PEUGEOT'S first vehicle of the 8' generation, the Peugeot 308 five-door hatchback, will be launched in the UK in September.

Penned by Peugeot's in-house designers, the Peugeot 308 builds on the successful concept of the Peugeot 307, with its semi-high architecture, large interior space, class-leading safety equipment and high standards of roadholding.

The stylish design not only looks good but contributes to reducing fuel consumption and emissions, due to its class leading aerodynamics - drag coefficient of 0.29 - enabling the 1.6 litre HDi 90 to emit only 120g/km of CO2 for Band B (£35pa) excise duty.

The Peugeot 308 will be available with ten powerplant options - five petrol of 1.4 and 1.6 litre capacity ranging from 95 to 150bhp, and five HDi diesels of 1.6 and 2.0 litres, ranging from 90 to 136bhp. Safety is another strength of the new Peugeot 308, with seven airbags fitted as standard; even rear side airbags will be available as an option on five-door models. Peugeot's lane departure warning system (LDWS) and bi-xenon directional headlamps will also be available.

The increased size compared to the 307 results in greater interior space and carrying capacity. The boot of the 308 is cleverly laid out to maximise the space which, with the parcel shelf in place, provides 430 litres, increasing to 1,398 litres with the seats folded.

The Peugeot 308 will evolve into a number of different body shapes over the coming months and years, and will see a Bioflex' petrol model introduced. It could also one day benefit from Peugeot's HDi Hybrid technology.

Price and specification details will be announced nearer the launch date.