THE figures don't lie. Most car buyers in the UK looking for a superior quality family hatchback opt for Volkswagen's Golf.

It's a love affair that looks set to run and run, with successive generations of the car hooking in more and more customers.

But I reckon it now has a French love rival: the new Peugeot 308.

Overshadowed in the past, it arrives on the back of a couple of terrific new offerings from Peugeot: the RCZ sports coupé and 208 supermini.

OK, so there is nothing in the 308 stable to match the Golf GTi or the Golf R, but for those looking for a regular family hatch then this might just take your French fancy.

Visually this latest generation 308 looks convincing. Noticeably more streamlined than previous models, along with the absence of flab is the disappearance of any conservatism in the styling department. A bold grille and equally bold profile sets a positive tone. Shades of the 208 are evident when viewed from the rear, with taught lines and a wide stance banishing any thoughts of this 308 being a visual pushover.

This bold approach from Peugeot’s designers has been emulated by the firm’s engineers. Gone is the ultra conservative approach of old that resulted in an uncharacteristically uninspiring driving experience, with bold claims now being made of a return to a time when Peugeots where fun. And those claims ring true, the reality does indeed match the hype. The combination of a new platform, the retention of a familiar engine line-up boasting low CO2 plus high levels of refinement combine to deliver a level of competence and driver involvement that was lacking in the previous incarnations.

With agility in spades - it's 140kg lighter than its predecessor - direct steering and a sorted suspension, this 308 is close to Peugeot’s cars of old.

Key to the 308’s appeal is not just the car’s ability to engage and please keen drivers, but also the considerable work that’s been done to lift the cabin ambience to a higher level. If you are going to take on the Germans, then a cabin that raises eyebrows is essential.

Plush seats, quality switchgear and clear instrumentation are a world away from the cabin ambience of only a generation ago.

And then there's the instrument panel. While we have all become used to peering at this through the spokes of a steering wheel, Peugeot has raised the dials so that the dials are viewed above the steering wheel. It takes a little getting used to, but after a few days behind the wheel it became second nature and even preferable.

Space in the cabin is also more than adequate, with enough room for a growing family plus a decent levels of oddment storage.

Company car drivers will like the emphasis on low CO2 diesels complete with stop-start technology and a headline-grabbing 93g/km and claimed 91.1mpg for the 92 horsepower oil-burner. Petrol power remains key to appeal to private buyers, with a wallet-friendly 1.2-litre unit partnering a more powerful 1.6-litre unit in various states of tune.

As you’d expect, manual and auto gearboxes are offered depending on engine choice, and this generosity is also reflected in the 308’s general specification. Four trim levels are available (Access, Active, Allure, Feline), with even the entry-level Access gaining DAB radio, Bluetooth and cruise control.

Alloy wheels, a large colour touchscreen incorporating satellite-navigation and electric parking brake are highlights of the Active trim level, while full LED headlamps and all-round parking sensors and a reversing camera come standard on Allure trimcars. Move up to the flagship Feline specification and you gain keyless entry and ignition, panoramic glass roof, active cruise control and sports front seats.

Producing one good car after a creative slump could be viewed as a fluke. Producing a second was proof that Peugeot was back to what it did best. The 308 is evidence that the firm famous for gems such as the 205 and 306 is very much on a roll. And that's without even considering the MPVs that have proved so popular.

Peugeot has been facing challenging circumstances but that has not stopped it from producing a car to rival the best in the family hatch sector. If the safe, conservative options don’t appeal, Peugeot’s stylish and engaging 308 might just provide a tasty alternative.

At a glance

Peugeot 308 1.6 THP 156 Feline

Price: £21,345

Engine: 1.6-litre petrol unit developing 156bhp

Transmission: Six-speed manual, driving the front wheels

Performance: Top speed 132mph, 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds

Economy: 48.7mpg combined

CO2 emissions: 134g/km.