Peugeot 308

FIRST DRIVE We get behind the wheel of a revised 308 with its new look and bigger batteries

- Matt Robinson

PEUGEOT still has faith in the traditional C-segment family hatchback and estate, so the French firm has high hopes for its revised 308.

The easiest way to spot the new 308 is via the dramatic new radiator grille and headlight arrangement, which does away with the old ‘slash’ running lights that used to run down the outer edges of the Peugeot's front end.

Instead, there are neater ‘triple-claw’ lamp units, and even a full-width illuminated band centred on the company’s first-ever light-up badge — which, in a bit of aesthetic trickery, hides the radar needed for various advanced driver-assistance systems.

However, if you want the fancy new light pattern on your 308, it’s only standard on the GT and GT Premium trims — basic Allure versions do without.

Beyond that, the exterior changes are restricted to a couple of new colours - both blues, called Lagoa and Ingaro - and fresh alloy wheel designs.

Inside, nothing has been significantly altered, although the 3D graphics in the configurable 10-inch instrument cluster are sharpened up.