R0161
September 2001
Car test
Peugeot 307
Featured model: 1.6 Rapier 5 door
AT A GLANCE
considering size, price and rivals
Overtaking ability
Space/practicality
Controls/displays
Safety
Handling/steering
Comfort
Fuel economy
SPECIFICATION
EUGEOTS ALTERNATIVE TO
the Ford Escort, the 306, was
always regarded as a benchmark
model in its heyday. Maybe not for quality
or finish, but in dynamic terms, it was a cut
above the average, especially as a diesel.
Great things are therefore expected of its
replacement and this hatch has hatched
with a distinctly different look, very akin to
the new Honda Civic.
The idea of the build-em-tall,
cab-forward styling is to find more room
inside, with seat cushions higher off the
floor; this means that no-one has to sit
semi-recumbent.
It works, too, with an unusual-forPeugeot loftier driving stance thats spoilt
only by inadequate lumbar support. Actual
dimensions at the back (for people and
luggage) are little improved on the 306,
but its comfortable, none the less.
Lots of oddments room compensates for
a modest load deck with a high rear sill,
but the full-size spare wheel is accessed
from inside now.
Its well known that Peugeot is good at
suspension design, but we confess to
some disappointment with our test cars
jittery ride maybe the LX on 65 series
tyres will be more compliant than our
Rapier. Theres no criticism of its steering
or cornering prowess, however.
Were impressed by the generous array
of safety features that are standard on
even the cheapest 307, but on test, we
found the brakes pedal response too light
when there isnt an emergency.
This engine is an improvement over the
old 1.6/87bhp version in the 306, in terms
of both performance and refinement;
however, the fuel consumption isnt
improved and motorway thirst is
especially disappointing.
The price of the 307, model for model, is
significantly higher than for its identically
powered Citron counterpart, the Xsara.
Yet convenience items like see-you-home
headlamps, automatic climate control,
front foglamps and velour upholstery, all
standard on Xsara LX, dont feature on the
equivalent 307.
VERDICT
Some of us are old enough to
remember the original Sunbeam
Rapier a sporty, eye-catching
version of the Hillman Minx. This
Rapier 1.6 trades that same sporty
image for the LXs more scuffproof
bumpers and greater creature
comfort
around
the
cabin
(passengers seat height adjustment
and
armrests,
for
instance).
Whichever you choose, the 307 will
please in many respects, but rankle
in others. An indifferent ride,
gearshift and fuel economy head this
list. However, we like the package,
the engine performs with reasonable
manners and its an enjoyable car to
hustle. Almost a success.
engine 1587cc, 4-cylinder, petrol; 110bhp
at 5750rpm, 110 lb ft at 4000rpm; beltdriven double overhead camshafts, 16
valves
transmission 5-speed manual, frontwheel drive; 20.0mph/1000rpm in 5th,
15.7 in 4th
suspension front: independent damper/
struts with integral coil springs.
Rear: torsion beam (dead) axle with
trailing links, coil springs
steering hydraulic power assistance; 2.9
turns lock-to-lock; 10.9m diameter
turning circle between kerbs (15.3m for
one turn of the wheel)
brakes ventilated discs front, solid discs
rear, with standard anti-lock and emergency
brake-assist functions
wheels/tyres 6in alloy with 205/55R16V
tyres (Continental) on test car; 195/65R15T
on 1.6 LX; full-size steel spare
LIKES ...
wide variety of interior trim choices
lots of clever, lined oddments spaces
rear headrests retract into backrest
accurate speedo reads 30, 50, 70mph
and GRIPES
no heat/vent fan with engine off
indicators too quiet
no proper lining below rear cushions
centre info display lost in sunlight
THE 307 RANGE
size and type lower medium (mid-priced)
tall hatchback
trim levels Style, Rapier, LX, GLX, XSi
engines petrol: 4 cylinder/1.4 litre/75bhp,
4/1.6/110, 4/2.0/138. diesel: 4/1.4/70;
4/2.0/90, 4/2.0/110
drive front-wheel drive, 5-speed manual;
4-speed stepped automatic available on
1.6 and 2.0 petrol (with sequential-shift
manual mode) versions
more facts and figures
OVERTAKING ABILITY
Short gearing used to avoid lethargy at lower speeds in the gears.
