Peugeot 306
Encyclopedia
The Peugeot 306 is a small family car built by the French car manufacturer Peugeot
from 1993 to 2002 replacing the 309
. Peugeot gave the 306 many updates and aesthetic changes to keep up the competition but it was replaced by the 307
in 2001. Cabriolet and estate
versions continued until 2002. Versions were built in Argentina
by Sevel
(1996-2002).
(which had broken with Peugeot's normal ascending numbering system partly due to it being released before the older and larger Peugeot 305
was axed).
Mechanically, the 306 is virtually identical to the Citroën ZX
, which was launched two years before the 306: both cars use the same floorpan and core structure. The 306, with its attractive Peugeot 205
derived Pininfarina
styling, was a more successful car than its twin. The Citroën Berlingo
and Peugeot Partner
were also built on the same platform. The chassis used by the 306 and ZX was also used in the ZX's replacement, the Citroën Xsara
. The sharing of platforms between Peugeot
and Citroën
has been parent company PSA Peugeot Citroën
policy since the late 1970s, after the Peugeot takeover of the then bankrupt Citroen in the wake of the 1974 oil crisis. The first car being the Peugeot 104
based Citroën Visa
and Citroën LNA
and Talbot Samba
. The policy continues today with the Peugeot 107
, Citroën C1
and Toyota Aygo
. Although the C1/107/Aygo are a Toyota Design, rather than a PSA one.
models being introduced later. The estate version was branded as the sw, for "station wagon". The Phase 1 model was known as the N3 in Australia, and introduced in 1994.
A bewildering array of different model types were offered during the life of the Phase 1 model, including Genoa, XSS, X, XT, XRdt and Xd. Later were added various 'performance' models, such as the S16, XSi and GTI-6 (petrol) and the D-Turbo S (diesel).
All variants of the 306, with the exception of the GTI-6 and cabriolet models, were priced very competitively.
units, which had gained a solid reputation in Peugeot models such as the 205
, 309 and 405
. At first, all mainstream models were powered by derivatives of the TU series 8-valve engine, in 1.1, 1.4 and 1.6 litre guises. The 1.1 was dropped quickly, but the 1.4 and particularly the 1.6 variants sold well; the latter offering a good balance between performance and economy.
Three larger-capacity units were available, but restricted to automatic and performance models. These engines were developments of the larger XU series units which had been used in the 205 GTi 1.9, and larger 405 models. A 1.8 litre version powered cars with both manual (not many 1.8 manuals were produced) and automatic transmission; while two versions of the 2.0 litre engine in 8- and 16-valve guises powered the XSi and S16 models respectively. In Australia, the only engines available were the 1.8 and 2.0L engines.
forms. This engine was initially a 1.8 litre unit, but its capacity was soon enlarged to 1.9 litres. The turbocharged version quickly gained a reputation for being a good match for the exceptional handling of the 306. Not only did its outright performance match many similarly sized petrol cars – almost certainly a first for an affordable mainstream diesel – but the carefully designed installation ensured its considerable extra weight did not upset the car's handling. The Indirect Injection XUD Diesel is popular for conversion to run on vegetable oil, so long as the Bosch Fuel System is fitted to the engine.
estate. However, PSA's chassis engineers employed some unusual features, including passive rear wheel steering, though less than on the ZX, (by means of specially designed compliance bushes in the rear suspension), and in-house developed and constructed shock absorbers. The diesel and larger capacity petrol engines are canted as far back as possible in the engine bay, in an effort to put as much weight as possible behind the front axle line, also reducing the centre of gravity, while improving weight distribution and minimising understeer
. The 306 and the related Citroën ZX
were widely regarded as the best handling small family car of the time until the arrival of the Ford Focus.
with the addition of "dt". There were special edition versions too, badged "Alpine" from 1994. (3-door only).
amongst others. The sedan model was compared by What Car?
