Segment:
Compact family car (supermini/small family car)
Competitors:
Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall/Opel Astra, Renault 19, Fiat Tipo
Design Era:
Designed during the late 1970s and early 1980s, representing Peugeot's move towards more modern, aerodynamic styling.
Platform Sharing:
Shared its platform and many mechanical components with the Talbot Horizon and later the Citroën BX.
Strengths:
Generally considered to have a comfortable ride, good practicality, and a range of efficient engines.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine overhaul, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing belts/chains, oil pump, lubrication system
Engine Management:
Fuel injection systems (Bosch L-Jetronic, K-Jetronic, MPI), ignition systems, emissions control systems, sensors, ECUs
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox internals, shift mechanisms, driveshafts, bearings
Transmission Automatic:
Hydraulic systems, torque converter, gearbox internals, electronic control modules
Brakes:
Front/rear disc/drum brakes, ABS (where applicable), hydraulic systems, parking brake, master cylinder, slave cylinders
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear torsion beam/independent suspension (depending on model), springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings
Steering:
Manual steering rack, power steering system (pump, rack, fluid)
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting systems, dashboard instruments, power windows, central locking
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant lines, blower motor)
Bodywork:
Body panel removal/installation, trim, doors, hinges, latches, glass, seals
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks, belt adjustments
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault diagnosis for all major systems, symptom-based troubleshooting
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, including complete overhauls and component replacements
Rebuilding:
Detailed procedures for rebuilding engines, transmissions, and other major assemblies
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed specifications and torque values
Engine Code Examples:
XU5, XU7, XU9, XUD7, XUD9
Engine Displacement Petrol:
1.1L (1124cc), 1.4L (1360cc), 1.6L (1580cc), 1.9L (1905cc)
Engine Displacement Diesel:
1.8L (1769cc), 1.9L (1905cc)
Horsepower Range:
55 hp (1.1L) to 130 hp (1.9 GTI)
Torque Range:
Approximately 85 Nm (1.1L) to 161 Nm (1.9 GTI)
Injection Systems:
Carburetor (Solex, Weber), Bosch L-Jetronic, Bosch K-Jetronic, Multi-Point Injection (MPI) on later models
Fuel Type:
Unleaded petrol (RON 95/98), Diesel
Configuration:
Inline-four cylinders, front-wheel drive
Timing Drive:
Timing belt (most petrol), timing belt (diesel) - replacement critical
Type:
5-speed manual (BE1, MA5 gearboxes)
Type:
3-speed automatic (ZF 3HP14 or similar)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated dry single-plate clutch
Manual Gearbox Oil:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (Check manual for exact spec)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II/III (Check manual for exact spec)
Length:
Approx. 3,980 mm (3-door), 4,030 mm (5-door)
Height:
Approx. 1,380 mm (3/5-door Hatchback)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,540 mm
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 950 kg to 1,200 kg (depending on engine and trim)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Varies by model, consult manual
Oil Change Petrol:
Every 10,000 km or 12 months (check manual for specific engine)
Oil Change Diesel:
Every 10,000 km or 12 months (check manual for specific engine)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 80,000 km or 5 years (critical for XU engines, interference design)
Engine Oil Petrol:
API SG/SH, ACEA A2, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 (Consult manual for climate suitability)
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CF/CG-4, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 (Consult manual)
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, 50% mix with distilled water (e.g., Peugeot PSA S71-11D or equivalent)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (or DOT 3 if specified for older models)
Electrical Gremlins:
Corrosion on earth points, issues with dashboard wiring looms and indicator stalks.
Rust:
Common rust points: wheel arches, sills, boot floor, front strut mounts, rear axle mounts.
Engine Mounts:
Hydraulic engine mounts can fail, leading to increased vibration and noise.
Suspension Wear:
Front lower ball joints, track rod ends, and rear axle bushes are common wear items.
Cooling System:
Thermostat housing leaks, radiator issues, and fan switch failures.
Peugeot Legacy:
Peugeot has a long history of producing practical and comfortable small-to-medium family cars, building on the success of models like the 205.
Facelift:
Received a significant facelift in 1987, improving styling, interior quality, and mechanicals (e.g., introduction of MPI).
Performance Variants:
Included sporty models like the 309 GTI (1.9L 8v and 16v) and the 309 GT.
Production Period:
1985 - 1993 (main production), some markets continued longer.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary manufacturing in Poissy, France. Also produced in the UK (Ryton) and other PSA facilities.
