is convergent and ready to adopt both hybrid technologies and fully electric drivetrains and battery packs. Therefore Peugeot will add two plug-in-hybrid models both of which offer an unverified range of 37 miles. Power will range from 180bhp for the entry-level model and up to 225bhp for the top-spec version with C02 emissions expected to be as low as 50 g/km. The 12.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack has a proposed charging time of under two hours from a dedicated (optional) 7.kW wallbox.

The interior continues Peugeot’s trend-setting design language and drive towards a premium offering. Simply put, this over a VW Golf? As with all new-generation vehicles, the 308 integrates a suite of fully digital technologies from the driver’s instrument binnacle, the infotainment system to wireless smartphone connectivity. And it will also be packed with a suite of driver safety aids, from adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring to a driver attention alert system and much more.

The new Peugeot 308 will arrive in showrooms later this year. But you might have to wait for the pandemic to end before you get behind the wheel. Priceless.