Peugeot 307 (facelift ) 2.0i (177 Hp)

The Peugeot 307, first introduced in 2001, quickly established itself as a significant contender in the highly competitive European C-segment, a market dominated by compact family cars. Succeeding the popular Peugeot 306, the 307 aimed to offer greater interior space, improved safety, and a more sophisticated driving experience. In 2005, Peugeot introduced a comprehensive facelift for the 307, refreshing its aesthetics and updating its technical specifications to maintain its appeal against a wave of new rivals. Among the various powertrains offered, the Peugeot 307 (facelift 2005) 2.0i (177 Hp) variant stood out as a performance-oriented option. This particular model, produced from 2005 to 2008, combined the practicality of a hatchback with a spirited engine, appealing to European consumers who desired a blend of everyday usability and engaging driving dynamics. While never officially imported to the United States, the 307 played a crucial role in Peugeot’s global strategy, embodying the brand’s commitment to design, comfort, and engineering prowess in its primary markets.

Engine and Performance: The Heart of the Peugeot 307 (facelift 2005) 2.0i

At the core of the Peugeot 307 (facelift 2005) 2.0i (177 Hp) was the RFK EW10J4S engine, a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter (1997 cm³, or 121.86 cu. in.) inline-four gasoline unit. This powerplant was engineered to deliver a compelling balance of power and responsiveness, particularly for a vehicle in its class. It produced a robust 177 horsepower at a high 7000 rpm, showcasing its performance-oriented tuning. Torque output stood at 148.99 lb.-ft. (202 Nm) available at 4750 rpm, providing ample pulling power across a usable rev range.

The engine’s architecture featured a DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its efficient breathing and high-revving nature. A compression ratio of 11:1 further enhanced combustion efficiency, while a multi-port manifold injection system ensured precise fuel delivery. Coupled with a slick-shifting 5-speed manual transmission, the 2.0i (177 Hp) variant channeled its power to the front wheels, offering an engaging and direct driving experience characteristic of European hot hatchbacks.

Performance figures for this model were impressive for its time and segment. The Peugeot 307 (facelift 2005) 2.0i could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 8.4 seconds, with a top speed reaching 136.7 mph (220 km/h). Despite its performance aspirations, Peugeot also paid attention to fuel efficiency, achieving a combined fuel consumption rating of 28 US mpg (8.4 l/100 km). In urban driving, it delivered 19.9 US mpg (11.8 l/100 km), while extra-urban cruising improved to 36.2 US mpg (6.5 l/100 km). With CO2 emissions of 200 g/km, it met the Euro 4 emission standard, reflecting a balance between performance and environmental considerations for its era. The vehicle’s kerb weight of 2835.14 lbs (1286 kg) resulted in a favorable weight-to-power ratio of 7.3 kg/Hp, or 137.6 Hp per tonne, further underscoring its agile character.

Design and Features: Practicality Meets Refinement

The Peugeot 307 (facelift 2005) maintained the overall design philosophy of the pre-facelift model but introduced subtle yet impactful changes. The exterior received a refreshed front fascia, including a more prominent grille and redesigned headlights, aligning it with Peugeot’s evolving corporate identity. Its distinctive high-roofline design, a hallmark of the 307, was retained, contributing to its spacious interior and excellent outward visibility. The vehicle was offered in a versatile hatchback body type, available with either 3 or 5 doors, making it suitable for a range of buyers from young singles to small families.

Inside, the Peugeot 307 (facelift 2005) offered seating for five occupants, characterized by comfortable and supportive seats. The interior design emphasized ergonomics and quality materials, creating an inviting cabin environment. Practicality was a strong suit, with a minimum trunk (boot) space of 12.04 cu. ft. (341 l) that could expand significantly to 46.9 cu. ft. (1328 l) with the rear seats folded down, rivaling some larger vehicles.

Dimensions of the 307 were well-proportioned for a compact car, with a length of 165.83 inches (4212 mm), a width of 68.74 inches (1746 mm), and a height of 59.45 inches (1510 mm). A wheelbase of 102.68 inches (2608 mm) contributed to a stable ride and generous interior volume. The vehicle featured a front track of 58.94 inches (1497 mm) and a rear track of 58.74 inches (1492 mm), providing a solid stance. Its ground clearance of 4.72 inches (120 mm) was typical for a road-focused hatchback, and a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.31 indicated a reasonably aerodynamic design.

In terms of chassis and safety, the Peugeot 307 (facelift 2005) was equipped with ventilated disc brakes at the front and disc brakes at the rear, complemented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced stopping power and control. Steering was managed by a responsive rack and pinion system. The 2.0i (177 Hp) variant came standard with 205/50 R17 V tires mounted on 17-inch wheel rims, providing a good balance of grip and ride comfort. The front-wheel-drive architecture, powered by a transverse-mounted internal combustion engine, was a conventional and proven setup for this segment, offering predictable handling characteristics.

Technical Specifications

Legacy and Market Impact of the Peugeot 307

The Peugeot 307, including its facelifted 2005 generation, carved out a significant niche in the highly competitive European compact car market. Its primary rivals included established stalwarts like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Renault Mégane, and Opel Astra. Against this formidable competition, the 307 distinguished itself with a unique blend of French flair, a spacious and airy cabin, and a generally comfortable ride. The 2.0i (177 Hp) variant, in particular, offered a more dynamic alternative to the standard models, appealing to buyers looking for a “warm hatch” experience rather than an outright “hot hatch” in the vein of a Golf GTI or Focus ST.

The 307’s reputation was built on its strong emphasis on passenger comfort and safety, achieving a commendable 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, which was a significant selling point in the mid-2000s. Its “tall boy” design, while sometimes polarizing, provided excellent headroom and a commanding view of the road, contributing to its family-friendly appeal. The facelifted model helped to modernize its appearance and keep it fresh against newer designs from competitors, extending its market relevance.

While the Peugeot 307 (facelift 2005) 2.0i (177 Hp) was a relatively niche model within the broader 307 lineup, its existence demonstrated Peugeot’s commitment to offering diverse powertrain options, including those catering to enthusiasts. It showcased the brand’s engineering capability to extract considerable power from a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine, a characteristic that was becoming less common as turbocharged engines began to dominate the performance segment.

The 307’s overall success in Europe paved the way for its successor, the Peugeot 308, which continued the brand’s presence in the C-segment. Although Peugeot withdrew from the North American market decades prior, the 307’s global impact was substantial, contributing to Peugeot’s image as a producer of stylish, practical, and well-engineered vehicles. The 2.0i (177 Hp) variant remains a testament to a period when European manufacturers often offered a broader range of naturally aspirated performance engines, providing a distinct driving character that many enthusiasts still appreciate today. Its legacy is one of a versatile compact car that successfully blended practicality with a touch of sporty engagement for its target audience.