Magazine as being an inferior "Brother" to the Peugeot 405
, but this is not true to a certain extent, the 306 had a more sophisticated suspension design, the engines were more refined (XUD9 instead of the 405's XUD8) and the build quality was significantly better. This model was withdrawn from the UK market in 1999 due to slow sales.
The D-Turbo and XS variants were fitted as standard with front fog lights, body-coloured bumpers with deeper spoilers, sports seats and different steering wheel, and a wider, chromed exhaust tailpipe; 14-inch alloy wheels were an optional extra. The models fitted somewhere between the XR and XT variants in terms of standard equipment.
The XSi 8v 2.0 Petrol had the addition of subtle side skirts and the optional extra of 15-inch five spoke alloy wheels. These became standard shortly after.
The S16 was replaced with the more powerful GTI-6 in 1996. It had more power courtesy of a reworked engine, a close-ratio 6-speed gearbox and some subtle chassis revisions.The GTI-6 engine was more flexible than that in the S16, and the new gearbox made it easier to use the engine more effectively.
. Indicator lamps were now incorporated into the headlamp unit and the new style "block filled" Peugeot lion logo was adopted.
A new-style typeface for the car's model number was adopted on the tailgate, removing the black plastic backing. There were also some changes to the dashboard layout, including a digital odometer, and trim quality which freshened up the car in the face of increasingly stiff competition from other manufacturers. New engines were also offered, with both 1.8 and 2.0 petrol engines gaining 16-valve cylinder heads together with modest power increases. At this time, the previous trim designations were replaced by L, LX & GLX for the UK market. XS, XSi and GTI-6 models continued as before.
Cars from 1998 onwards received further enhancements, including an aluminium-effect centre console on certain versions and a chrome Peugeot logo on the steering wheel. Other updates included removal of the black strip on the bootlid and colour coded bumpers on some models and new upholstery in the cabin.
New models also appeared in Phase 2 trim. The Rallye was launched using the mechanicals from the GTI-6, but with less standard equipment (manual windows and mirrors, no air-con, cloth instead of leather and alcantara, front spot lights removed), making it 65 kg (143 lb) lighter than the GTI-6. It only came in three colours - black, cherry red and white - and there were only 500 produced, all of which for the UK market. The only drawback is the insurance costs as the Rallye is in group 16.
The Meridian model (originally a special edition) was also re-launched in 1999 and boasted a generous equipment list including new half-leather seats, and further cosmetic upgrades to the interior.
XS, XSi and D Turbo models all received the GTi-6's bodykit and interior styling additions. In the diesel variants, the ageing XUD engine
was replaced by the newer, more refined HDi engine, which featured common rail injection. Some base models made use of the DW8 normally aspirated diesel engine. Almost all models included ABS
and multiple airbags as standard equipment. Rain sensitive automatic windscreen wipers were also standard on all but the base spec.
Top Gear television programme. Nevertheless the car featured in Top 10 best selling cars in Britain from 1994 to 1998, and only narrowly missing out on the top 10 during its final three years on sale.
Sales in France and most of the rest of Europe were also strong.
The hatchback 306 was discontinued in 2001 to make way for its replacement, the Peugeot 307
. The cabriolet and estate variants both remained on sale until 2002. The slow-selling saloon was axed from the UK in 1999, however was still available in the rest of Europe until 2002.
test Peugeot 306 obtained 3 stars for occupant protection.
In the 2006 Australian Used Car Safety Ratings, the Peugeot 306 manufactured between 1994 and 2001 was rated "significantly better than average" in its ability to protect its occupants in the event of a crash. This was one of the highest results achieved in the 2006 ratings.
Peugeot
Peugeot is a major French car brand, part of PSA Peugeot Citroën, the second largest carmaker based in Europe.The family business that precedes the current Peugeot company was founded in 1810, and manufactured coffee mills and bicycles. On 20 November 1858, Emile Peugeot applied for the lion...
from 1993 to 2002 replacing the 309
Peugeot 309
The Peugeot 309 was a small family car manufactured between 1985 and 1993 in England and France.The 309 was originally intended to be badged as a Talbot and, as development progressed, to be called the Talbot Arizona...
