Peugeot testing its 307 remake

It's just over a year since the Peugeot 307 underwent a restyling, and yet the French car firm is already well under way in testing its all-new replacement for the 307, dubbed 308. The new car will make its debut appearance at one of the big motor shows next year, most likely Frankfurt.

The overall length of the new car compared to the current model is said to grow by about 4cm to 4.25 metres while its height is going to be slightly reduced. Just like Volkswagen with the "Cross-Golf", Peugeot is also said to be planning an SUV variant of the 308. However, this will be someway down the line. A convertible-coupé and a wagon version are expected to follow in 2009. Power will come from the usual array of engines. They are likely to include the new 1.6-litre fuel-injected engine developed in co-operation with BMW.

This engine is used in the new Mini and in Peugeot's new 207 range, though these engines will not be on sale in the French model until spring next year.