The Peugeot 307 appeared in 2001 and was thus more or less wedged between two design eras at Peugeot. We all know what that means: the car was radically facelifted.
It appears that Peugeot will from now on always stick in the ‘8’ series, with models such as the 208, 308 and 508. For the previous editions of those models, however, the last figure was invariably increased. With a little imagination, you could see every ‘family’ of cars with a certain number as a generation, although there is of course the necessary overlap because the model cycles are not synchronized.
In recent decades, Peugeot has regularly undergone major design revolution, although a number of basic characteristics have often remained intact. What is special is that the French brand seems to make friends as often as enemies with its designs. That makes fears for the next generation of Peugeots, because the current models seem like a bull’s eye. The 208, 508 and 3008 in particular are considered beautiful by many.
Different picture
However, rewind fifteen years and a completely different picture emerges. Especially the Peugeots with a type designation ending in a ‘7’ made few friends. The 207, while popular, was found to be too bulky and heavy, and many have still not recovered from the huge ‘mouth’ of the 407 that followed the graceful and timeless 406.
At the 307 it was initially all okay. The largest hatchback in the range was given a body in 2001 that could be described as an enlarged and tightened version of that of the acclaimed 206. We already knew the somewhat high roofline, large windscreen and pointed headlights, while cleaner lines, larger light units and even more glass at the same time provided a more modern look.
In 2005, however, Peugeot felt the heat of the competition on its neck and it was time to give the 307 a full-scale refresh. For example, bright rear lights appeared, but also a modernized interior. The biggest news was at the front, where the humble smiley face in the bumper gave way to a giant mouth. The headlights also became larger and spread out over a wider area. You could call the result confident, but we already know that the first 307 will beat its predecessor in the poll below. Or not?