1. Muscular Design: The Peugeot 306 stands out with its sculpted and muscular design that combines sharp lines and smooth curves. It has an aggressive front fascia, sleek headlights, and a distinctive grille, giving it a sporty and robust appearance.
2. Multi-Link Rear Suspension: Unlike many vehicles in its class at the time, the 306 featured a multi-link rear suspension. This design provided exceptional handling characteristics and improved ride comfort by better isolating road irregularities.
3. Six-Speed Gearbox: The Peugeot 306 offered a six-speed manual transmission on certain models. This was rare for a compact hatchback in the mid-1990s and allowed for more efficient gear selection and improved highway fuel economy.
4. S16 Engine: The 306 S16 variant was powered by a 155 horsepower 2.0-liter 16-valve engine. This DOHC engine provided spirited acceleration and made the 306 S16 a capable and sporty performer.
5. XSi Trim: The Peugeot 306 XSi was the top-of-the-line model and featured various enhancements. It had larger brake discs, sports-tuned suspension, bolstered sports seats, and a full body kit, giving it a more aggressive appearance and improved handling capabilities.
6. Cabriolet Variant: The Peugeot 306 was available as a cabriolet. It featured a power-folding metal roof that could be raised or lowered at the touch of a button. The cabriolet offered open-top motoring while maintaining the practicality and comfort of a coupe when the roof was up.
7. Economical Diesel Engines: The Peugeot 306 was available with a range of economical diesel engines that offered great fuel efficiency. The HDi diesel engines were particularly efficient and provided substantial low-end torque.
8. Innovative Safety Features: For its time, the Peugeot 306 offered innovative safety features. It had dual airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and the option for side airbags. These features helped to improve passenger protection and safety.