Reasonably willing at low and high revs, but not the best
acceleration
in seconds
through
gears*
JD gear
JD gear
20-40mph
3.3
9.0
13.4
30-50mph
4.0
8.4
12.4
40-60mph
5.0
8.6
12.4
50-70mph
6.3
9.0
13.6
30-70mph
10.3
17.4
26.0
max speed in each gear (*using 6250rpm for best acceleration)
gear
speed (mph)
28
53
75
98
113
SPACE AND PRACTICALITY
More comfort and rear space than bold figures suggest.
Harder to place front bumper than rear one when parking.
Under-seat drawers dont restrict rear footspace
in centimetres (5-door hatch)
inside
outside
front
length
width
height
420
84-107
- headroom
97-103V
- typical leg/
95/
- inc mirrors
200
- mirrors folded
179
kneeroom
(no roof bars)
152
- headroom
load sill height
rear
19/
(inside/outside)
(metres)
pedal feel
in emergency
handbrake
dry road stopping distance
from 50mph (with brake-assist/ABS)
pedal load
unhurried
10kg
sudden 12kg
+4kg ie 16kg
distance
31m
best stop
27m ABS on
26m
EURO NCAP CRASH TEST RATINGS
Peugeot 307 not yet tested
SECURITY FEATURES
central locking
remote control
auto window closure
deadlocks
standard
alarm
immobiliser
luggage security
0 factory option
not available
HANDLING AND STEERING
Adroit, ideally weighted steering response with lots of grip, but
still a trace of 306s lift-off tail-happiness
71
97
- hiproom
(litres/cu ft)
390/13.7
2.9
load length
70-144
10.9
full length to facia
245
load width
106
steering
turning circle
braking
load space (all seats in use)
70
turns lock-to-lock
Impressive range of aids includes automatic hazard flashers in
heavy braking, automatic tailgate locking (at 6mph) and active
front head restraints. Six airbags, too
(V without sunroof
- legroom
SAFETY
easy to park/garage?
load height (to
shelf/
52/
to top of aperture)
84
CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS
Nice driving position, but more lumbar support needed for driver,
and short passengers complained that their cushion was too long
LX height adjuster would help. Gearchange obstructive on our car
COMFORT
Rapier on 55-Series tyres squanders bump suppression in the
cause of grip. Effective heat/vent distribution, but not prolific in
output. Engine quiet enough but busy at 70mph
FUEL ECONOMY
Despite disappointing results here (not as good as higher
geared Xsara), tank filling and range are exemplary. No
pronounced thirst in warm-up phase, either
type of use (air conditioning off)
AA test (mpg)
urban (17mph average/heavy traffic)
25
suburban (27mph average/6.4 miles from cold start) 32
motorway (70mph cruising)
34
cross-country (brisk driving/20 miles from cold start) 38
rural (gentle driving/20 miles from cold start)
45
typical mpg overall
37
realistic tank capacity/range
56 litres/460 miles
official mpg (urban/extra urban/combined)
29.7/48.7/39.2
car tax band C
CO emissions 169g/km
HOW THE 307
5 DOOR COMPARES
engine
revs at
30-70mph
30-70mph
fuel
brakes best
maximum
typical leg/
cyl/cap/power
70mph
through
in 5th/4th
economy
stop from
legroom -
kneeroom - turns/
(no/cc/bhp)
(rpm)
gears (sec)
gears (sec)
(mpg)
50mph (m/kg)
front (cm)
rear (cm)
steering
overall
length
circle (m) (cm)
PEUGEOT 307 1.6 16v
4/1587/110
3500
10.3
26.0/17.4
37
26/12*
107
95/71
2.9/10.9 420
Renault Megane 1.6 16v
4/1598/110
3280
10.2
23.7/16.6
41
26/55*
107
97/69
3.5/10.65 413
Honda Civic 1.6i
4/1590/110
3560
10.5
24.5/17.8
42
26/16*
107
102/76
2.8/11.6
429
Vauxhall Astra 1.6 16v
4/1598/100
3440
11.2
23.6/16.3
41
26/21*
108
99/75
3.1/10.4
411
VW Golf 1.6
4/1595/105
3540
10.3
23.3/17.3
38
27/18*
111
95/71
3.1/10.4
415
Previous 306 1.6 (1994)
4/1587/87
3350
11.6
27.0/18.7
38
30/20
106
97/67
4.1/10.65 403
*with ABS
The Automobile Association Limited 2001
