The French company Peugeot says it has simplified the range and the 308 will now be offered in Access, Active, Allure and Feline trims. All but the entry-level model come with alloy wheels as standard, while all new 308s have air conditioning, cruise control, digital radio, Bluetooth and LED daytime running lights.

On the Active, Peugeot also provides rear parking sensors, electric handbrake, and integrated 9.7-inch touchscreen display and satellite navigation. For the Allure version, there are 17-inch alloy wheels, reversing camera and front parking sensors.

The top of the range Feline model comes with a panoramic glass sunroof, Alcantara hide upholstery, front sports seats, Dynamic Cruise Control, Emergency Collision Alert and Emergency Collision Braking System.

Included in the new 308’s engine line-up is a 1.6-litre turbodiesel offering carbon dioxide emissions of 86g/km. An eco-focused BlueHDi model will be offered with a class-leading 82g/km CO2 output.

There will also be a new three-cylinder 1.2-itre turbo petrol engine arriving in the spring of 2014 with 110- or 130bhp.

Peugeot has reduced the weight of the new 308’s suspension to improve the ride and handling and the car uses the French firm’s new EMP2 platform that will be used in all of the company’s new models from now on.