Next-gen Peugeot 308 to be 'very different from the current car'

To take styling cues from Onyx concept

Peugeot's product chief Laurent Blanchet says the next-gen 308 is going to be "very different from the current car."

The car is being described as a combination between a sedan and a hatchback which will take styling cues from the spectacular Onyx conceptshowed by Peugeot at last year's Paris Motor Show. Blanchet mentioned it will adopt a lower stance with shorter overhangs, as well as a lower hood compared to current Peugeot models.

The front fascia of the car will be derived from the aforementioned Onyx, but at the same time with inspiration from the 504 Coupe. The car will ride on PSA's EMP2 platform which has a modular design and is similar to Volkswagen Group's MQB architecture.

This new platform will be utilized for PSA's C- and D-segment models which will consist of more than 50 percent of the group's production and offers support for a torsion beam or a multi-link rear suspension. Thanks to this new platform, the new Peugeot 308 will shave off approximately 70 kg (154 lbs) which means the base model will tip the scales at about 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs).

The Peugeot 308 successor will be unveiled in September during the Frankfurt Motor Show and will retain the "308" moniker.