Peugeot 306 1997–2002 car dimensions: 4030 mm long, 1690 mm wide and 1380 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,085 kg. Braked towing is 1,200 kg.
The cabin features a logical layout with HVAC and audio controls on the centre stack. Air conditioning is available as an option or standard on higher trims, with automatic climate control on premium grades. Driver airbag is common, with passenger and side airbags on many later or higher models. ABS is optional early on and more widespread later. Seats are comfortable with good ride quality, though rear space suits two adults or three children best.
Boot space is 338 litres with seats up and expands to 637 litres with the rear seats folded. It handles shopping and weekend bags well for a compact hatch.
Braked towing capacity reaches 1200 kg on most versions, with unbraked around 540-650 kg depending on engine and body. Payload sits near 450 kg based on typical kerb and gross weights. The car suits light towing and everyday loads but lacks specialised work features.
The cabin has a driver-focused layout with large speedo and tacho dials. Front seats are high-bolstered for cornering support, with sports or bucket seats on higher grades. Air conditioning is available by grade. Rear bench is split-folding. Higher quality materials than pre-facelift. Rear space is tight for three adults.
Fuel tank holds 60 litres
Petrol engines serviced every 20,000 miles or 2 years
Direct injection diesels every 12,000 miles or 2 years
Indirect injection diesels every 10,000 miles or 2 years
Euro NCAP 3 stars for adult occupant protection
Driver airbag standard. ABS standard from 1998/99. passenger and side airbags on later or higher grades. pretensioning front belts
Engines include petrol 1.4 to 2.0 and diesels 1.8 to 2.0 HDi. Tank capacity is 60 litres across versions. Oil level needs regular checks between services as topping up is normal.
Service intervals are extended: petrol every 20,000 miles or two years, direct diesel 12,000 miles or two years, indirect diesel 10,000 miles or two years. Intermediate free level checks apply if dealer-serviced. Brake fluid every two years or 40,000 miles. Timing belt and airbags have fixed replacement points.
Crash testing gave 3 stars overall for adults, with stable structure in frontal impact and adequate side protection even without side airbags. Pedestrian score was lower. Standard kit built up over the years to include driver airbag, then dual front airbags, ABS and side airbags on many models. Seat belts have pretensioners.
Keep oil topped and change the cambelt on schedule to avoid engine damage. Front discs wear relatively quickly. The car is generally reliable if maintained, with strong used safety ratings in some markets.
Length 4030 mm, Width 1690 mm, Height 1380 mm, Wheelbase 2580 mm (306 1997–2002)
Sources: manufacturer data, auto-data.net, Wikipedia and autoevolution for, Peugeot owner manual phase 2.