. Peugeot gave the 306 many updates and aesthetic changes to keep up the competition but it was replaced by the 307
Peugeot 307
The Peugeot 307 is a small family car produced by the French Peugeot manufacturer since 2001. It was awarded the European Car of the Year title for 2002, and continues to be offered in China and certain South American markets through 2009 despite the French launch of the 308 in September...
in 2001. Cabriolet and estate
Station wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
versions continued until 2002. Versions were built in Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
by Sevel
Sevel Argentina S.A.
Sevel Argentina was an automobile company that produced and marketed Fiat, Peugeot, Alfa Romeo, Chevrolet, and Citroën automobiles for the Argentinian market until it was dissolved in 1999...
(1996-2002).
Background
The 306 was developed between 1990 and 1992 ready for 1993. It was a replacement for the Peugeot 309Peugeot 309
The Peugeot 309 was a small family car manufactured between 1985 and 1993 in England and France.The 309 was originally intended to be badged as a Talbot and, as development progressed, to be called the Talbot Arizona...
(which had broken with Peugeot's normal ascending numbering system partly due to it being released before the older and larger Peugeot 305
Peugeot 305
The Peugeot 305 is a small family car produced by the French automaker Peugeot from 1977 to 1989.It was offered as a 4 door saloon, 5 door estate, and 2 door van body derivative.- Origins :...
was axed).
Mechanically, the 306 is virtually identical to the Citroën ZX
Citroën ZX
The Citroën ZX is a small family car produced by the French manufacturer Citroën between 1991 and 1998.During the 1990s, the ZX was Citroën's competitor in the class traditionally dominated in Europe by the Ford Escort and Vauxhall/Opel Astra, a market segment Citroën had moved away from when the...
, which was launched two years before the 306: both cars use the same floorpan and core structure. The 306, with its attractive Peugeot 205
Peugeot 205
The Peugeot 205 is a supermini produced by the French car manufacturer Peugeot between 1983 and 1998. It was declared 'Car of the Decade' by CAR magazine in 1990. The 205 won 1984 What Car? car of the year.-History:...
derived Pininfarina
Pininfarina
Pininfarina S.p.A. is an Italian car design firm and coachbuilder in Cambiano, Italy.Founded as Società anonima Carrozzeria Pinin Farina in 1930 by automobile designer and builder Battista "Pinin" Farina, Pininfarina has been employed by a wide variety of high-end automobile manufacturers,...
styling, was a more successful car than its twin. The Citroën Berlingo
Citroën Berlingo
The Citroën Berlingo is a panel van and leisure activity vehicle produced by the French manufacturer Citroën since 1996. It was based on the Citroën ZX/Peugeot 306 estate floorpan and mechanicals...
and Peugeot Partner
Peugeot Partner
The Peugeot Partner is a van and leisure activity vehicle made by the French car manufacturer Peugeot. The van is named Partner and the leisure activity vehicle Partner Combi. In Italy it is known as the Peugeot Ranch....
were also built on the same platform. The chassis used by the 306 and ZX was also used in the ZX's replacement, the Citroën Xsara
Citroën Xsara
The Citroën Xsara is a small family car produced by French automaker Citroën from 1997 to 2006.Like its predecessor, the Citroën ZX, the Xsara shares running gear with the Peugeot 306....
