1997 PEUGEOT 306 3 doors 1.4L 5MT FWD (75 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The compact hatchback from Peugeot stepped back with its numbering system and named the 306 after the 309. It was launched in 1993 and in 1996 it received its first facelift for the whole range.

Peugeot 306 was a simple compact French car, built to cope with everyday tasks around town. It was fitted with economical engines and it was affordable. On the other hand, the three-door version was used in two opposite directions. One for the delivery teams and one for those who needed a sportier and affordable compact car. It was cheaper than the Golf and more spirited than other competitors.

The three-door version was available with the same engine choices as the five-door, except for the top of the range GTI. It was also offered in a “Rally” special edition, which was lighter and more agile. The 1996 model featured a redesigned front grille, headlights, and bumpers. The taillights were visually enhanced as well.

Inside, the same plain dashboard as in any other 306, but with a new design for the instrument cluster on the GTI version. In France, a commercial version with seats only in the front was available, but it kept the side windows in place.

Under the hood, there was a choice of eight engines available: five were with gasoline and three were diesel. The most spirited one, the GTI, offered 135 hp and it was mated to a six-speed gearbox. It was unusual for those times to see an affordable, compact-sized vehicle with that kind of transmission. But it was the base for race-cars. It won on rallies and on endurance races.