Peugeot 307 2.0 XS
2002-09-09 08:28
Author: Wilmer Muller
The 307's aim is directly at its German neighbours the Volkswagen Golf and Opel Astra. The real challenge is trying to be better than the Jones' and it is easier said than done especially if the Jones dynasty is already a very respected clan.
Though it must be quite satisfying when the Jones family is starting to be envious of you ideas.
The new Peugeot 307 created a new trend in car design when it was released last year. It has a crossover design - something between a conventional hatchback and a small MPV - with a high roofline. Now it seems that the Golf 5 will also follow this design.
This means that Peugeot must be doing something right with the 307. It was also named European car of the year in 2001.
If you put the new 307 next to the current Golf the German car is already starting to show its age. The 307 has an impressive fresh design that gives the car an individual look.
Successful design
The front design is the most prominent feature. It has a very curvy front end and streamlined headlamps that merge into the bodywork. The slatted front grille has a prominent chromed "Peugeot Lion" badge.
The 307's design deserves full marks. Curves, sweeping lines and the ample use of glass are part of a very successful design. Not only is it very attractive but there is also a lot of practical benefit.
With a crossover design like the 307 there is always the possibility that the car may appear clumsy. If one looks at the 307 the opposite is true - the car has a sporty and elegant look.
The only car on the South African market, which can challenge the 307's semi-MPV design, is the Honda Civic five-door. But the Civic doesn't have the same stylish lines and this Japanese competitor's crossover design isn't as successful.
Spaciousness and interior
Thanks to the crossover design the car has better all-round visibility and more interior space.
Inside the car the first impression is that of roominess. Headroom for taller passengers is much better than cars like the VW Golf and Opel Astra.
There is generous space for rear passengers and four adults will fit comfortably in this car. It is possible to accommodate a third adult in the rear but it will take a bit of squeeze. The car also has big doors that make access quite easy.
It also offers a credible amount of luggage space with seats up, or folded forward. A nice feature is the shopping bag hooks and there is also a luggage net.
Behind the steering wheel the driver also feel much more in control than in a usual hatchback. The seating position is a bit higher than expected and visibility is quite good.
The front seats are comfortable with more than enough support and also had foldaway armrests. This turned out to be a convenient feature especially because the car has an automatic transmission and the driver don't use his left arm that often.
The 307 XS' trim offered a lot of convenient features. The car has a very effective climate control which cools the cubby as well.
Furthermore there is a front-loading CD-player with satelite controls at the steering wheel, all-round electric windows, an automatic lights-on feature and rain sensitive wipers. Another nifty feature is the side-mirrors which fold away when you lock the car.
Other standard features include alloy wheels, remote central locking, on-board computer and a 12-volt power output point.
The 307 has MPV genes and therefore you will find a mulitude of storage places like trays beneath the front seats. It also has a spectacle holder in the roof and drink holders.
The interior of the 307 is very attractive and all controls are in easy reach of the driver. Everything is also user friendly. There is also an attractive brushed aluminium look for the centre console and vent surrounds.
The quality of the plastic and materials used for the interior is very good but unfortunately it doesn't beat the Golf's class-leading interior.
On the road
On the road the 307 has a solid feel to it but don't expect any high performance figures of this car. The 2-litre power train develops 100kW at 6000rpm and torque is 190Nm at 4100rpm.
This 2-litre automatic 307 accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11.2 seconds and top speed is just beneath 200km/h.
Sometimes the 307 lacked a bit of oomph but the car has more than enough power when needed. Overtaking other cars at high speeds didn't seem to be a problem but the manual version will be the better choice if you want more immediate reaction.
The four speed automatic Tiptronic transmission is nothing spectacular. Some people will find the idea of a Tiptronic feature exciting but it is a bit over the top for the 307.
The Tiptronic isn't as refined as expected and in our opinion it was an unnecessary extra. There isn't enough torque to enjoy the Tiptronic as in other cars and it was actually a bit slow in finding the gears. A conventional automatic transmission would have been a better choice.
The 307's steering was very sharp and it reacted good to the actions of the driver. As expected the car is not very sporty but handling is neutral and the overall ride is quite good. Most people will find the overall driving experience to be pleasurable.
Safety features for the 307 include six airbags, ABS brakes and EBD. This big range of safety equipment put the 307 also in a class of its own.
Conclusion
Overall the 307 2-litre XS is an impressive competitor in the midsize hatchback sector. It is also worthy of being a real competitor for the VW Golf.
Although quality is not similar to that of VW's Golf, the Peugeot 307 has a lot going for it to make its German neighbour a tad bit jealous and nervous.
The biggest advantage for the 307 is its design and this will definitely attract buyers who are looking for a lot of French flair.
Pricing for the whole 307 range is also acceptable and equipment levels are high. It also has more than enough space to qualify as a family vehicle.
This is a well built and generously specced car and has all the traditional Peugeot values - it is solid, there is more than enough comfort and offers a great great ride. This is a true modern car with class-leading styling.
The 307 definitely impressed us and we are sure that it is also stealing a few sales from VW and Opel.
But the most impressive part of this car is that it created a whole new design trend for future hatchbacks and Peugeot can be proud of this accomplishment.
Click here for photo gallery