. The sharing of platforms between Peugeot
Peugeot
Peugeot is a major French car brand, part of PSA Peugeot Citroën, the second largest carmaker based in Europe.The family business that precedes the current Peugeot company was founded in 1810, and manufactured coffee mills and bicycles. On 20 November 1858, Emile Peugeot applied for the lion...
and Citroën
Citroën
Citroën is a major French automobile manufacturer, part of the PSA Peugeot Citroën group.Founded in 1919 by French industrialist André-Gustave Citroën , Citroën was the first mass-production car company outside the USA and pioneered the modern concept of creating a sales and services network that...
has been parent company PSA Peugeot Citroën
PSA Peugeot Citroën
PSA Peugeot Citroën is a French manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles sold under the Peugeot and Citroën marques. Headquartered in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, PSA is the second largest automaker based in Europe and the number eight in the world.-History:In December 1974 Peugeot S.A....
policy since the late 1970s, after the Peugeot takeover of the then bankrupt Citroen in the wake of the 1974 oil crisis. The first car being the Peugeot 104
Peugeot 104
The Peugeot 104 is a supermini motor car designed by Paolo Martin and produced by the French car manufacturer Peugeot between 1972 and 1988.- Production history :Saloon launch 1972...
based Citroën Visa
Citroën Visa
The Citroën Visa is a supermini that was produced by the French car marque Citroën from 1978 to 1988.-Development History:The Citroën Prototype Y to replace the 2CV based Citroën Ami that dated back to 1960 in the early seventies, was originally developed in co-operation with Fiat...
and Citroën LNA
Citroën LNA
The Citroën LN and Citroën LNA are supermini automobiles produced by the French manufacturer Citroën between 1976 and 1986....
and Talbot Samba
Talbot Samba
The Talbot Samba is a supermini car manufactured by the PSA Group in the former Simca factory in Poissy, France, and marketed under the short-lived modern-day Talbot brand. Based on the Peugeot 104, it was the only Talbot not inherited from Chrysler Europe, engineered by PSA alone. It was also the...
. The policy continues today with the Peugeot 107
Peugeot 107
The Peugeot 107 is a city car produced by French automaker Peugeot since mid 2005.The 107 was developed by the B-Zero project of PSA Peugeot Citroën in a joint-venture with Toyota; the Citroën C1 and Toyota Aygo are badge engineered versions of the same car, although the Aygo has more detail...
, Citroën C1
Citroën C1
The Citroën C1 is a city car produced by the French manufacturer Citroën since 2005.The C1 was developed as part of the B-Zero project by PSA Peugeot Citroën in a joint-venture with Toyota. The Peugeot 107 is identical to the C1 other than the front bumper and front and rear lights, while the...
and Toyota Aygo
Toyota Aygo
The Toyota Aygo is a city car sold by Toyota in Europe since 2005. All Aygos are built at the new factory of the Toyota Peugeot Citroën Automobile Czech joint venture in Kolin, Czech Republic. The Aygo was first displayed at the 2005 Salon de l'Automobile de Genève...
. Although the C1/107/Aygo are a Toyota Design, rather than a PSA one.
306 Phase 1
The 306 was released in March 1993 as a 3- and 5-door hatchback, with saloon, cabriolet and estateStation wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
models being introduced later. The estate version was branded as the sw, for "station wagon". The Phase 1 model was known as the N3 in Australia, and introduced in 1994.
A bewildering array of different model types were offered during the life of the Phase 1 model, including Genoa, XSS, X, XT, XRdt and Xd. Later were added various 'performance' models, such as the S16, XSi and GTI-6 (petrol) and the D-Turbo S (diesel).
All variants of the 306, with the exception of the GTI-6 and cabriolet models, were priced very competitively.
Petrol engines
The initial petrol engines used were proven four-cylinderCylinder (engine)
A cylinder is the central working part of a reciprocating engine or pump, the space in which a piston travels. Multiple cylinders are commonly arranged side by side in a bank, or engine block, which is typically cast from aluminum or cast iron before receiving precision machine work...
units, which had gained a solid reputation in Peugeot models such as the 205
Peugeot 205
The Peugeot 205 is a supermini produced by the French car manufacturer Peugeot between 1983 and 1998. It was declared 'Car of the Decade' by CAR magazine in 1990. The 205 won 1984 What Car? car of the year.-History:...
