The Peugeot 306 is a small family car built by the French car manufacturer Peugeot from 1993 to 2001.The 306 was the replacement for the Peugeot 309 (which had broken with Peugeot's normal ascending numbering system partly due to its being released before the older Peugeot 305 was axed). The 306 is mechanically almost identical to the Citroën ZX, which was launched two years earlier, and both cars use the same floorpan and core structure. The chassis used by the 306 and ZX was also used in the ZX's replacement, the Citroën Xsara. The collaboration is thanks to Peugeot and Citroën being both part of the PSA Group.The 306 arrived in March 1993 as a 3- and 5-door hatchback only; saloon, cabriolet and estate models were introduced later. The estate version was branded as the sw, for "station wagon". A very minor facelift was administered after a couple of years on sale, which took the form of a restyled grille and bolder Peugeot lion badge.All the initial engines were proven four-cylinder 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 the automatics, with two versions of the 2.0 litre engine in 8- and 16-valve guises powered the XSi and S16 models respectively. While both models were praised by the motoring press, the "peaky" nature of the 16-valve unit and its relatively small performance advantage over the 8-valve damaged the reputation of the S16 model.[citation needed]
Peugeot had a very good reputation for its diesel engines, and the 306 was offered with the XUD series diesel engine in both normally aspirated and turbocharged forms. This diesel was initially a 1.8 litre, but was soon stretched to 1.9 litres. The turbocharged unit 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 installation ensured its considerable extra weight didn't upset the handling for which the 306 was becoming well known. Peugeot created a D-Turbo "hot hatch" version, which was essentially a petrol XS model with the diesel unit installed. As well as being regarded as the first affordable "performance diesel" the D-Turbo is also credited with being the first mainstream diesel specifically designed to appeal to the keen driver as much as the economy minded motorist. It was a popular seller in all its various phases throughout the life of the car.[citation needed]
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 sportier exhaust tip. 14-inch alloy wheels were an optional extra.
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.
This 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 a semi independent trailing arm/torsion bar set up. However, Peugeot's chassis engineers employed some unusual features, including passive rear wheel steering (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, improving weight distribution, and minimising understeer.
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.
Although the 306's reputation for dynamic excellence was attracting buyers, its growing reputation for high maintenance costs, lacklustre dealers, and less than perfect reliability were putting them off. Despite Peugeot's best 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 BBC Top Gear television programme. Nevertheless the car was a regular feature in the UK top 10 sales charts until its replacement in 2001. Equipment levels were generous on all but the most basic models, including a safety-conscious steering column control for the stereo. All bar the GTI-6 and cabriolet models were also priced very competitively.
The 306 underwent the only major revamp of its life in May 1997, with the launch of the "Phase 2" version. 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 406. Indicator lamps were now incorporated into the headlights and the new style "block filled" Peugeot lion logo was adopted (again, as introduced on the 406). The new-style typeface for the car's model number was adopted on the tailgate. There were also some changes to the dashboard layout 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 units gaining 16 valve cylinder heads together with modest power increases. In 1998 the popular but ageing XUD series diesel engines were phased out and replaced with Peugeot's first generation 2.0 HDi common rail diesel in turbocharged form only. Although power output remained unchanged, and outright performance remained similar, the new unit brought significant benefits in terms of economy, emissions and refinement.
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 a slight tweaking of the "306" badge on the bootlid – now without a black plastic backing – 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, less weight and a lower price. 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. Cars for the 2000 model year had further exterior modifications, including clear lenses on the headlamps, complete colour-coding of the exterior trim, removal of the black plastic strip on the lower edge of the tailgate and new paint colours. 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 controversially-styled saloon had been discontinued in 1999.
Peugeot had a very good reputation for its diesel engines, and the 306 was offered with the XUD series diesel engine in both normally aspirated and turbocharged forms. This diesel was initially a 1.8 litre, but was soon stretched to 1.9 litres. The turbocharged unit 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 installation ensured its considerable extra weight didn't upset the handling for which the 306 was becoming well known. Peugeot created a D-Turbo "hot hatch" version, which was essentially a petrol XS model with the diesel unit installed. As well as being regarded as the first affordable "performance diesel" the D-Turbo is also credited with being the first mainstream diesel specifically designed to appeal to the keen driver as much as the economy minded motorist. It was a popular seller in all its various phases throughout the life of the car.[citation needed]
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 sportier exhaust tip. 14-inch alloy wheels were an optional extra.
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.
This 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 a semi independent trailing arm/torsion bar set up. However, Peugeot's chassis engineers employed some unusual features, including passive rear wheel steering (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, improving weight distribution, and minimising understeer.
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.
Although the 306's reputation for dynamic excellence was attracting buyers, its growing reputation for high maintenance costs, lacklustre dealers, and less than perfect reliability were putting them off. Despite Peugeot's best 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 BBC Top Gear television programme. Nevertheless the car was a regular feature in the UK top 10 sales charts until its replacement in 2001. Equipment levels were generous on all but the most basic models, including a safety-conscious steering column control for the stereo. All bar the GTI-6 and cabriolet models were also priced very competitively.
The 306 underwent the only major revamp of its life in May 1997, with the launch of the "Phase 2" version. 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 406. Indicator lamps were now incorporated into the headlights and the new style "block filled" Peugeot lion logo was adopted (again, as introduced on the 406). The new-style typeface for the car's model number was adopted on the tailgate. There were also some changes to the dashboard layout 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 units gaining 16 valve cylinder heads together with modest power increases. In 1998 the popular but ageing XUD series diesel engines were phased out and replaced with Peugeot's first generation 2.0 HDi common rail diesel in turbocharged form only. Although power output remained unchanged, and outright performance remained similar, the new unit brought significant benefits in terms of economy, emissions and refinement.
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 a slight tweaking of the "306" badge on the bootlid – now without a black plastic backing – 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, less weight and a lower price. 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. Cars for the 2000 model year had further exterior modifications, including clear lenses on the headlamps, complete colour-coding of the exterior trim, removal of the black plastic strip on the lower edge of the tailgate and new paint colours. 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 controversially-styled saloon had been discontinued in 1999.
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