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22/09/2008
By EWAN KENNEDY
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The Peugeot 307 nominally replaced the Peugeot 306 in December 2001, but is actually about half a size larger than the 306. It can almost be termed a family car in Australian terms, particularly in this era of downsizing to cut fuel costs. The French certainly see it as a family transport. The front seats are large, well-shaped and comfortable. Rear seat legroom is OK, but you may have to move the front seats forward a couple of notches to make space for large teenagers. The boot is large and simple to load and can be extended by folding the rear seats in different sections.
 Peugeot’s 307 appeals to those looking for something with plenty of flair in their automotive world. It has managed this flair without going for an outrageous shape as have some other French marques.
With the facelifted model from October 2005 the 307 received the ‘big-grille’ look that had created such a stir with the Peugeot 407 on its launch. If anything, the prominent front end works even better in the smaller 307 than in the large, upmarket 407.
In the Peugeot tradition, the 307’s suspension soaks up bumps with a minimum of fuss. The steering setup will really appeal to the keen driver wanting more than just transportation from their car. No matter how rough the outback road the Peugeot’s steering communicates its messages almost to perfection.
Turbo-diesel engines have been strong in the Peugeot lineup in Australia since long before the current fuel-price crisis. You can buy them in 1.6 and 2.0-litre format and even the smaller unit gives reasonable performance – while simply sipping fuel as it does so. However, most buyers prefer the larger diesel and it may be the better bet when it comes to resale time.
Petrol engines continue to be the mainstay of the Peugeot 307 range and are also offered in 1.6 and 2.0-litre capacities. These engines are smooth enough in their own right, but somehow don’t quite manage the silkiness of their Japanese competitors.
Petrol engines are sold with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. At this stage the diesels come only with manual gearboxes, five ratios in some and six in others, but an automatic transmission turbo-diesel is soon to hit the new-car scene.
 There's a large range of bodies in the Peugeot 307. A five-door hatchback is the principal model, but the station wagon, introduced in 2003, is selling well for its market segment, indeed with a move away from large SUVs wagons such as the 307 are polling well in buyer interest. The styling of the Peugeot 307 wagon is even stronger in the metal than in photographs. Yet it’s not all show and no go, because the rear end gives the load area the sort of practicality much loved by Aussie station wagon lovers.
A coupe-cabriolet version, the Peugeot 307 CC, has been offered since February 2004. Peugeot pioneered this roof concept way back in the 1930s and has continued to improve the fascinating engineering theme with each new model.
Peugeot has consistently maintained a stronger presence in Australia than any other importer of affordable European cars. This has led to good resale values as well as a well-organised dealer network. We haven’t heard of complaints about the cost of servicing or spare parts. Even unusual parts generally seem to be delivered within a day or so of being ordered.
The Peugeot 307 is a reasonably simple car in its mechanical layout. However it’s not really a car on which the amateur mechanic should attempt major repairs. Routine servicing can be done by the owner; it’s always wise for them to have a workshop manual before opening the bonnet.
Insurance costs are about average for an imported car in this class. That is, higher than for home-grown cars, but not unreasonably so.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Check that the engine starts easily and idles relatively smoothly. It should accelerate the car without hesitation even from low revs and not be too noisy or harsh while doing so.
 Watch for an immediate puff of smoke if the engine is suddenly asked to work hard. Some smoke is acceptable in a turbo-diesel, but it shouldn’t last for more than a couple of seconds. Any smoke in a petrol engine’s exhaust is likely to mean major problems.
Manual gearboxes are generally long lasting but one which is reluctant to change down from a high gear when rushed may be in trouble. On the other hand it might just be that the clutch needs adjusting.
Automatics should change quickly and not hold onto gears for too long. Nor should they constantly jump up and down through gears.
Be sure the brakes pull the car up evenly without any pulling to one side or the other, and that no one wheel locks before the others.
Look over the complete car for signs of a rough life. In particular look for repaired body damage.
CAR BUYING TIP
If going for something out of the ordinary it pays to do plenty of research before moving into a new field. Try talking to existing owners when you see them in carparks, etc. They can be a real gold mine of info.
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