, 309 and 405
Peugeot 405
The Peugeot 405 is a large family car released by the French automaker Peugeot in July 1987 and which continues to be manufactured under licence outside France. It used TU/XU petrol and XUD diesel engines....
. At first, all mainstream models were powered by derivatives of the TU series 8-valve engine, in 1.1, 1.4 and 1.6 litre guises. The 1.1 was dropped quickly, but the 1.4 and particularly the 1.6 variants sold well; the latter offering a good balance between performance and economy.
Three larger-capacity units were available, but restricted to automatic and performance models. These engines were developments of the larger XU series units which had been used in the 205 GTi 1.9, and larger 405 models. A 1.8 litre version powered cars with both manual (not many 1.8 manuals were produced) and automatic transmission; while two versions of the 2.0 litre engine in 8- and 16-valve guises powered the XSi and S16 models respectively. In Australia, the only engines available were the 1.8 and 2.0L engines.
Diesel engines
Peugeot had an excellent reputation for its diesel engines, and the 306 was originally offered with the XUD series diesel engine in both normally aspirated and turbochargedTurbocharger
A turbocharger, or turbo , from the Greek "τύρβη" is a centrifugal compressor powered by a turbine that is driven by an engine's exhaust gases. Its benefit lies with the compressor increasing the mass of air entering the engine , thereby resulting in greater performance...
forms. This engine was initially a 1.8 litre unit, but its capacity was soon enlarged to 1.9 litres. The turbocharged version quickly gained a reputation for being a good match for the exceptional handling of the 306. Not only did its outright performance match many similarly sized petrol cars – almost certainly a first for an affordable mainstream diesel – but the carefully designed installation ensured its considerable extra weight did not upset the car's handling. The Indirect Injection XUD Diesel is popular for conversion to run on vegetable oil, so long as the Bosch Fuel System is fitted to the engine.
Chassis design
The familiar range of PSA powertrains drove the front wheels of a seemingly conventionally designed chassis. At the front was a standard McPherson strut layout with anti-roll bar, while the rear used the PSA Peugeot-Citroën fully independent trailing arm/torsion bar set up that was first introduced on the Peugeot 305Peugeot 305
The Peugeot 305 is a small family car produced by the French automaker Peugeot from 1977 to 1989.It was offered as a 4 door saloon, 5 door estate, and 2 door van body derivative.- Origins :...
estate. However, PSA's chassis engineers employed some unusual features, including passive rear wheel steering, though less than on the ZX, (by means of specially designed compliance bushes in the rear suspension), and in-house developed and constructed shock absorbers. The diesel and larger capacity petrol engines are canted as far back as possible in the engine bay, in an effort to put as much weight as possible behind the front axle line, also reducing the centre of gravity, while improving weight distribution and minimising understeer
Understeer
Understeer and oversteer are vehicle dynamics terms used to describe the sensitivity of a vehicle to steering. Simply put, oversteer is what occurs when a car turns by more than the amount commanded by the driver...
. The 306 and the related Citroën ZX
Citroën ZX
The Citroën ZX is a small family car produced by the French manufacturer Citroën between 1991 and 1998.During the 1990s, the ZX was Citroën's competitor in the class traditionally dominated in Europe by the Ford Escort and Vauxhall/Opel Astra, a market segment Citroën had moved away from when the...
were widely regarded as the best handling small family car of the time until the arrival of the Ford Focus.
