Peugeot 307: First Look

By Feann Torr - 07/6/2005

Following an untimely leak involving a promotional pamphlet, Peugeot has decided to officially release the first information on it's new 307 small car.

Though the leaked document, which is printed in French, shows the 307 SW (wagon) and 307 CC (coupe cabriolet), the European automaker has released official imagery of the 4-door hatchback model, and as you can see from the images, it's overall profile hasn't been severely altered, making it instantly recognisable as a 307 Pug.

To my way of thinking this a smart move by Peugeot. Along with the new VW Golf, the 307 is arguably one of the more stylish European hatches doing the rounds at present.

And if it ain't broke...

Changes to Peugeot's popular hatch - some 2.2 million units have found homes since the 306 was replaced - include a new look front end that borrows some of the styling seen in the smooth 407, particularly the headlights.

They now comprise technical-looking projector lamps that sit behind slimmer, almost-ellipsoid headlight lenses, which help modernise the cars face, while at the same time giving it a distinct family resemblance.

The front air dam has been enlarged, adorned with four horizontal chrome bars, and the grille has shrunk, covered by an oversized Peugeot Lion badge. Fog lights are now smaller and integrated low into front apron, which lend the car a sporty air.

Subtle changes at the rear won't be noticed by most, including new brake light clusters and a new rear apron, while the rear windscreen appears to be unchanged.

The interior has also come in for some alterations, with higher quality materials used to increase its appeal as its rivals are doing the same. Some of these interior alterations are rather dramatic too. Take the dash plastics for example. They're brown.

And though at first it seems a bit unconventional, the soft earthy tones could actually be quite soothing for the serial road rager, and together with matching dark tan leather seats (see images) this unorthodox interior colour palette could work in Peugeot's favour.

The French car maker is expected to release the new model 307 to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show, where its more upmarket interior and edgier front end will help it compete on a level playing field with its major rivals, such as the Volkswagen Golf and the recently updated Ford Focus.

Peugeot doesn't expect to have the 307's replacement - the 308 - ready to roll until 2008.

The updated 307's engine range is expected to remain the same as the current 307 line-up, with the range-topping petrol engine the 130kW (176hp) 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing. The top diesel engine will again be a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder variant, outputting 100kW (136hp) and a very useful 320Nm of torque.

As well as the obvious changes to the exterior and interior, Peugeot plans to have a range of new comfort and safety features for high end models, and the range will include the following body types:

3-door hatchback
5-door hatchback
5-door station wagon (SW)
2-door cabriolet coupe (CC)

As it stands, the new look 307 is a good looking motor vehicle, and a much edgier hatch than it used to be, with the new look headlights and gaping air dam giving the front end a pair of very eye-catching features.

In addition to the modernised look, the upgraded interior will also attract new customers, upgraded as a direct response to the VW Golf and new Ford Focus, with whom the 307 will fight tooth and nail for market share. Should be a good stoush, too.