The Peugeot's centre pillars have been stiffened significantly and the roof section has a box-section frame running under the roof for added rollover stiffness

A driver's-side airbag is standard

New energy-absorbing bumpers lengthen the body by 40mm

A rain-sensitive windscreen wiper system is standard from the XT up

The more powerful manual transmission 1.8-litre engine has twin overhead camshafts and 16 valves. The engine produces 84kW at 5500rpm and 158Nm at 4250rpm

The automatic 1.8-litre models use the 306's existing 77kW, eight-valve engine

The XSi and Cabriolet use a 2.0-litre, 100kW, 16-valve engine. The high-performance GTI 6 has a 2.0-litre, 124kW engine

All 306s now have as standard an engine immobiliser that automatically disables the engine's management control unit

As with its 406 sibling, 75 per cent of the 306's body is galvanised

The front suspension uses MacPherson struts, lower wishbones and an anti-roll bar

The rear suspension uses trailing arms, transverse torsion bars and an anti-roll bar

The GTI 6 has a six-speed gearbox

The revised instrument panel features a service indicator in the LCD odometer display

Interior switchgear and fabrics have been fine-tuned, giving a quality feel

The re-profiled centre console now houses an ashtray and storage box. The cigarette lighter has been moved

Door trim panels have been redesigned to incorporate the armrest

Switches for the power windows have been moved for easier access

A headlight height control has been added so the beam height can be adjusted with a full load of luggage

The 306 has new slimmer headlights and grille treatment

The side protection strips continue to provide all-round protection against parking knocks

Peugeot now uses low rolling resistance Michelin Energy MXV3Z tyres to improve fuel economy