Bodywork
Contrary to popular myth no full production Peugeot model has ever been galvanised, but the 306 benefits from a zinc phorescent paint-primer process, which has significantly improved corrosion resistance.Versions
Trim levels were XN, XL, XR, XT and XS; XN being the most basic, and XT the highest specification. The XT was available in 5-door only, with the XR, XN and XL available in 3-door too. The D-Turbo and XSi were available in both 3- and 5-door, the XS and S16 only available in 3-door. There were no longer "X/G" designations ("X" indicating a 3-door, "G" indicating a 5-door). x A diesel model could be identified with the addition of "d" after the spec level, and a turbodieselTurbodiesel
Turbodiesel refers to any diesel engine with a turbocharger. Turbocharging is the norm rather than the exception in modern car and truck diesel engines...
with the addition of "dt". There were special edition versions too, badged "Alpine" from 1994. (3-door only).
Sedan models
Sedan specification was marked as SN, SL, SR, and ST. The Sedan model, for many motorists provided an alternative to the domination of the car markets by hatchbacks and was hailed at the time by Jeremy ClarksonJeremy Clarkson
Jeremy Charles Robert Clarkson is an English broadcaster, journalist and writer who specialises in motoring. He is best known for his role on the BBC TV show Top Gear along with co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May...
amongst others. The sedan model was compared by What Car?
What Car?
What Car? is a long-running UK monthly automobile magazine and website, currently edited by Steve Fowler and published by Haymarket Motoring. First published in 1973, it is intended primarily as a magazine for consumers rather than dedicated automobile enthusiasts...
Magazine as being an inferior "Brother" to the Peugeot 405
Peugeot 405
The Peugeot 405 is a large family car released by the French automaker Peugeot in July 1987 and which continues to be manufactured under licence outside France. It used TU/XU petrol and XUD diesel engines....
, but this is not true to a certain extent, the 306 had a more sophisticated suspension design, the engines were more refined (XUD9 instead of the 405's XUD8) and the build quality was significantly better. This model was withdrawn from the UK market in 1999 due to slow sales.
Performance models
Peugeot created a D-Turbo "hot hatch" version, which was essentially a petrol XS model with the diesel unit installed. The 306 was not the first mainstream affordable performance diesel, with that plaudit arguably going to the MkII VW Golf GTD of the mid 1980s. However, the 306 D-turbo was the first to be commercially successful and sell in significant numbers, and this success effectively created the market for such performance oriented diesel cars. It was a popular seller in all its various phases throughout the life of the car. Most D-Turbo had 3 doors but there are a few rare examples of 5-door D-Turbo.The D-Turbo and XS variants were fitted as standard with front fog lights, body-coloured bumpers with deeper spoilers, sports seats and different steering wheel, and a wider, chromed exhaust tailpipe; 14-inch alloy wheels were an optional extra. The models fitted somewhere between the XR and XT variants in terms of standard equipment.
The XSi 8v 2.0 Petrol had the addition of subtle side skirts and the optional extra of 15-inch five spoke alloy wheels. These became standard shortly after.
The S16 was replaced with the more powerful GTI-6 in 1996. It had more power courtesy of a reworked engine, a close-ratio 6-speed gearbox and some subtle chassis revisions.The GTI-6 engine was more flexible than that in the S16, and the new gearbox made it easier to use the engine more effectively.
306 Phase 2
The 306 underwent the only major revamp of its life in May 1997, with the launch of the "Phase 2" version (N5 in Australia). The basic shape remained the same, but lights, grille and bumpers were redesigned in an effort to bring the styling into line with the new, more rounded, Peugeot family look established with the Peugeot 406Peugeot 406
The Peugeot 406 was a large family car made by the French automaker Peugeot from 1995 to 2004. Available in saloon, estate and coupé bodystyles with a choice of petrol or turbodiesel engines, the 406 replaced the Peugeot 405 in Peugeot's lineup, and was itself replaced by the Peugeot 407...
. Indicator lamps were now incorporated into the headlamp unit and the new style "block filled" Peugeot lion logo was adopted.
