The Peugeot 306 History

Born in April 1993, the 306 was the start of a all new concept in mid sized hatchbacks. With unique torsion bar rear suspension (previously seen on the smaller 205 and Renault 5) McPherson front struts even the most basic 306 handled very well. 1993 also saw the beginning of a new age in diesel engines. Peugeot grabbed the bull by the horns with their world beating 1.9 turbo charged diesel engine (a similar version was used in the popular 405 DT models in the late 80’s) that actually had to be de-tuned prior to release as it was almost on par with the XSi performance wise!

With the fabled 205 GTi leaving a tough act to follow, Peugeot collectively racked their brains for a GTi version of the 306. First came the S16 using the very same 155bhp engine and gearbox (with slightly different ratios) seen in the 405 Mi16. That just wasn’t enough, it was a fine car but just didn’t set the world on fire… That was until July 1996. The arrival of the all new 306 GTi. It out performed and outpaced EVERY other car in its class and most of the class above. Even 9 years on the 306 GTi still commands respect from even the most hardened Vauxhall and Ford drivers.

The 306 Phases

Phase 1

1993 > was phase 1.1

Phase 1 facelift

Mid 1995 saw phase 1.2.1

Phase 2

April 1997 saw phase 1.2.2

Phase 3

April 1999 saw phase 2.2

The 306 hatchback ceased production in June 2001. The cabriolet and estate carried on for a few more months before being scrapped late in the year. Was the end of a great family car and a fine sports range.