31 May 2001: Up to 5,000 new Peugeot 307s could be sold in the Irish market next year, according to Dave McConnell of the Gowan Group (pictured right with colleague Emma Toner), importers of the marque here. Speaking at the international press launch of the car in Morrocco, he also expected that between 1,500-2,000 units could be sold in the remainder of this year after the car arrives in mid-July, but this will depend on available supply.

The car, which replaces the 306, will come with a very high specification, he said, and will represent strong value for money against its competitors in the segment, which would have a total size of 72,000 units if the market holds to an expected 180,000 cars this year.

The new car is larger than the predecessor car and includes a veritable feast of safety technology, including ABS as standard along with electronic brake force distribution and six airbags, the first in its class to have this level of safety emphasis.

In Ireland, the car will be available with a 75bhp 1.4-litre petrol as base. There will also be 1.6- and 2-litre petrol units as well as a pair of 2-litre HDi turbodiesels. What's most exciting in engine terms, though, is the fact that the 1.4-litre turbodiesel unit will be available in Ireland from November production.

There will be three spec versions - 'Level One' is the XR, which as well as the safety package detailed above includes 'quicksilver' detailing on the dashboard and a choice of grey or blue trim. 'Level Two' has two different 'streams' - the XS which has a sporty ethos aimed at the 'young trendies' and the 'techie types' according to Dave McConnell. Details include cloth seats, 15" or 15" wheels depending on engine size, and auto rainsensing and auto lights as well as aircon. The 'Classic' stream is exemplified by the XT, which has velour seats, woodgrain features, and climate control.

A 20,000 miles service interval in the case of the petrol, or 12,000 miles for the diesels, are part of the low-maintenance profile of the car.

At the moment there are no plans for a 4-door, but the 307 will be available in an estate and a hybrid estate/mpv called 'Leisure' next year.

The car is priced a £13,795 for the 3-door 1.4-litre, with an extra £400 for the 5-door. The XS and XT both start at £15,195. BB