In the 1980s the Peugeot 205 GTi became the hot hatch to own, beating the Volkswagen Golf GTI not in terms of dynamic performance but in sheer good looks. Today the Peugeot 307 is doing the same to the likes of the Ford Focus and Honda Civic. No coincidence then that when VW revealed the new Golf recently many observers perceived a distinct similarity to the chic French hatchback.

Introduced to Britain in April 2001, the Peugeot 307 was a replacement for the aged 306, and it was nothing short of a revolution in terms of safety, space and quality. At nearly 8in longer than its predecessor, the 307 managed to make room for a host of additional safety features as well as being capable of accommodating five adults in comfort.

The broad range of petrol engines includes a 1.4 litre (75bhp), 1.6 litre (110bhp) and a sporty 2 litre producing 138bhp. Dependent on the choice of engine, the 307’s character can be transformed from shopping car to relaxed motorway cruiser.

For many drivers an even more appealing prospect is the economy of a diesel engine. The smallest 1.4 litre 70bhp unit is more fun than it sounds on paper. Being relatively light, the diesel unit does nothing to inhibit the car’s great handling and, best of all, makes it capable of more than 60mpg.

More powerful options are offered by the 2 litre HDi unit, providing a choice of 90bhp or 110bhp thanks to differences in the engine management. Surprisingly, both cars produce identical fuel economy figures of 54.3mpg (combined) in the official fuel tests. Despite a premium of £1,100 for the more powerful unit when new, this is eroded to around £750 when buying used examples.

Together with 188 lb ft of torque at just 1750rpm, the 110bhp car is endowed with great performance and is a real sporty alternative to even the most powerful petrol versions.

Peugeot’s reputation for building pretty but flimsy cars is virtually laid to rest with the 307. The quality of materials used on the dashboard in particular is on a par with German competitors and the car’s thoughtful design also provides lots of useful storage space for drink bottles, CDs and sweets.

Sit inside the car and its high roofline and large windscreen will give a driving impression more akin to an MPV’s than a family hatchback’s.

Specifications across the extensive model range vary enormously and it’s worth avoiding the base Style models, which lack the all-important air-conditioning. The higher spec LX offered new buyers the addition of air-conditioning for just £400, an option most purchasers took, making these cars more desirable.

However, the best buys are the Rapier and GLX models. Both available with virtually all engine types, they also boast CD players and alloy wheels.

If the thought of owning a 307 seems appealing then there is more good news — service intervals are a generous 20,000 miles on petrol models and 12,000 miles for diesels.

With most cars still under the original 60,000-mile or three-year manufacturer’s warranty it is worth having them checked over by a main agent before this expires, particularly as the 307 has suffered from a number of product recalls since its introduction. Making sure that these have been completed, especially the replacement of the ignition lock on some models, is essential.

VITAL STATISTICS

Model: Peugeot 307 2.0 HDi 110 GLX 5dr
Engine type: Four-cylinder, 1997cc
Power: 110bhp
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel: 54.3mpg (combined)
Acceleration: 0-62mph: 10.9sec
Top speed: 117mph

Airbags: Front, side and curtain airbags standard on all models. Front passenger airbag can be deactivated to allow fitting of child seat.

Ignition lock: Faulty ignition lock on several cars led to a Peugeot recall, check that this has been done.

Glove box: Air-conditioned glove box on most models, ideal for chilling drinks.

Timing Belt: Belt and pulley need replacing between 60-70,000 miles.

Trip computer: Check all features of the read-out - owners report some failures.

Servicing: There are large gaps between services (20,000 miles for petrol cars), but engine oil levels must still be checked regularly.

Insurance: The 1.6 litre petrol has 110bhp on tap but is only group 6 to insure.

Euro NCAP: The car scores well with 4 stars out of 5.

Seat trim: Check for splits as some seams can be incorrectly stitched.

Total sold in Britain: 132,000.

Rear seatbelts: Three-point belts in rear for all three passengers.

Rear seat: Split fold rear seat on all models.

Spare wheel: Hung in a cage beneath the boot, it is a potential target for theft.

THE ONE TO BUY

Peugeot 307 2.0 HDi 110 GLX 5 door 2001 Y with 40,000 miles. Pay £9,225 at a dealer with a 12-month warranty or £8,500 privately.

OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY...

2002 02-reg Ford Focus 1.8TDi Ghia 5dr
2002 52-reg Honda Civic 1.7 CTDi SE 5dr
2002 52-reg Renault Mégane 1.9dCi 5dr
1999 V-reg VW Golf GTI TDI 5dr (115bhp)
2001 51-reg SEAT Leon 1.9TDi 110SE 5dr

VALUES: Peugeot 307 2.0 HDi 110 GLX five-door



£1,250 less than 110. Source: CAP black book prices. ‘Trade’ is what a dealer pays to buy your car; ‘Retail’ is what you pay a dealer