The Peugeot 306 is a small family car produced by French automobile manufacturer Peugeot from 1993 to 2002. It was designed as a replacement for the Peugeot 309 and was available in hatchback, sedan, and estate (station wagon) body styles.
Design and Features
The Peugeot 306 has a distinctive design with a curved front grille, rectangular headlights, and a sloping rear window. The interior features a dashboard-mounted instrument cluster, a gear lever on the steering column, and a range of optional trim materials, including wood and leather. Standard equipment includes a single airbag, central locking, and a radio/cassette player.
Engine Options
The Peugeot 306 was available with a variety of petrol engines, ranging from a 1.0-liter unit producing 54 horsepower to a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that delivered 158 horsepower. Diesel options included a 1.4-liter inline-four and a 1.9-liter inline-four, both producing around 59-65 horsepower.
Transmission and Performance
The Peugeot 306 featured a five-speed manual transmission as standard, with an automatic option available on some models. The car's performance varied depending on the engine chosen, but it was generally capable of reaching speeds up to 125 mph (201 km/h) and accelerating from 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in around 10 seconds.
Trim Levels and Options
The Peugeot 306 was available in various trim levels, including the base-level 'L' model, the mid-range 'S' model, and the higher-specification 'GTi' model. Other options included air conditioning, a CD player, and power steering.
Safety Features
As safety regulations became more stringent during its production run, the Peugeot 306 received several updates to meet these requirements. The car was equipped with dual front airbags from 1994 onwards, and anti-lock brakes (ABS) were introduced in 1995.
Awards and Recognition
The Peugeot 306 won several awards, including the 1994 European Car of the Year title. It also received positive reviews for its handling, comfort, and value for money.
Production Numbers and Discontinuation
Over 1.2 million units of the Peugeot 306 were produced during its nine-year production run. The car was discontinued in 2002 when it was replaced by the Peugeot 307.
