Peugeot 308: First pictures of the 2014 Peugeot's all-new family hatchback.

This is Peugeot's all-new Ford Focus rival: the 308. Peugeot isn't using the '309' name as it was already used in the '80s.

The new 308's design looks have little in common with the outgoing car. The new 308 is 140kg lighter than its predecessor, more economical and gets a totally rethought cabin. It'll be unveiled in the metal at the Frankfurt motorshow in September 2013.

Compared to the tired outgoing 308, the new car has a much smarter styling with neater two-piece front grilles and straight-edged side surfacing. The C-shaped taillight clusters mirror the looks of the 208 supermini and new 2008 crossover.

Peugeot's efforts have not stopped on the surface though, as already mentioned, the new 308 is on average 140kg lighter than the outgoing car, thanks to PSA Peugeot-Citroen's new 'EMP2' platform. It's an adaptable architecture that underpins the new Citroen Picasso and will see duty in most of Peugeot-Citroen's future midsized models. Like the VW Group's MQB platform, the modular skeleton saves weight and cuts production costs.

Engines will be shared with the 208 and 2008 crossover, albeit with a slight retune for improved economy figures. The petrol engine is a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder, while there'll also be two four-cylinder diesels. An eco-friendly e-HDi model will join the range later, boasting an 85g/km CO2 output.

Inside, the new Peugeot's family hatchback has borrowed a few ideas from its supermini sister, like the small steering wheel and high-mounted instrument dials. Designed to create more space in the cabin and make the car feel more agile, the tiny steering wheel has taken some critics for not being suitable for taller drivers. Another 208-style feature is the central touchscreen system for entertainment, vehicle settings and sat-nav.

Peugeot is making big claims about the new 308's 'premium materials and exceptional build quality' too, as it fights for a dwindling market share in the face of stiff Korean and German opposition.

The new 308 goes on sale in the UK in January 2014. Prices 'will remain competitive', says Peugeot, with the entry-level models to start at £16,000. MG