Our photographers have recently spotted the new Peugeot 301 while testing on some cold Swedish road. The model is a mid-size hatchback that is scheduled to replace the current 308 in 2013, but it is going to be smaller and lighter than its predecessor. The mule captured in these spy shots is basically the platform of the new model with the old bodywork on, hence there is not much we can say about the design of the new car. Rumor has it though that it will be is an elegant and compact mixture between the 208 and the SR1 Concept, but that’s not something we can make out from these pics: the only thing we can say is that it seems that 308’s bodywork has been modified to accommodate a shorter and wider wheelbase. However, it is known that the 301 is being developed on the same platform that generated Citroen C4 and DS4, and will come with an engine line-up made of supercharged petrol and diesel units as well as the new 3-cylinder VTi petrol engine and also an hybrid-diesel powertrain.

To the benefit of those wondering why the model is being called 301 and not 309 (as the Peugeot’s usual arithmetic progression would suggest), it is reported that the carmaker deems the ‘309′ moniker just too reminiscent of the Peugeot 309 of 80s - which is still too fresh in the memories as a “not-so-good-car” - and the French manufacturer definitely wants to avoid any sort of association between the old 309 and the new model . For the record, the old Peugeot 309 was produced in Europe between 1985 and 1993, then its production moved to India where it was built until 1997.

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