Peugeot 306
A French small family car with a wide range of engines and body styles.
The Peugeot 306 is a small family car produced by the French manufacturer Peugeot from 1993 to 2002. It replaced the 309 and was itself replaced by the 307 in 2001, though cabriolet and estate versions continued until 2002. The 306 was developed between 1990 and 1992 and launched in February 1993, sharing its floorpan and core structure with the Citroën ZX.
Quick Facts
- Manufacturer
- Peugeot
- Class
- Small family car (C)
- Production
- 1993–2002
- Predecessor
- Peugeot 309
- Successor
- Peugeot 307
- Wheelbase
- 2580 mm
- Length
- 4030 mm (hatchback) / 4267 mm (sedan) / 4338 mm (wagon)
- Height
- 1380 mm (hatchback) / 1386 mm (sedan) / 1415 mm (wagon)
- Layout
- FF layout
- Transmission
- 4-speed automatic ZF 4HP14 / 4-speed automatic AL4 / 5-speed manual MA 5 / 5-speed manual BE 3/5 / 6-speed manual BE 3/6
- Related
- Citroën Xsara / Citroën ZX
- Designer
- Pininfarina (hatchback) / Pietro Camardella at Pininfarina (cabriolet)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The 306 was developed between 1990 and 1992, with concept versions seen around the end of 1990. Initially reported as a replacement for the smaller 205, Peugeot confirmed by late 1991 that it would replace the 309 and some versions of the 205. Mechanically, the 306 is virtually identical to the Citroën ZX, launched two years earlier, using the same floorpan and core structure. The chassis was also used in the Citroën Xsara, Berlingo, and Peugeot Partner.
The Phase 1 model (1993–1997) offered a wide array of trim levels including Genoa, XSS, XT, XRdt, and XLd. Performance models included the S16, XSi, GTI-6, and the diesel D-Turbo. The Phase 2 revamp in May 1997 brought redesigned lights, grille, and bumpers, aligning with the Peugeot 406 family look, and added an estate version. Further enhancements from 1998 included an aluminium-effect centre console on certain versions and a chrome Peugeot logo on the steering wheel.
The 306 was built in Argentina by Sevel from 1996 to 2002. The sedan specification used designations SN, SL, SR, and ST. The GTI-6, introduced as a Phase 1 model, lasted until the end of 2000, receiving Phase 2 and 3 cosmetic updates while the engine and mechanical specification remained largely unchanged.
Reader's Guide
The Peugeot 306 was a significant model for Peugeot, replacing the 309 and serving as a versatile small family car through the 1990s and early 2000s. Its platform sharing with the Citroën ZX and later Xsara reflected PSA's policy of common platforms, which had been in place since the late 1970s. The 306 offered an unusually wide range of body styles—hatchback, saloon, cabriolet, and estate—and a broad engine lineup from 1.1-litre petrol to 2.0-litre 16-valve petrol and turbo diesel units. The performance models, particularly the S16 and GTI-6 with their 16-valve XU engines and close-ratio 6-speed gearbox, were notable hot hatches. The D-Turbo diesel hot hatch was an early mainstream performance diesel, though not the first. The 306's rear suspension featured passive rear wheel steering via compliance bushes, a distinctive PSA trait. Its production continued in Argentina until 2002, and the model was ultimately replaced by the 307.
Did You Know?
- The GTI-6 had a 167 bhp XU10J4RS engine and a close-ratio 6-speed gearbox.
- The D-Turbo was a diesel hot hatch version of the 306.
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