Unlike the other models, the more sporting 1307 S received twin Weber carburettors in continental European markets to provide a more powerful and revvy engine while remaining in a lower tax category.

The Chrysler Alpine was first sold in Britain in January 1976, going on sale just after the similar-sized Vauxhall Cavalier, a rear-wheel drive saloon which consistently outsold it.

Styled by Roy Axe, the Simca 1307, along with the recently introduced Volkswagen Passat, was one of several full-size European family hatchback inspired by the Renault 16 that had defined the sector back in 1965.

Near the end of the original model's run, the Italian importer marketed a sporty and luxurious version of the bigger-engined 1308 GT.

[8] It received new front and rear lights and the new top of the range SX featured alloy wheels, cruise control, headlamp wash/wipe, power steering and trip computer.

In the Benelux countries, a well-equipped "Ultra" special edition with metallic paint, alloy wheels, and velour interior appeared in December 1983.

Thus, the Alpine/1510/Solara series was not directly replaced; however, the Citroën BX (already released in 1982) and the forthcoming Peugeot 405 (launched in late 1987) were effectively its de facto successors as PSA's entries in the D-segment.

In early 1985, with the end of production nearing, Finnish assemblers Saab-Valmet began offering the Talbot 1510 GLD, using PSA's 1.9-liter XUD9 diesel engine with 65 PS (48 kW).

The Alpine's OHV Simca engines were particularly "tappety" and unrefined compared to the more modern overhead camshaft units of its rivals which further dented its appeal.

The body styling of the Simca 1307 was the direct inspiration for the design of Russian Moskvitch Aleko (1986–2001)[13] The car was originally manufactured in Poissy in France, in Ryton in the United Kingdom, from 1977 in Villaverde by Barreiros, a subsidiary of Chrysler Europe in Spain, and assembled from CKD kits by Todd Motors (later Mitsubishi Motors NZ) in New Zealand between 1977 and 1984.

[15] The Finnish-made cars gradually introduced some local changes, including the option of a diesel engine, and featured many Saab interior parts.