Peugeot 301 (2017)

The doors open wide, providing easy access into a decidedly modern passenger compartment. Structured by a sturdy dashboard, the car's safety is instinctively convincing. The driver sits in the ergonomically-designed driver's seat. After deciding on his driving position by adjusting the height of the leather steering wheel and the seat, the driver operates the speed limiter/cruise control with his left hand and the radio controls with his right. The white dials on the instrument panel inform him on the running of the vehicle.

Nearby on the central dash panel is a large 7" diagonal capacitive screen highlighted in silver trim. This latest generation device is the interface for the TomTom navigation system and the reversing camera. Also on the dash panel are the air-conditioning controls. The controls for the four electric windows are on the central console, on both sides of the gear lever.

To highlight the stylish profile of the Peugeot 301, seven colours have been chosen, three of which are new: Artense Grey, Moka Grey and Deep Blue. Similarly, the passenger compartment can have a light or dark colour scheme. On the Allure, the dark colour scheme is based on a new fabric trim called Cran Adamantium. Finally, this same level of finish has a half-leather trim accompanied by mats.

Technological, roomy and practical

The new Peugeot 301 marks a departure in the segment with its exclusive equipment and services. Beyond its quality and modern image, the passenger compartment is comfortable and practical in both front and rear. In fact, the chassis used, with its 2.65m wheelbase, accommodates five occupants to the highest standard. Occupants have 1.41m elbow width in the front and 1.40m in the rear. Back seat passengers have legroom ranging from 12 to 26cm, a record in the segment, depending on the position of the front seat. Elsewhere, everyday life is made easier by having plenty of storage space around the passenger compartment, including front door pockets, a storage tray incorporated into the front armrest or at the foot of the centre console, and the glove compartment.

The boot is not to be outdone, either. The boot lid opens wide to reveal a 640-litre storage area, 35 litres of which are under the boot carpet, which is 506 dm3 (VDA 210). This volume is one of the best in the segment and its rectangular design makes it even more practical to use. It is also adjustable, according to requirements, by folding down the rear seat backs which can be split 1/3-2/3. By using all of the available space, the boot volume reaches 1332 dm3 (VDA 214).

Not only is the new Peugeot 301 versatile in terms of its interior design, but also in terms of its on-board connectivity. It is possible to set up communication between the car and your phone, whichever model you own, using USB, Bluetooth® and above all Mirror Screen triple play. The last function is unprecedented in the segment and delivers today's systems of Apple CarPlayTM, Android Auto and MirrorLink®. Drivers control their driving applications on their compatible smartphone using the touch screen on their car for greater convenience and safety. Firstly, they no longer need to hold their smartphone to use it, but simply touch the capacitive touch screen on the central dash panel and secondly, they can access their content using a large 7" diagonal screen with high-quality display definition.

This screen is activated by tapping it with your fingers or by your voice via voice recognition, especially for Navigation, Telephone and Media functions. As well as accessing the content of your smartphone, it is the interface for the multimedia system, the reversing camera and the 3D TomTom navigation system. This new generation navigation system displays the rise and fall of the roads in three dimensions for intuitive guidance. This applies to some towns, too.

The Peugeot 301's modern design delivers a high level of both active and passive safety. Manoeuvring and parking are made easier by the rear parking aid and the reversing camera, which displays the area behind the vehicle on the large screen. The speed limiter/cruise control provides safety and comfort on the road. Finally, the ESP, ABS, emergency brake assist (EBA), the activation of the hazard lights in the event of sharp deceleration and the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) are all constantly monitoring and ready for action when necessary.

In the event of an unavoidable collision, occupants are protected by front and side airbags (head/thorax) and by three-point seat belts in the rear. In addition, the rear seats are fitted with ISOFIX attachments for transporting children in complete safety.

Renowned for the quality of its suspension systems, Peugeot has used its expertise to provide this model with high-performance dynamic handling like all the models in the range. The Peugeot 301 has a combination of a Pseudo McPherson front wheel axle unit and a deformable cross car beam at the rear. The wheels are fitted with GoodYear or Bridgestone 185/65 R15T tyres and Michelin 195/55 R16T tyres, as well as 266mm diameter brake discs at the front and rear and 8 or 9" drums depending on the country.

The adjustment of the running gear provides a superb compromise between comfort and roadholding, in any driving conditions. The result is that any bumps or dips in the road surface are perfectly absorbed. The body roll control and on-board comfort are of the highest standard, even on very poor road surfaces.

Faithful to the brand's expectations, it provides precise driving sensations thanks to the carefully calibrated electric power steering. Furthermore, the level of effort required for parking and low-speed manoeuvres has been reduced to a minimum.

Durability and all-round performance

The design of the new Peugeot 301 is governed by state-of-the-art features and this also applies to the engines. The brand's new compact sedan is fitted with new-generation engines. The following engines may be fitted, depending on the country:

• Petrol
  • 1.2L PureTech 82, 5-speed manual gearbox
  • 1.6L VTi 115, 5-speed manual gearbox
  • 1.6L VTi 115, 6-speed EAT6 automatic gearbox
• Diesel
  • 1.6L BlueHDi 100, 5-speed manual gearbox
  • 1.6L HDi 92, 5-speed manual gearbox

The entire range, from the Peugeot 108 to the new Peugeot 3008 and Peugeot 5008 SUVs, is fitted with the family of PureTech 3-cylinder petrol engines. This family of engines has already been installed in over a million Peugeot vehicles worldwide and its turbo-compressor version was crowned Engine of the Year for two years in a row in 2015 and 2016.

Designed entirely by the PSA Group, the 1.2L PureTech 82 engine combines driving pleasure and reduced fuel consumption thanks to its specific 50 kW/l power. Compared with a 4-cylinder engine of equivalent power, the saving in weight is 21kg, while fuel consumption is reduced by 25%.

