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"The latest Peugeot 308 proves that settling for a mainstream family hatch doesn't have to mean compromising on style and feel-good factor. Some compromises remain, but with a well-sorted driving experience, punchy engines, a quality feel and greatly improved tech it's a strong choice."

It appears the Peugeot has decided that eight is great, as all of its core models (from the 208 small car to the 5008 seven-seat SUV) have stuck with the same numerical model designation for about a decade now. That means this, the latest Peugeot 308, is the third model from the French brand of the same name. In this review, though, we'll show why eight is great. Or something like that.

Despite the huge popularity of family SUVs these days, hatchbacks such as the 308 are still big business. Standing out from the crowd isn't easy when you're battling fine competitors such as the Volkswagen Golf and SEAT Leon, the Ford Focus, the Toyota Corolla and the Mazda 3, to name just a few.

And, well, the Peugeot's design certainly does just that. It's closely related to the latest Vauxhall Astra, a car that has transformed from worthy but dull to surprisingly stylish. But the new 308 goes a step further still with its dramatic front-end, fang-like LED lights, creased bodywork and shapely rear-end. It's more overtly showy than subtly classy, but that's better than being anonymous.

The interior, too, is an interesting place to sit with its angular shapes and varied surfaces. There's more going on than there is in the Astra, while Peugeot's i-Cockpit cabin design certainly gives it a unique selling point - although it still won't suit drivers of all shapes and sizes. Quality is largely very good, too, with some pretty classy materials.

The old Peugeot 308 also had a surprisingly upmarket feel too, but lagged behind the best when it came to technology and usability. Peugeot has done a good job of rectifying that with its new, much improved infotainment with dual screens and novel customisation to allow easy access to commonly-used features. Indeed, the main downside of the cabin is now the mediocre rear seat space, which is barely better than the old 308 and a fair way behind the class best.

Still, the 308 redeems itself when it comes to the driving experience. We're already very familiar with the base Puretech 130 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, but it remains a great offering, while Peugeot still offers a diesel engine for mega-mileage drivers. Purists may lament the lack of any manual offering - Peugeot's manual 'boxes were never brilliant, but it's nice to have the choice - although the standard eight-speed automatic does a largely decent job.

Given the majority of Peugeot 308s are sold to fleet buyers, many will be drawn to the two new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models. With 180 or 225PS they're not short of power, but the real draw is low emissions, low company car tax and (officially at least) the ability to travel up to 40 miles on a charge in electric mode. What's more, a fully electric Peugeot 308 is due next year with a range of 250 miles.