| Replacement Model Preview | Frankfurt Motor Show | Peugeot 308 |

Following months of scooped shots, the new Peugeot 308's shape comes as no surprise now that we have the official pictures. What does catch the eye, however, is some of the finer details of the 308's design and the French company's focus on "environmental efficiency". The Focus, Golf and Astra rival will make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September - earlier than first anticipated.

At the front, Peugeot's distinctive grille design grows even larger with a pronounced curve to the bonnet protruding just above it. The Peugeot identity is accentuated with extended headlights - similar to those on the 207 - and clearly visible fog lamps beneath; this touch helps create a degree of visual drama that's not immediately obvious at a distance. Peugeot's usual mission to achieve a feline effect to the exterior design is evident and first impressions of the company's official snaps are that it has achieved this with subtlety and restraint uppermost in its approach, even if the 308 has ended up with a rather porky behind not unlike that of the Renault Megane's.

Like most of the world's car manufacturers, Peugeot is keen to promote its efforts to reduce the impact its products have on the environment. The firm has thrown all sorts of energy saving add-ons at the 308 and together with the use of new engines (developed jointly with BMW and as used in the new MINI and 207), has resulted, Peugeot claims, in significantly lower fuel consumption and therefore CO₂ emissions compared to the 307. Thanks should also go to the aerodynamics and Michelin Energy Saver tyres.

The 1.6-litre HDi common-rail diesel unit, which develops 90bhp, is the most fuel efficient of the engines available; 120g/km of CO₂ emitted is commendably low. We're pretty impressed with this given that an efficient supermini will struggle to match this let alone other cars in the 308's segment. Another 1.6-litre HDi, with 110bhp, and the more powerful 2-litre HDi engine, which produces a purposeful 136bhp, complete the diesel line-up.

For petrol buyers, the new Peugeot 308 will be equipped with the engines developed by the partnership between PSA Peugeot Citroen and the BMW Group: 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre normally aspirated VTi engines - 95bhp and 120bhp - and also the 1.6-litre THP turbocharged unit. The THP (Turbo High Pressure) engine used here is the 150bhp variant as we tested in the 207 GT; it also powers the new MINI Cooper S and 207 GTi, but in 175bhp form.

Even though there isn't a hotter alternative available yet, we reckon this engine line-up is an impressive start; it's safe to say the HDis will offer decent performance and really useful economy, while the petrol engines developed with BMW have been well received for their economy, low-end poke and lack of turbo lag on the THP motor.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard on all but the 2-litre HDi equipped cars, where a six-speeder steps in. Tiptronic automatics will be available too, and 2008 will see the introduction of an interesting, all new, electronically controlled six-speed manual 'box that eliminates the need for a clutch, but retains a gear lever for those who enjoy more participation than an automatic can give.

As for the interior, a glass panoramic roof, quality dash materials and a more elegant feel are likely to elevate the Peugeot's status in this segment.

One of many cars debuting at the Frankfurt Motor Show; we're looking forward to viewing and sitting in the 308, and some of its new rivals, in the flesh at the German show. It will go on sale just days after making its debut.

Richard Tanner - 2 Jul 2007