Launched in 2001 the Peugeot 307 had the difficult task of replacing the best selling Peugeot of all time the 306. More than 2.7 million Peugeot 306’s were produced and 420,000 of them were sold here in the UK. We tested the 307 SW to find out if it really is 'the drive of your life'. The 307 SW is Peugeot's answer to the mid sized MPV market and is available in a choice of either five or seven seat variants. With its curvaceous exterior lines, wrap around headlights, large swooping windscreen and high roofline the designers of the Peugeot 307 have created a bold and stylish car.The 307 is available with the choice of two trim levels S or SE and a choice of powerplants to suit all tastes, a 1.6 litre (110bhp) petrol engine connected to a 5 speed manual gearbox or a 4 speed automatic, and three ultra-clean HDi diesel units, two 1.6 litre engines offering (90bhp) or (110bhp) connected to a 5 speed box and a powerful 2.0 litre (136bhp) engine connected to a six speed box, enabling the 307 SE HDi 136 to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 10.8 seconds and continue to a top speed of 122 mph where the law permits.
The 307 is excellent to drive around town and it is equally at home on the motorway and dual carriageway .For a car of its size, it has a surprisingly low centre of gravity giving you exceptional road holding, parking is easy and visibility is excellent all round with large windows offering superb forward and side vision as well as a large panoramic glass roof making the inside of the car feel very spacious and light. There is plenty of space and good headroom for the driver, because of the MPV-like proportion. Driving position is highly adjustable and comfortable. The seats are firm, supportive and good for long-distance trips. The dashboard is ergonomically laid out, simple and uncluttered. All the controls are tactile and stylish with everything to hand.
The Peugeot 307's wide tailgate opening has a low sill facilitating easy loading of bulky items. The boot is large and almost square offering 341 litres of load space with five passengers onboard. The rear seats fold with a 60:40 rear split and when folded the boot can accommodate 790 litres. A rigid load cover is standard as is a boot net with 6 load securing rings. So does the Peugeot 307 offer the “drive of your life” well we think but the final decision is yours.
