Peugeot 307 1.6 16v HATCH
The greatest test of any popular family hatchback is in the excellence of its ordinary models. Its fine putting high technology into the pricier variants but if the cars people actually buy arent up to much, then the inconsistencies will become very quickly obvious, no matter how much clever marketing goes on.
To some extent, this was a mistake that Peugeot made with its old family hatch, the 306 and its not one that the French company is about to repeat. Hence the development of todays range of compact sixteen valve petrol engines for the 307. These are of 1.4, 1.
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8-litre engine so the 1.6-litre has a big gap to fill between the 1.4 and the 2.0-litre.
Fortunate then that the 110bhp 1.6 installed under the bonnet of the car on test here has plenty of grunt. Since this is not a light car (1090kg in weight), you may not really notice the benefit of that but its nice to have all the same. Certainly, theres enough power to make you wonder whether trading up to the larger 2.
0-litre version would be really necessary: the 1.6, after all, is good for 116mph. The 307 has become a familiar sight on British roads. Its one box shape evokes that of a mini-MPV but its not, as youll quickly discover upon taking a seat inside.
Though the cabin feels light and airy (thanks to all that glass), its not actually all that spacious, only the headroom being really exceptional. Todays 307 shares the distinctive front end that we first saw pop-up on the 407 and the 1007. The gaping air-intake in the front bumper, huge headlamps and shortened bonnet with pronounced side ridges all mark the car out. The rear light clusters get a Chrome Red finish as well.
Inside theres, a revised instrument panel with new graphics and chrome surrounds for all the dials, aluminium detailing on the centre console and revised controls for the air-con system and the stereo.
"If youre buying a car of this kind, this 307 has to be on the shopping list."
The 307 feels reassuringly well finished, even in the S version that represents the entry-point for 1.6-litre customers. In fact, there are two trim options available to 1.6-litre petrol buyers S and Sport at prices ranging between £13,200 for the 3-door S and £15,200 for the 5-door only Sport.
Equipment levels are everything you would expect maybe even more, given that all models get six airbags (including front and rear curtain bags to protect you against flying glass) as well as ABS with Brake Assist and air-conditioning. There are also active head restraints, a seatbelt fastening indicator and automatic hazard light deployment under heavy braking. Other thoughtful applications include a boot which automatically locks when you pull away, protecting the contents from opportunistic thieves while stopped in traffic, and door linings that are fitted with reinforced cowlings that shield the lock elements. As for the rest of the specification, well as usual, it depends on your pocket.
Go for an S version and you can expect to find 16" alloy wheels, remote central locking, electric front windows, a height and rake-adjustable steering wheel, a six-speaker CD stereo, front fog lights, cruise control with a speed limiter and powered mirrors, while the Sport boasts digital climate controlled air conditioning, electric folding door mirrors, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, electric windows all round and a fascia CD autochanger. For those that want additional versatility, theres a choice of an estate variant in either standard or SW-badged mini-MPV guises. Go for the SW with the 1.6-litre 16v engine and youll have the potential for carrying seven passengers.
Alternatively, if posing is more important to you than practicality, theres a 1.6-litre version of the 307CC Coupe Cabriolet with a folding hard-top roof. Whichever bodystyle you go for, nice touches include front door bins that can carry a 1.5-litre bottle and sliding underseat storage trays.
Cool air from the air-conditioning will find its way into the glove box to keep your drinks and chocolate cool. Plus there are cargo nets in the hatch to stop luggage from looking like its been on a spin cycle after spirited driving. The 307 feels tightly screwed together, and uses a high grade of plastics, giving a subjective impression of quality to the interior. Many will feel that the interior perhaps lacks the visual drama of the exterior styling, and its a fair point.
Nevertheless, ergonomics are sound and the car will be easy on your conscience too, with over 90% of its volume by weight being recyclable or recoverable. The 307 even utilises environmentally friendly constituent parts, such as mudflaps made from what were once polypropylene bottles and soundproofing that uses recycled textiles. Odd thought. The shirt on your back could one day make somebodys Peugeot 307 that tiny bit quieter.
On the road, its all very smooth and easy if not quite as sharp as some enthusiasts might like. Everything feels nice to use steering, throttle, brakes, switchgear. Come out of something larger into this and you should feel quite at home. With rivals as good as the VW Golf, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Citroen C4, Vauxhall Astra, SEAT Leon and Renault Megane, the family hatchback market doesnt suffer dullards gladly.
If youre buying a car of this kind, this 307 has to be on the shopping list.
Facts At A Glance
CAR: Peugeot 307 1.6 16v hatch range
PRICES: £13,200-£15,200 on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 6
CO2 EMISSIONS: 169g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 11.0s / Max Speed 118mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban] 29.7mpg / (extra urban) 48.7mpg / (combined) 39.2mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and curtain airbags / ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [5dr] Length/Width/Height mm 4202/1746/1512