A new-style typeface for the car's model number was adopted on the tailgate, removing the black plastic backing. There were also some changes to the dashboard layout, including a digital odometer, and trim quality which freshened up the car in the face of increasingly stiff competition from other manufacturers. New engines were also offered, with both 1.8 and 2.0 petrol engines gaining 16-valve cylinder heads together with modest power increases. At this time, the previous trim designations were replaced by L, LX & GLX for the UK market. XS, XSi and GTI-6 models continued as before.
Cars from 1998 onwards received further enhancements, including an aluminium-effect centre console on certain versions and a chrome Peugeot logo on the steering wheel. Other updates included removal of the black strip on the bootlid and colour coded bumpers on some models and new upholstery in the cabin.
New models also appeared in Phase 2 trim. The Rallye was launched using the mechanicals from the GTI-6, but with less standard equipment (manual windows and mirrors, no air-con, cloth instead of leather and alcantara, front spot lights removed), making it 65 kg (143 lb) lighter than the GTI-6. It only came in three colours - black, cherry red and white - and there were only 500 produced, all of which for the UK market. The only drawback is the insurance costs as the Rallye is in group 16.
The Meridian model (originally a special edition) was also re-launched in 1999 and boasted a generous equipment list including new half-leather seats, and further cosmetic upgrades to the interior.
306 Phase 3
Models from mid 1999 saw further improvements and exterior modifications, including clear lenses on the headlamps, round and clear lensed foglamps, complete colour-coding of the exterior trim, removal of the black plastic strip on the lower edge of the tailgate, removal of rubber seal to rear windscreen, a redesigned tailgate rear badge, different rear wiper and new paint colours. Interior upgrades were more minor, with the gearknob becoming rounder and silver topped, while the instrument binnicle received a silver background.XS, XSi and D Turbo models all received the GTi-6's bodykit and interior styling additions. In the diesel variants, the ageing XUD engine
PSA XUD
The PSA XUD is a Diesel engine designed and built by PSA - Peugeot and Citroën. It is an Indirect Injection engine, that uses a version of the Ricardo Consulting Engineers Ricardo Comet prechamber cylinder head design. The engine comes in 1769cc 1.8 N/A, 1.8 Turbo, 1905cc 1.9 N/A, 1.9 Turbo, 2.1...
was replaced by the newer, more refined HDi engine, which featured common rail injection. Some base models made use of the DW8 normally aspirated diesel engine. Almost all models included ABS
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
and multiple airbags as standard equipment. Rain sensitive automatic windscreen wipers were also standard on all but the base spec.
The end of the line
Despite Peugeot's efforts, the car placed poorly in a variety of ownership and customer satisfaction surveys of the time, such as the annual JD Power survey which was run in association with the BBCBBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
Top Gear television programme. Nevertheless the car featured in Top 10 best selling cars in Britain from 1994 to 1998, and only narrowly missing out on the top 10 during its final three years on sale.
Sales in France and most of the rest of Europe were also strong.
The hatchback 306 was discontinued in 2001 to make way for its replacement, the Peugeot 307
Peugeot 307
The Peugeot 307 is a small family car produced by the French Peugeot manufacturer since 2001. It was awarded the European Car of the Year title for 2002, and continues to be offered in China and certain South American markets through 2009 despite the French launch of the 308 in September...
. The cabriolet and estate variants both remained on sale until 2002. The slow-selling saloon was axed from the UK in 1999, however was still available in the rest of Europe until 2002.
Safety
In 1998 EuroNCAPEuroNCAP
The European New Car Assessment Programme is a European car safety performance assessment programme based in Brussels and founded in 1997 by the Transport Research Laboratory for the UK Department for Transport and backed by several European governments.-History and activities:Euro NCAP is a...
test Peugeot 306 obtained 3 stars for occupant protection.
In the 2006 Australian Used Car Safety Ratings, the Peugeot 306 manufactured between 1994 and 2001 was rated "significantly better than average" in its ability to protect its occupants in the event of a crash. This was one of the highest results achieved in the 2006 ratings.