#12 Peugeot 307 – Still a sensible hatchback

The Peugeot 307 was originally presented to the world as the Promethee Prototype in the year 2000. The concept was an indication of how the replacement for the extremely successful and excellent Peugeot 306 would look like. The production version of the concept, the Peugeot 307, was launched a year later and won the coveted 2002 European Car of the Year.

Peugeot 307 hatchback

Looks and variants

The Peugeot 307 adopted the 206 and 607’s styling theme. With upswept front lights and a steeply rising bonnet leading to a highly sloped windscreen (and the upright rear doors adopted from the 206), the 307 was a huge departure from its predecessor and re-emphasised the departure from the elegant styling, and Pininfarina-like design, employed on the previous models such as the Peugeot 205 and the Peugeot 406.

The Promethee Prototype 

The 307 is considered by some as a low compact MPV rather than a tall small family car, because of its height and profile. At launch, the Peugeot 307 was launched as a 3- and 5-door hatchback, though in 2002 the 307 range was expanded in 2002 with the introduction of the 307 SW.

The entire 307 range 

The 307 CC, a cabriolet with a retractable hardtop, was launched in 2003 to compete against the new European coupe cabriolets. In 2004, a four-door saloon version of the 307 was launched in China. The same model was also build in Argentina. In 2005, the 307 was revised to meet the onslaught of rivals which had been launched since the 307's introduction in 2001.

Rear of the 307 Sedan 

Externally, the front of the car was restyled featuring mildly revised lights, a new bonnet and the removal of the trademark Peugeot grille between the headlights. With the latter change, along with a new front bumper, the front of the car was now dominated by a larger grille.

Peugeot 307 three door 

Engine choices

Anyone seeking for the Peugeot 308 from the used market should expect a car with any of the 7 power units. The entry level 1.4-litre unit churns out 66 kW (89 hp) and 136 Nm of torque. The mid spec 1.6-litre petrol unit delivers 81 kW (108 hp) and 149 Nm of torque. The most powerful engine, the 2.0-litre EW10, delivers 130 kW (174hp) and 202 Nm of torque. Paired with the engines is a six speed manual or a four speed automatic.

Peugeot 307 CC 

Safety

All versions of the Peugeot 307 feature with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Stability Program. The safety systems ensured a safe and comfortable ride.  The Peugeot 307 also comes with adaptive front and side airbags as well as 3-point seat-belts with pretentions.

Cockpit 

Interior

The dimensions and body shape of the 307 are designed to maximise interior room. The tall roofline creates plenty of headroom in the front, which extends over the rear seat passengers to create a vertical tailgate. Legroom is good both front and back, with the typical split/fold rear seat arrangement for increasing the luggage capacity. The rear seat armrest also folds to give extra storage space and contains two cup holders for added practicality.

Rear seats 

A large rev counter and speedometer dominate the instrument layout on the Peugeot 307, with two smaller dials and an information panel set between them. With white backgrounds the instruments are easy to read and stylish to look at. The rest of the controls are large, clearly labelled and easy to use. All cars get dual-zone automatic air conditioning, allowing separate temperature settings for both front passengers. Both front seat passengers have a seat belt fastening buzzer. The AM/FM radio features RDS as well as a single slot CD/MP3 player.

The rear of the 307

Verdict

The 307 remains one of the all-time favorite cars to ever come from Peugeot.  The car’s favorable handling, great performance and spacious interior made it a hit to many customers all over the world. The Peugeot 307 continued to be on sale until 2008 where it was replaced by the 308.