Peugeot 306 Saloon (94-99) - Review

1.4 models are the cheapest choice, but most have fairly basic specifications. The 1.4 is the most economical petrol engine, giving nearly 50 mpg touring, and about 30 mpg around town, but acceleration is rather leisurely. 1.4 XN was the original entry-level model from 1993 to 1997, and was the car on which many special editions were based. XN models lack items that many buyers now see as necessities; PAS, driver’s airbag, air conditioning and sunroof were not even on the options list. Next up are XL models, marginally better equipped than XN, with split rear seats and tinted glass, plus the option of PAS. XR models had better trim and electric front windows. The launch of the second generation 306 in 1997 saw the introduction of L and LX models in place of the old XN and XL; these later models have PAS, and LX versions also gained an electric sunroof. 1.6 models originally came as XL, XR and XT models, the XT version having a slightly sporty look with twin headlamps, heated electric mirrors, height and lumbar adjustment on the driver’s seat, and an uprated 6-speaker audio system. There was the more overtly sporty 1.6 XS model, too, with sill extensions, front fog lamps, sports seats and special wheel trims. The 90 bhp 1.6 engine is only slightly thirstier than the 1.4 but is noticeably livelier - it’s quicker than a Golf 1.6, but not quite as brisk as some of the more modern 16-valve designs such as the Escort 1.6 16v Zetec. Post-1997 1.6 models are badged L, LX and GLX, with the GLX featuring upgraded upholstery, heated electric door mirrors and body colour exterior trim. 1.8 models were restricted to high-spec XT cars at launch, although the engine was also used in the fairly rare XR and XT Auto models. The 1.8 unit is a rather old 8-valve design that is thirstier than the 1.6, but does not feel any sportier to drive despite an extra 13 bhp (103 bhp). After the 1997 revisions, the 1.8 was offered as LX Auto, GLX and XS models. 2.0 models are the truly sporty choices in the 306 range. There have been XSi models (GTi models in all but badging) since early 1994; these are distinguished by a deep body-colour spoiler, sill extensions, stiffer suspension, larger wheels, a rear spoiler, sports seats and special interior trim. Alloy wheels became standard in late 1995. While the XSi had an 8-valve engine, the 155 bhp S-16 featured a highly tuned 16-valve engine which brought the 0-60 sprint time down towards the 8 seconds mark. As well as XSi features, the S-16 has extra items such as part-leather upholstery, a leather-trimmed sports steering wheel and an alarm. The S-16 gave way to the uprated 167 bhp GTi-6 in mid-1996, the ‘6’ part of the model description standing for the car’s six-speed gearbox, a first on a car of this price. Improvements over the previous S-16’s spec included dished 5-spoke alloy wheels and suede/leather upholstery. Diesel models are a Peugeot strength; there are conventionally aspirated or turbo-diesel 1.9-litre engines. The 1.9 D puts out 70 bhp and it’s fairly heavy, so acceleration is a bit sluggish. However, it’s well suited for motorway driving. Power steering is a must on diesels but was optional on the XNd and XLd. The 1.9dt turbo-diesel is by far the better choice - it’s hardly any thirstier than the 1.9 D and much nicer to drive, with performance that rivals the 1.6 petrol models, and particularly willing responses in lower gears. Again, check that PAS is part of the spec on the XLdt versions. Badging and equipment on diesels echoes that of the petrol cars; in addition, there are sportier D Turbo (92 bhp) versions, and the newer and more refined direct-injection 2.0 HDi 90 bhp models from 1999 onwards. The 2000 model-year 306, launched in June 99, has ABS on all models and substantial restyling including clear glass headlights, foglights and side indicators, metal-look fascia and finish, and body-coloured exterior details. The range was reduced to Estate models only in July 2001: 1.4 L, Meridian S 1.4 and 1.9 D , and Meridian SE 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 HDi models.