(MENAFN- Jordan Times) A well devised and executed car first launched in late 2012, the Peugeot 301 was the French manufacturer's foray into strengthening its position in emerging markets, in light of the growing popularity of Korean manufacturers in the post global recession era. Comfortable, sensible, uncomplicated and rugged yet elegant, refined and spacious, the 301 has been going strong since.
Manufactured in Spain and several emerging markets, the 301 was revised for the 2017 model year, and remains a refreshingly honest, user-friendly and affordable compact saloon, as its production run continues.
Restrained refresh
Built with common sense engineering and well packaged in a more traditionally elegant saloon format, as often favoured over hatchbacks in many developing markets, the Peugeot 301's design and finish, however, have a more stylishly upmarket and somewhat conservative air than many rivals designed with faddish designs and which are too obviously built to a cost. A standout in its highly competitive compact saloon segment, the revised and face-lifted 301 received a mild design refresh, updated infotainment system and a new and improved 6-speed automatic gearbox option.
The 301's most noticeable visual changes include a narrower grille with re-positioned emblem and the deletion of its predecessor's upper headlight kink, in favour of a moodier, more strongly browed design with more assertive lighting elements. Along with revised bumpers and bonnet, the face-lifted 301 looks fresher and more elegantly mature, with greater horizontal emphasis. At the rear, a revised light pattern similarly looks better integrated. Meanwhile, its roofline, strong side crease-line, comparatively spacious head, leg and shoulder room, and voluminous and expandable 506-litre boot are unchanged.
Capable comfort
Developed with sensible comfort, cost-efficiency and affordability in mind, the 301 rides on moderate 195/60R16 tyres, which visually well-fill its wheel-arches, but also offer durability and comfort over rougher surfacing, and help with steering feel and accuracy. MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension design is meanwhile effective and uncomplicated, and generous near crossover SUV-like 165mm ground clearance is well suited for poorly paved, unpaved and rutted developing market roads. A forgiving ride, the 301 is a comfortable long distance driver and practical, user-friendly day car.
Built as an effective and affordable daily drive, the 301 1.6 VTI's use of Peugeot's well-proven 1.6-litre 16-valve DOHC conventional multi-point injection engine — instead pricier and more sensitive direct injection or turbo technology — is well-suited for developing markets. Durable, smooth and fuel efficient, the 301 1.6 VTI's engine develops 113BHP at 6,050rpm and 111lb/ft at 4,000rpm. Its delivery is progressive and smooth, with good low-end response, mid-range versatility and willing top-end. Meanwhile, restrained 1,185kg mass helps efficiency and performance, and allows for the use of lighter, less costly components throughout.
Refined ride
Gaining a 6-speed automatic gearbox in place of an outgoing 4-speed auto, the revised 301's broader range of ratios improves low- and mid-range on the move flexibility, highway refinement and real world efficiency. A smoother and more consistent drive, the revised 301's new slick shifting gearbox reduces the necessity for aggressive kickdown shifts when overtaking or on inclines. In terms of performance and consumption, the revised 301 is estimated to retain or slightly improve on its predecessor, with approximate 10.5-second 0-100km/h acceleration, 188km/h top speed and 7.3l/100km combined fuel efficiency.
Finding a good compromise between stability and responsiveness and comfort and handling the 301 feels dynamically adept in most circumstances. It is refined and reassuring on highways and sweeping bends, but is sufficiently agile through narrow winding lanes, and well manoeuvrable in town, with good visibility to place it easily on road. Similarly, its steering wheel also finds a good compromise between high speed damping, low speed lightness and decent feel, feedback and turning speed, including 3.15-turns lock-to-lock. Meanwhile, braking is reassuring and responsive, with ABS and emergency brake assistance.
Classy quarter
Tidy into corners, the 301 well controls body lean for a comfortably sprung and comparatively high riding saloon, while its' steering relays good feel for road surface, grip limit and position. Supple and designed for demanding conditions and as a first new family car, the 301 forgivingly dispatches lumps and bumps, while body roll is not overly evident through corners. With decent vertical control and ground clearance, the 301 rides comfortably yet feels settled over crests and dips, as it fluently irons out road imperfections.
Classy in design and ambiance for a car expected to perform in tough conditions, the 301 features comparatively good quality plastics and textures in prominent places, including its gear lever, dials and sporty contoured steering wheel, while layouts and controls are intuitive and user-friendly. Meanwhile, cost-cutting components are more discreet, and include centre console electric window buttons. Well-equipped for an affordable world car, the 301 features particularly effective heating and air conditioning, and now even includes an Android Auto and Apple Carplay enabled 7-inch infotainment screen system.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Engine: 1.6-litre, 16-valve DOHC, transverse 4-cylinders
- Bore x stroke: 78.5 x 82mm
- Compression ratio: 11:1
- Gearbox: 6-speed auto, front-wheel-drive
- Power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 113.5 (115) [85] @6,050rpm
- Specific power: 71.5BHP/litre
- Torque, lb/ft (Nm): 111 (150) @4,000rpm
- Specific torque: 94.5 Nm/litre
- 0-100km/h: 10.5-seconds (estimate)
- Standing km: 32-seconds (estimate)
- Top speed: 188km/h (estimate)
- CO2 emissions: 154g/km
- Fuel consumption, combined: 7.3-litres/100km (estimate)
- Fuel capacity: 50-litres
- Height: 1,466mm
- Width: 1,748mm
- Length: 4,445mm
- Wheelbase: 2,652mm
- Tread, F/R: 1,501/1,478mm
- Overhang, F/R: 819/974mm
- Ground clearance: 165mm
- Aerodynamic drag coefficient: 0.32 (estimate)
- Headroom, F/R: 1,091/849mm
- Shoulder room, F/R: 1,380/1,359mm
- Luggage capacity, min/max: 506-/1,332-litres
- Kerb weight: 1,185kg (estimate)
- Suspension, F/R: MacPherson struts/torsion beam
- Steering: Electric-assisted rack and pinion
- Turning circle: 10.7-metres
- Lock-to-lock: 3.15-turns
- Brakes, F/R: Ventilated discs/drums
- Tyres: 195/55R16
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