The Peugeot 306 Model Range: 1993 - 2001

A brief rundown of the different models and trim levels.

1993 > 1995

The most basic model in the range is XN, not even power steering on the very early ones. The most basic trim level, and fabric seats.

Next came the XL and XR, slightly higher spec, power steering and electric sunroof became options, velour trim was also introduced. Diesel models were also available, for example; XND, XRD and XLD were non turbo diesel versions. There was also an XRDT turbo diesel version of XR trim. The DTurbo was top of the tree spec wise for the diesels, with all the options as well as air con as a purchase option on later ones.

XN, XL and XR were all 1.4 or 1.6 TU engines.

Next we have the XS and XT, the more sporty versions. Both came with 14″ alloys as standard, usually ‘Harriers’ both were well stacked with options, electric windows, optional electric sunroof, power steering etc XT’s were usually 5 door and XS’s 3 door, there are some exceptions to this however. Velour trim and sports seat were also a feature of these models. There was also a XTDT, turbo diesel version its the only 306 to come with electric rear windows in standard trim.

XSi and S16 were 95% the same car, same running gear, S16 had unique gear ratios that were used only on that model, same kit, same 15″ alloys, the only difference trim wise is the S16 had a half leather interior of either red or blue flecked velour depending on the colour of the car. The XSi wasn’t given this option until later in its life.

* There were also limited edition runs of an “S” model, these were XS-S and DTurbo S, both were a metallic green colour with “unique” green interiors. “S” models were also available in metallic blue.

* Roland Garos is also worth a mention, not many produced, very few 3 doors. They were made as something to do with a tennis tournament on France… Your guess is as good as mine! The also came in a yucky green colour, slightly darker than the afore mention “S” trim models. A cream and green half leather interior also was a feature…

1995 > 1997

A small facelift actually happened half way through 1995, it went largely un-noticed because the changes were very subtle. Exterior wise a new grille (XSi) and the XN and XL models were scrapped in favour of some bizarrely named derivatives like “Slalom, Alpine, Vivant, Verve, Genoa, Mardi Gras, Miami, Style and Equinox” to name but a few. The 3 spoke steering wheel was modified to look better and was given leather on many models. 1996 also saw the arrival of the GTi-6, with newly designed alloys, a leather and alcantra interior and a chrome tipped exhaust.

1997 > 1999 (Phase 2)

April 1997 saw the arrival of “The New” 306. A much more modern looking car, with rounded bits instead of sharp angles (not everyone’s cup of tea including yours truly!). There are so many changes I couldn’t possibly list them all, so I shall list the most important and noticeable ones. The front end changed dramatically, new bumper, headlights (with built on indicators) grille, bonnet, wings. The rear got an emblem boot release button and smoother rear lights. Inside the interior trim colours went from bad to worse with some god awful patterns emerging. Inside the dash clocks changed in style as well as going from analogue mileage readout to digital. Air con became standard on higher spec models (XSi, GTi6, Meridian etc.)

Peugeot got rid of the old model derivatives (XN, XR etc) and brought in more traditional L, LX, GL, GLX as well as the adding the Meridian some of the other model names were carried over as well (XS, XSi and GTi6 and a couple of others were kept). Worth noting that the XSi got an engine change from a 2 litre 8v to a 2 litre 16v, seeing a significant hike in power and torque. Also the 1.4 went from a single point injection to a multi point injection, the result being a smoother and slightly quicker 306.

April 1999 > June 2001 (Phase 3)

Model names stayed the same, with the Meridian becoming more prominent with more petrol and diesel versions. Half leather was made standard on all XSi and Meridian models. ABS was made standard throughout the range.

The new HDi diesel engines were the biggest change as Peugeot scrapped the superb 1.9 turbo diesel lumps and went with the flow of common rail diesel engines to catch up with VAG who had the market in their pocket with their very good TDi engines.

More cosmetic changes were the rubber-less rear window and the crystal headlights and fog lamps. The interior was also improved by adding bits of chrome effect here and there.

Side airbags were optional (standard towards the end of the run) but driver and passenger airbags were standard.