PEUGEOT has announced a new range-topping 306 to go on sale in August, and uprated 605 models. The 306 GTi-6 is priced at £17,145 and is the first car in the class to feature a six speed gearbox. The 167 bhp car, which replaces the S16, has a top speed of 137 mph and a 0-62 mph time of 8.5 seconds.

Introduced at the same time will be the 306 Roadster. Based on the Cabriolet but with a body-coloured detachable hard top, the price is £20,465. In additional spec changes to its executive range, Peugeot will offer uprated SR specification on the 605 which now includes leather trim and alloy wheels as standard. Prices for the 605 are: SRTi 2.0 5sp, £22,020; SRTi 2.0 auto, £22,940; SRD Turbo 2.1 5sp, £22,740; SRD Turbo 2.1 auto, £23,660; SVE 3.0 auto, £29,095.