It really is a powerful combination of technology which conforms to the Euro 6 standards. Here, friction loss, roughly 1/5th of the power consumed by an engine, is reduced by 30%. To bring this about, a Diamond Like Carbon coating is applied to the piston pin, piston rings and tappets. The wet timing belt is incorporated in a crankcase, also contributing to the silent running of the car.

Combustion has been optimised by improving the chamber's aerodynamics (intake ducts, piston heads) and adjusting the ignition to operate with a high level of residual gases.

The cylinder head is made from aluminium alloy and has four valves per cylinder, multipoint indirect fuel injection and continuously variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust (VVT). Furthermore, the cylinder head is manufactured using the Investment Casting Process. This industrial process reduces the number of parts and the volume of the unit. The exhaust manifold, the coolant output module and the engine mounting are incorporated into the cylinder head. The PureTech engine also has a variable displacement oil pump, pilot-operated for consistently optimum operating pressure.

This indirect injection engine delivers a maximum power of 60 kW (82 hp) at 5750 rpm and maximum torque of 118 Nm at 2750 rpm. It has emissions of 110g CO2/km on the combined cycle.

The 1.6L VTi 115 is a 4-cylinder petrol engine with 16-valves in a light alloy. It is fitted with an intake camshaft with a continuously variable timing system (VVT) and accepts octane ratings of up to RON 91. As with the PureTech engine, considerable work has been carried out to reduce friction (smooth running in of the crankcase, piston with optimised rings, etc.). The result is a reduction in CO2 emissions, increased by the adoption of a variable output oil pump.

It has a maximum power of 85 kW (115 hp) at 6050 rpm and maximum torque of 150 Nm is reached at 4000 rpm. This modern engine also complies with the Euro 6 standards and is available with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

This is the new automatic gearbox produced by Aisi, called EAT6 for Efficient Automatic Transmission 6. Its Quickshift technology guarantees top-of-the-range driving pleasure thanks to fluid and rapid gear changes. Moreover, its CO2 emissions are reduced as a result of the reduction in internal friction and internal slippage thanks to lock-up torque converters.

On a combined cycle, it emits 148g CO2/km with the 5-speed manual gearbox and 154g CO2/km with the 6-speed EAT6 automatic gearbox.

The BlueHDi 100 1.6L Diesel engine is an exclusive combination of the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology and additivated Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). This engine is characterised by driving pleasure and record fuel consumption.

The SCR technology is the most effective on the market in terms of post-treatment of nitrogen oxides (NOx), as it is the only one to reduce NOx by up to 90%. Installed upstream of the additivated DPF, it is activated at an early stage. This is made possible by the additivated DPF's ability to regenerate at a lower temperature than the other DPF technologies used by our competitors. The additivated DPF removes 99.9% of all particles, including the finest.

Complying with the Euro 6 standards, this engine provides a maximum power of 73 kW (100hp) at 3750 rpm and maximum torque of 254 Nm is reached at 1750 rpm. In combination with a 5-speed manual gearbox, it emits 98g CO2/km on a combined cycle.

The new Peugeot 301 has been designed to meet a wide range of destinations and uses. Therefore the engines mentioned above may be substituted by other engines meeting local standards.

Its adjustment to specific geographical features means it can cater closely to customers' expectations in challenging driving conditions, in terms of poor-quality roads or hot, cold or damp climates. The suspension system is tailored to poor-quality roads on every version. For the most rugged destinations, a protective plate cover can even be attached under the engine.

The mudguards are moulded from a material which has increased resistance to the cold and are attached by fourteen bolts. Due to their generous dimensions, they provide the engine compartment with maximum cover and effective protection against stone-chipping.

There is a double sealing barrier on the doors to protect against dust and moisture as well as the unpleasant noise generated by these two elements.

To guarantee lasting strength, a large number of components both inside the passenger compartment and outside are bolted on. This is the case for the dashboard in particular which is assembled in this way and which incorporates a dashboard crossbar with an angle bracket for better rigidity.

The engine air supply incorporates one of the most efficient air/water separation systems and is located at the front in order to capture cooler air. The horn contains a diaphragm, not a tube, as it withstands water spray.

The equipment also satisfies this expectation of durability and quality. As regards temperature control, three levels of heating/air conditioning are available. The manual and electronic air conditioning systems, depending on the levels, are fitted with air ducts towards the rear seats to optimise performance.

To respond to uses in hot countries, the 1.2L PureTech 82 and 1.6L VTi 115 engines have a specific air-conditioning circuit. The compressor, condenser and cooling circuit are adjusted to ensure performance. Similarly, the software for the EAT6 automatic gearbox version has been finely tuned. Furthermore, a special 'AC Max' button provides maximum air conditioning with a single press on the electronic air conditioning. Moreover, the location and size of the vents on the front panel have been specially designed to quickly provide the best distribution of cool air inside the passenger compartment.

For cold countries, electrical heating resistors allow faster heating of the passenger compartment. Heated seats and a heated windscreen base complete the equipment. Available for the so-called 'very cold' countries, the heated windscreen base frees the wipers if they become frozen during periods of heavy frost.

The driver operates the opening controls from inside the passenger compartment. The controls for opening the fuel flap and the boot are located on the floor. When the car is fitted with central locking, the boot control is moved from the floor to the dashboard and backed up by a remote control. The electronic architecture (ECO 2010 type Full Can) also permits locking of the doors while driving, as soon as the vehicle reaches 10 km/h.

The new Peugeot 301 is produced in Vigo, Spain. It benefits from the PSA Group's highest manufacturing standards.