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Approximately one year ago the new 307 range was launched in Australia,
featuring a fresh new look combined with new levels of comfort, all the while
retaining it’s outstanding levels of safety and standard equipment, offering
real value for money.
Now, Automobiles Peugeot is adding another improvement to the 307 range,
releasing the 307 XSE HDi in hatch and Touring, featuring a 6-speed automatic
sequential gearbox. Previously available in manual only, the automatic is
perfectly coupled with the powerful yet frugal 2.0-litre, 100kW, 16 valve HDi
engine, which, like all Peugeot diesel models is fitted with particulate filter.
The 307 has proved to be popular with Australian consumers looking for a
stylish yet practical medium sized car, since its launch in late 2001, and is
also one of Europe’s most popular cars, with over 2.7 million units produced
globally.
With many customers looking at their choice of vehicle in a new light,
whether it be for fuel economy without sacrificing drivability, or even from an
environmental perspective, the 307 is providing many with the answer, especially
in its diesel guise.
Sales of the 307 are up 56% YTD in 2006, and Peugeot is definitely gaining a
broader audience, with total sales up 25% compared to the same time last year.
Although previously available in manual only as a diesel, HDi sales have
accounted for 48% of all 307 sales in 2006, and with the arrival of the
automatic option sales predictions are optimistic to say the least.
With the price of fuel at the forefront of the public’s mind, it is not so
surprising that 35% of all Peugeots sold this year have been powered by a diesel
engine. This compares to 23% in 2005, and 12% in 2004. Clearly there is growing
acceptance of diesel in Australia, and Peugeot HDi technology has been able to
address the stereotypical concerns that may still linger in buyer’s minds. The
307 XSE HDi is now on sale, priced at $34,790 for the hatch and $36,490 for the
Touring.
Automatic sequential 6-speed transmission now available for the 307 2.0
HDi FAP
Dynamism and comfort
With its renowned driving qualities and its innovative styling ensuring
numerous benefits in terms of in-car comfort and convenience, the 307 constantly
attracts a wider clientele through its various derivatives.
In 2005 it was further refined and updated to reflect recent styling
developments of the marque which reinforced its natural dynamism.
Since its launch, the 307 has evolved continuously to meet the multiple
demands of the market. In this context, the arrival of the AM6 six-speed
automatic transmission for the diesels in this model is a true innovation.
This transmission, coupled to the 2.0 l HDi 16 valve FAP engine, makes
maximum use of the 100 kW (approx. 136 HP) and 320 Nm developed.
Initially associated with the petrol V6 and the HDi in the 607 and the petrol
V6, HDi and 2.0 l HDi in the 407, this new transmission now available for the
HDi engine in the 307 range will further reinforce the model's image of dynamism
and innovation while providing additional driving comfort.
Technically refined, this new engine/gearbox combination gives the 307
dynamism and responsiveness. Its six gears provide a lively pull-away, a
perceptible continuity of acceleration thanks to the smooth gear change, and
excellent responsiveness due to the optimum use of the engine torque range.
As well as providing the comfort of a fully automatic gearbox, the « Porsche
Tiptronic » sequential control system allows more active driving.
Transmission
The AM6 automatic transmission was developed by Aisin AW to specifications
set by the PSA Peugeot Citroën Group.
The basic principle is to use the
combinations of two epicycloid trains, one single and the other double,
controlled by just five friction elements (clutches or brakes). This principle
means compactness and reduced weight in comparison with automatic four-speed
transmissions.
The automatic six gears contribute to optimum use of the engine. In fact they
ensure better use of the engine with small speed drops on each shift, which
supports the quality of gear changes, dynamism and continuity of
acceleration.
The first, short ratio provides a lively pull-away while the «
long-legged » sixth gear optimises fuel consumption, sound level and motorway
driving comfort with no compromise for overtaking acceleration which benefits
from an immediate downshift by one or more gears.
There are two driving mode options: the one automatic, auto-adaptive for
relaxing driving without stress, adapting to the driving style of the driver,
and the other more active thanks to the sequential control.
For greater safety the transmission has a « shift lock » function which,
while the engine is running, prevents shifting out of Parking (P) unless the
brake pedal is pressed at the same time. Also a buzzer is activated when the
driver opens his door with the engine off, without having returned the selector
lever to Parking.
To allow installation in the 307 (platform 2), the AM6 has undergone specific
adaptations. It is more compact than its previous installations on larger
platforms, hence its designation « AM6C ».
2.0 l HDi - DW10 BTED4 – FAP Engine
With capacity 1997 cm3 (bore 85 mm, travel 88 mm), this four cylinder
16-valve engine is fitted with a Garrett variable geometry turbo. It develops a
maximum power of 100 kW at 4000 rpm and a maximum torque of 320 Nm at 2000 rpm.
On the four higher gears, the torque rises to 340 Nm at 2000 rpm thanks to the «
overboost » function activated at full engine load between 1750 and 3200 rpm. High pressure injection
The common rail, direct high pressure injection system comprises a high
pressure, electronically controlled pump placed at the end of the exhaust
camshaft. In the common rail, the internal pressure can vary between 250 bar and
1650 bar depending on the demand from the computer software as a function of
engine speed and load. The rail is connected to Siemens injectors controlled
independently by the ECU and fitted with a piezo-electric control head.They have
six tiny diameter (less than 150µ) injection openings ensuring very fine
atomisation directly into the combustion chamber.This technology therefore
allows optimum fuel metering in terms of quantity and duration.
The system
allows potential management of six different injections (multiple injections):
- Two pre-injections: to control the injection noise.
- Two main injections: to obtain torque and power, and a good balance of
noise/emissions/fuel consumption.
- Two post- injections: to regenerate the FAP.
Environmental performance
By its very design, the diesel is the engine with the best thermodynamic
efficiency. Also thanks to the very high injection pressure of the common rail
system, the extremely fine atomisation of the diesel in the chamber allows more
homogeneous and very complete combustion. This gives a better combustion
efficiency which, by reducing emissions at source, easily complies with the EURO
4 emission standards.
This engine is fitted with a particle filter (FAP) to retain the particulates
then burn them in a system exclusive to the common rail, allied to the Eolys
compound.
Dynamic characteristics
The AM6/DW10B system gives the 307 good acceleration, flexibility at low
speeds and perceptible driving comfort.
So the saloon takes just 31.7 s to cover 1000 m from a standing start with
just the driver on board. Under the same conditions, acceleration from 80 to 120
km/h takes just 8.5 s in Drive. The top speed achieved in 6th gear is 203
km/h.
The technological content of the engine and the resulting availability
of torque at low speeds allow controlled fuel consumption of 6.7 l in mixed
cycle, and emissions of 178 g/km CO2 . Wheels and tyres
The 307 is unanimously appreciated for its neutral and reassuring behaviour
with pseudo- MacPherson suspension on the front and deformable cross-member on
the rear.
The only changes made concern the unladen spring heights, which are adapted
to the change in mass of the vehicle to retain the same vehicle ride height.
307
Technical Specification
307
Equipment and Options
307
Price List
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