Peugeot introduced the 307 on the market in 2001, as its competitor in the compact-segment, and proved successful.
Later on, in 2005, it refreshed the entire lineup.

While most of its competitors already refreshed their compact vehicles for the new Euro 4 pollution norms, Peugeot waited. It already fulfilled the mandatory requirements, and all it had to do was to introduce a refreshed version later than anyone else. Suddenly, it was the newest car on the market. It was a wise strategy that worked well. Moreover, its station-wagon version was available with a panoramic glass roof. It was something that neither Ford, Volkswagen, or Opel featured on their options list.

The new 307 design featured a broad black grille at the front and clear-lens headlights. For the vehicles fitted with fog-lights, the French carmaker introduced chromed rings around them. The grille in the hood was deleted and featured a raked-forward nose design that resembled a race-car. Still, it didn’t replace the door-mirrors, which were mounted closer to the driver than on other competitors from the compact-segment. The bumper featured a deep cut in the rear, so the wagon was easier to load and unload.

Peugeot insisted on making the car looks more stylish than its competitors, introducing wood-trims on the center stack and door panels, even though it wasn’t a premium carmaker. The 307 offered a digital HVAC control system on the options list.

Under the hood, Peugeot installed a wide choice of diesel and gasoline engines ranged between 90 hp and 143 hp. Most engine options were available with an automatic gearbox.