Would you want to look like your older sibling? Seems like the 307 had no choice, as four years after its debut the 307 gets a new face inspired by the controversially styled 407. The shorter bonnet, revised lights and larger grille bring the 307 face in line with the family look – which for Peugeot means a gaping mouth. While the look is not as uncomfortable as the 407's, especially on highly-specified models which gain horizontal chrome strips across the grille, you’d struggle to describe it as elegant.The redesign is not without merit though, as it does give the ageing 307 a more modern look, and the bigger light units make the frontal aspect look smaller, losing the frumpiness of the original design. Inside the changes aren’t so dramatic; new dials, different heating controls and a plusher interior for the more basic models.In addition to the updates to the range Peugeot has introduced a luxury-cum-performance hatch version. The curiously labelled Feline gets the 2.0 180bhp engine, until now only available in the CC, 17” alloys, a rear spoiler and a leather-clad interior. Without the weight of the CC’s folding roof the engine feels eager if not quick. But it’s a shame the performance is achieved using a low-geared gearbox, which without a sixth gear makes the Feline buzzy at motorway speeds. With swathes of leather across the doors, seats and dash the cabin feels pleasantly upmarket and the revised dash layout is an improvement. But at £17,600 the Feline is an expensive luxury - especially when you consider the basic 307 architecture is four years old.Jamie Corstorphine
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