Peugeot 306 GTI6
The Peugeot 306 GTI-6 arrived in 1996, replacing the S16 from the same 306 line. The 306 GTI-6 was a hatchback featuring three doors and an engine mounted in front. This model is reasonably popular among classic car enthusiast. Yet if you want to buy one, you will likely need to be flexible about your chosen model years.
Compared to the S16
When the 306 GTI-6 replaced the S16, it got more than just a new name. The face was also refreshed, and both the engine and transmission were improved. The new six-speed gearbox contributed to the name of the new auto. The engine was a 2.0-liter affair that received a new resonance intake manifold in aluminum plus a tuned exhaust manifold. Together, these adjustments ensured a better torque curve and smoother delivery of power. Thanks to the use of lighter valve tappet and con-rods, the maximum of the 1996 Peugeot 306 GTI-6 was 7,300 rpm. This type of free revving was simply not possible on the S16. The engine also got more powerful.
Performance
Peugeot 306 Rally
Some refer to the Peugeot 306 GTI-6 as the “King of the Twisty” due to its ability to handle twisty roads at a reasonable speed while leaving the driver engaged and in control. The helm of this model was also highly regarded for its ability to transmit the feel of the road to the driver, letting you adjust your driving.
The 306 GTI-6’s front-mounted engine delivered power to the front wheels. The engine is a 2-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder, which features four valves in each cylinder and a double overhead camshaft style. This engine produced 167 horsepower compared to the 150 horsepower from the previous model year. It was not the most powerful engine of the class. However, it was flexible and among the most usable when at lower revs. That previously mentioned six-speed transmission delivered precise and smooth gear changes while the closely-stacked ratios helped it achieve its reputation for excelling on twisty roads.
Based on official tests, the Peugeot 306 GTI-6 was able to reach up to 130 miles per hour. It needed 7.9 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill or 21.5 seconds to reach 100 mph.
Other Key Parts
The 306 GTI-6 did have stiffer underpinnings than other 306 models thanks to lower and firmer springs. The interior of this model featured sportier front seats, a better seating position, and a dashboard that was clear and logical.
Part of Phase 1
306 Phase 1
The Peugeot 306 GTI-6 was part of the 306 Phase 1, which lasted from 1993 to 1997 out of a total of three phases. As part of Phase 1, it had a MacPherson strut layout featuring an anti-roll bar in the front and a PSA Peugeot-Citroen independent trailing arm/torsion bar arrangement in the rear. The chassis design also included passive rear wheel steering and shock absorbers, which were developed and constructed in-house. When Phase 2 arrived in 1997, the 306 GTI-6 got some of the same updates as the other Peugeot 306 models. These included cosmetic upgrades to the bumpers, grille, and headlights.
