Peugeot 307 XSE 2005 Review

Stylish and Practical

Australians have had an on-again, off-again love affair with French brand Peugeot. But it appears the quirky company now has the range to firmly establish its presence on our soil. It has the market pretty well covered with everything from the sporty 206GTi through to the roomy 406 wagon and the 307 in between - something for everyone.

The 307 has been with us for a number of years now but the latest version was unveiled at the Australian International Motor Show in October featuring new design cues along with a host of improved comfort features and the introduction of the 2.0-litre diesel and six-speed manual option.

The 307 range includes the XS, XSE and Sport five-door hatches, stylish Cabriolet Coupe (hard-top convertible) and long wheelbase Touring models. Engine options range from 1.6 – 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines (all of which meet strict Euro IV emissions regulations) along with five and six-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic control systems.

The 307 has been given a fresh face borrowing the corporate look from the 407 with new bumper, wings, bonnet and headlights. It's a sleek design from the front but it's a high car and rather boxy side-on and probably not to everyone's taste.

We found the interior a winner with plenty of room for occupants and carrying space for a couple of suitcases or loads of shopping bags. The look has been freshened up with new instrument panels and switch gear which works quite well too, and of course there's the added bonus of Peugeot's respected safety features. It's a very practical people mover and is a viable alternative for traditional family sedan customers.

 The front seats provided a very upright driving position and have built-in retractable arm rests which came in handy on long trips in top gear but were best left in the up position around town in a manual car as they got in the way of gear changes. Leg and head room for all but the tallest people is more than adequate. Controls come easily to hand and stereo and air-con systems are well up to the job.

The 307 XSE features a 1997cc engine developing 103kW with 200Nm of torque coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox. The perky little engine provided more than enough power and torque for daily driving duties. The manual gearbox is a joy to use and the clutch pedal featherweight light to operate making the daily grind that much easier.

Peugeot's famous ride is not let down by the 307. It's a comfortable tourer but is surprisingly spritely when pressed. Steering and balance are first rate too. The 307 is a good all-rounder, capable of the school run, family holidays and a little fun on a favourite road.

And with petrol prices on everyone's lips the 307 delivers a pretty good fuel economy figure too. On our test we averaged 9.5L/100km over the week which included some 'spirited' driving and all in the confines of the city.