Spy Shots: Peugeot 301 takes its turn testing in the snow

Peugeot is ready to leave the current generation 308 out in the cold, with a new model ready to jump in its place. Logic and previous history will tell us that the new model will be called 309, but back in 1993, Peugeot was selling a car in Europe by that name and that turned out to be a "not so successful car." Not to have that negative air to surround their new model, Peugeot has decided to name their new model the 301. We’ve already gotten our first glimpse of the new 308 back in November 2011, and now the vehicle is out again, this time for its cold weather testing somewhere in Sweden.

The Peugeot 301 will be built on a new platform shared with the Citroen C4 and DS4. Compared to the model it replaces, it will be shorter as well as wider and will be lighter and more agile than the new 208.

The 301’s engine line-up will also be shared with the Citroen models and includes a wide range of both petrol and diesel engines, as well as a diesel hybrid. Peugeot will also be adding engines from the new three-cylinder family under the short bonnet.

As for the exterior design, it is believed it will be a mixture between the 208 and the SR1 Concept.

Expect to see the new Peugeot 301 launched sometime in 2013.