Road Test: Peugeot 308 1.6 VTi S 5dr

They didn't call it a 309 because of a need to breed familiarity with the ‘08' nomenclature. Henceforth, all Peugeot models will end in ‘08'. Pug also didn't call it a 309 because of its own boxy little family car from 1985. This then, is the brand-new, erm, 308. Sort of like The 308 Strikes Back. Or 308 2: Judgement Day.

And it is a little Judgement Day, because the VW Golf, Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra have all pulled their socks up while the old 308 was getting old and tired, so it has a lot riding on its sleek new silhouette.

Actually, that's a good place to start. Looks much better than before, right? Gone is the bulbous, bug-eyed caricature of old, and in comes the new Peugeot face, as seen on the 208 and 508.

It's lower, wider and shorter than before, but despite the cut in overhangs, it features a longer wheelbase and lower centre of gravity. In fact, it sits on the same EMP2 platform as the new Citroen C4 Picasso. Dynamism and manoeuvrability are promised.

Sadly, it can't rekindle the fires of internet worship that engulfed its great granddaddy - the 306 - which was the best-selling ‘300' series Pug in the UK. Sure, the ride is superb, cosseting and isolating you from anything that might offend your sensibilities, while the general handling balance is decent, if a little soggy. There's noticeable body lean, and the steering isn't the most communicative in the segment.

The engines aren't bad: a 1.6-litre petrol that packs a decent punch, though the 1.6-litre diesel is a tad gutless and has a very narrow band where you can access some torque. Next year, we'll get a three-pot petrol, too.

The interior has moved up a notch, though. Peugeot has decluttered, shovelling all controls into a nice little touchscreen: aircon, driving aids, multimedia, satnav, phone and apps. The steering wheel is tiny, though, so it's the same affair as the 208, obstructing the instruments (the rev-counter rises counterclockwise, which is cool) unless you lower it into your lap.

The touchscreen could get fiddly on the move, but it feels posher than before. Peugeot told us couples without kids and those who have finished raising will buy this car. We reckon the latter might have a look at this 309. Sorry, 308.