Peugeot updates 307

Peugeot's popular 307 range has come in for a freshen up. The model line-up which underpins the maker's range Down Under, the 307 has received a facelift and an equipment upgrade. There's a new model to boot - the 307 Sport five-door hatch.

European Car of the Year in 2002 on its launch, the 307 has taken on some of the appearance of its 407 stablemate. The new models (Hatch, Touring and CC) feature styling cues from the larger car and boast an all-new front end with the maker's new (seemingly trademark) integrated bumper and open-mouthed grille.

The front panels are all new and the car also gets larger elliptical headlamps. The rear meantime has been freshened with new taillights assemblies.

In addition to the external update, the 307 gets added equipment and an interior makeover. According to Peugeot Australia, the 307 range now gets:

Dual-zone automatic air conditioning
New 'High Ef?ciency' airbags
Active Head Restraints (front seats)
New Multifunction display system including onboard computer
Seat belt fastening indicator with audible and visual warning
More powerful RDS car radio with new functions
New cloth trims on all models
Cruise control with speed limiter now standard across the range
New technology '?at blade' windscreen wipers
Xenon headlamps with headlamp washers standard on Sport models
Peugeot has added a new Euro 4 compliant 2.0-litre 16-valve 103kW petrol engine to the range while a six-speed manual 2.0 HDi turbodiesel Hatch has been launched with the update. Previously this powerplant was limited to the 307 Touring (wagon).

Of interest to fans of Pug hot hatches will be the new five-door 307 Sport. Featuring the 2.0-litre 130kW engine debuted in (and previously exclusive to) the 307CC coupe-cabriolet, the Sport is the new flagship of the 307 hatch range.

It terms of added equipment the Sport gets a leather interior, xenon headlights, 17-inch alloy rims and other 'go fast' goodies including sports steering wheel, aluminium gear knob, chrome exhaust trim, rear spoiler and chrome-?nish front bumper.

Peugeot will announce pricing for the range and new models at the Sydney show next week. Although the cars boast added equipment, the maker is tipped to hold pricing on most models. In fact, it's expected that there may even be some pencil sharpening!

Stay tuned...