National Roads and Motorists’
620
ROAD TEST REPORT
MEMBER SERVICES
PEUGEOT 307
2.0 Litre Manual Hatch
FEATURES
BEST
Excellent handling and steering Speedometer markings
Performance of 2.0 litre version tested Clutch and brake pedal spacing, and no foot rest
A well equipped car PULP requirement (1.6 and 2.0 litre engines)
As the replacement for the Peugeot 306, the
new 307 model would be expected to improve
even further on the 306’s reputation for
providing maximum driving enjoyment in a
package that’s space-efficient, comfortable
and attractively styled.
After driving the new 307 range and testing
a manual 2.0 litre version, we’re able to report
that it does live up to those expectations.
The handling and steering are superb,
performance in the 2.0 litre manual is quite
strong, there’s a good combination of occupant
and load space, equipment levels are
extensive, and the car looks good.
Considering what the 307 offers, pricing
isn’t too bad. Initially it will be available only
as a five-door hatchback and the range starts
with the 1.6 litre model. It costs $25,990 in
manual form and $28,190 for the automatic.
The 2.0 litre manual (tested) is $31,490 and
the 2.0 litre automatic is $33,690. The 2.0 litre
turbo diesel version comes with manual
transmission only and is priced at $29,990.
All three versions come with six airbags
(drive and front passenger, front side and
curtain bags), anti-lock brakes with electronic
brake force distribution, climate control air
conditioning, electrically-operated windows
and (heated) exterior mirrors, remote central
locking, tilt and telescopic steering wheel,
engine immobiliser, trip computer and a CD
player.
The 2.0 litre petrol models add 16-inch alloy
wheels, cruise control, fog lights, a fascia
mounted five CD changer, storage drawers
under the front seats and a 12V power socket
in the rear luggage area.
The 307 has a multiplex wiring system,
which improves electrical reliability and
reduces weight compared to a conventional
wiring loom, and it allows more features to be
interconnected.
For example, the hazard lights are activated
whenever Brake Assist comes into operation
(such as an emergency stop) and the 2.0 litre
petrol version comes with automatic light-
sensitive headlamps and automatic rain-
sensing windscreen wipers.
The 307’s styling follows the current trend
towards taller bodies, with the bonnet sloping
upwards to join the very large and steeply
raked windscreen in one almost continuous
line. Extra large windscreens provide great
driving visibility, but can of course, allow
excess heat into the cabin in our hot Australian
climate.
Call NRMA Automotive Technical Services on 1300 655 443, should you require additional information on this
vehicle, on other makes, or for general advice on automotive matters.
No.
Association Limited
ABN 77 000 010 506
trading as
By Bob Hudson, MIAME
August
NRMA Vehicle Evalution Engineer NRMA Member Services
WORST
Inside the 307, there’s good space up front
and the driver and passenger are comfortably
seated in a pair of well shaped seats that
provide ample support.
Rear legroom is nowhere near as generous as
in the latest Honda Civic (for example),
however with the 307’s front seats set forward
a notch or two, adults can fit satisfactorily.
The rear seat is set considerably higher than
the front seats, affording rear occupants a good
view out. The rear seat is equipped with three
head restraints and three lap/sash seat belts.
Luggage space should prove ample for most
requirements and both the rear cushion and
backrest are split 60/40 to enable longer items
to be carried. The only snag is that to fold the
cushions, the front seats have to be first moved
forward quite a way.
With the adjustable steering wheel, good leg
room and height adjustable seat, drivers of
various physiques should be able to find a
suitable driving position in the 307. However
in the manual version tested, the clutch and
brake pedals are quite close together and your
shoes sometimes brush each other. Also,
there’s no driver’s footrest (or room for one).
An annoying point is the speedometer
markings. There are no numerals for any of the
‘even’ numbers, leaving drivers to decipher
the graduations to judge the all-important 60,
80 and 100 km/h speeds
The 307 2.0 litre manual tested provides
plenty of driving satisfaction. Its all-alloy, high
technology, low emission engine provides
performance that’s up with the best in class
and delivers it in a very efficient fashion.
Fuel consumption is equally impressive,
though the downside is that the 307 runs on
premium grade unleaded petrol.
Probably the most impressive part of the 307
driving experience is its handling, steering and
ride. Right from the very early days of 203
models back in the 1950s, Peugeot has been
well ahead of the game in terms of chassis
dynamics.
The 307 is just a joy on winding roads where
its extremely capable (and very safe) handling
and roadholding can really be appreciated.
SUMMARY:
Though it costs a bit more than equivalent
Asian-built 2.0 litre cars, the Peugeot 307
offers driving enthusiasts superior chassis
dynamics, and backs that with lively
performance, stylish good looks, above
average equipment levels, good space and
excellent comfort.
DECEMBER 2001
PEUGEOT 307 Five-door
Hatch
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE:
Type ....Four cylinder, in-line, DOHC, 16 valves
Capacity in litres..................................... 1.997
Induction .................Multi-point fuel injection
Fuel recommendation............................ PULP
Claimed max. power ...... 100 kW at 6000 rpm
Claimed max. torque ...... 190 Nm at 4100 rpm
Specific power output.................50.1 kW/litre
TRANSMISSION:
Type .................................. Five speed manual
Driving wheels ....................................... Front
Speed per 1000 rpm in top gear....... 33.2 km/h
WHEELS: .....................Alloy, 6.5J x 16 inch
TYRES: ...........Dunlop SP Sport, 205/55 R16
Spare: ....................... Matching size and type
STEERING:
Type ............... Power assisted rack and pinion
Turns lock to lock....................................... 2.9
Turning circle (measured) .............10.9 metres
DIMENSIONS:
Mass ................................................... 1219 kg
Length .............................................. 4202 mm
Width (incl. mirrors 2005 mm) ........ 1746 mm
Height............................................... 1512 mm
Ground clearance (measured)............. 159 mm
Seating capacity ............................................ 5
Fuel tank capacity............................... 60 litres
TOWING:
Max. towed mass (trailer plus load)........ 1300 kg
Max. towball download (laden trailer) ... 60 kg
NRMA THEFT RATING:
Points on 0-110 scale (high score best) ...... tba
WARRANTY: ........ Two years, unlimited km
MANUFACTURED IN:...................... France
TEST RESULTS
ACCELERATION:
50 - 80 km/h (in 3rd gear)...................... 5.3 sec
60 -100 km/h (in 3rd gear)..................... 6.7 sec
0 - 80 km/h ........................................... 7.1 sec
0 - 100 km/h ....................................... 10.5 sec
0 - 400 metres..................................... 17.3 sec
FUEL CONSUMPTION:
Litres/100 km in city ................................ 10.0
Litres/100 km on highway.......................... 7.2
Litres/100 km overall ................................. 8.1
BRAKING:
Distance to stop from 80 km/h ......28.3 metres
NOISE:
Interior at constant 80 km/h.............. 67 dB(A)
• Test vehicle supplied by Peugeot
Automobiles Australia Pty Ltd