307 in three new guises (From The Westmorland Gazette)

307 in three new guises

9:04am Friday 4th March 2005

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THREE new versions of Peugeot's 307, declared European Car of the Year on its introduction three years ago, X-Line, Sport and Quiksilver, offer customers a greater choice in terms of style, handling and performance following the simplification of the range on last year's revision, writes Alan Domville.

Mainstream variants are called Style, S, (which replaced Rapier), SE (the former GLX) and Xsi/Dturbo.

X-Line is available with a 1.4 (three and five-door hatch only) and 1.6 petrol engines, as well as the 2.0 litre HDi 90 horsepower diesel engine, with pricing starting from £10,995 on the road. Fifteen inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, a CD player and dedicated carpet mats are included.

Sport has appropriate good looks but, claim Peugeot, without the running costs associated with performance hatches.

Power comes from either a 1.6 petrol engine or three common rail diesel alternatives, the 1.6 HDi which develops 110 horsepower or the 2.0 litre HDi with 90 or 136hp.

The specification includes metallic paint, 16-inch wheels, digital air conditioning, an audio system with a CD player, automatic wipers and headlights and electric folding exterior mirrors.

Quiksilver, which marks another association with the prestigious designer outdoor lifestyle, starts from £14,020 on the road and is available with the 1.6 petrol unit or HDi diesel engines: the 1.6 HDi 110hp or 2.0 HDi 136hp.

Here, Smartnav satellite navigation with a year's subscription (worth £844) is fitted to a Peugeot for the first time. Metallic silver paintwork, 16 inch alloy wheels, unique Quiksilver trim, a leather-clad steering wheel and alloy pedals and gearlever knob are part of the package. Automatic wipers and headlights and an audio system with a CD player are also included.

Standout mainstream model is undoubtedly the five-door SE, powered by the 1.6 litre petrol engine. This gives a maximum power output of 110 horsepower generated at 5,800 revs.

The top speed claim is 119 mph and the car can reach 60mph from standing in 11 seconds.

If it's stunning when it's going the car is equally impressive when it stops. The ABS brakes operating on discs have emergency brake force distribution and emergency brake assist.

The engine is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox while the rack and pinion steering features variable power assistance.

Inside, head and legroom is copious and you also get air conditioning for the cabin and the glovebox.

The boot area includes hooks for shopping bags and the like and the exterior is enhanced by alloy wheels.

Safety features include six airbags, including curtain airbags at the front and rear while security is enhanced by remote control central locking with deadlocks. The latter system includes the automatic locking of the tailgate when the car sets off.

There are one-touch electric front windows and they have a feature that prevents them closing on children's heads.

The audio equipment includes a radio and CD player linked to six speakers and steering wheel mounted controls.

The windscreen wipers interact from the middle while the door mirrors are electrically adjustable.

Verdict: Spacious vehicle with lots of originality to satisfy diverse requirements 307 fact file...

307 factfile...

Car: Peugeot 307 SE.

Configuration: Five door hatchback Engine: 1. 6 litre.

Engine: 1.6 litre.

Power output: 110 hp at 5,800 revs.

Top speed: 119 mph.

Transmission: Five speed manual.

Steering: Powered rack and pinion.

Brakes: ABS, EBD.

Fuel tank: 60 litres.

Boot volume: 341 to 1,328 litres.

Length: 14ft.

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