PEUGEOT has stepped up active safety technology in compact motoring by fitting electronic stability control on most of its 308 hatchback and SW models.
The life-saving equipment is now part of the standard equipment on all but the lead-in Urban hatchback and has been announced only days after AA president Edmund King called for drivers to put safety equipment before cosmetic options such as alloy wheels when choosing new cars.
Traction control and stability control already boosts the efficiency of anti-lock braking on the 308 range, one of the French manufacturer's most popular product lines.
A further boost to safety reserves, the new ESP equipment can be disconnected for enhanced traction on difficult road surfaces and reconnects automatically when the car's speed rises over 31mph.
The feature comes in a package of upgrades for the New Year that also see the introduction of a more powerful diesel engine and increased use of Bluethooth connectivity.
Manual transmission examples of the 308 now come with a 140bhp HDi motor offering four bhp more than its predecessor. Designed to meet more stringent Euro 5 emissions regulations, it is also more efficient.
Sport hatchback, SW Sport and SE versions get Peugeot Connect USB and Bluetooth as standard. Linked to the MP3 compatible radio and CD player, it provides full Bluetooth functionality and allows a mobile phone to be paired with the car and operated via remote controls on the steering column.
Prices for the new models start from £19,445 for the Sport hatchback and £22,295 for the 308 SW in SE trim.