Following the shock...

Following the shock news that the current 307 had the worst reliability of any model in this year"s Auto Express Driver Power survey (issue 902), its replacement can"t come soon enough. Throughout the car"s development, the emphasis will be firmly on quality and durability.

We"ve already shown in issue 883 how the new three and five-door hatchbacks will look, but it"s the two variants seen here that are the most striking. Taking over from the successful 307 CC, the drop-top will get a new folding roof with a more compact mechanism.

This will give designers more freedom to pen a sleek rear end, as well as leaving extra room for luggage. For customers who need more practicality, the 308 estate will have room to match the most spacious rivals.

Engines will be carried over from the 307, but the new 1.6-litre naturally aspirated and turbocharged units developed in conjunction with BMW will also be used. Exact schedules are still under wraps, but the company insists that its next generation of compact family cars is still two years away from the showroom. If that"s the case, the first 308 concept should appear towards the end of next year.