Latest Peugeot 307 HDi Is The Best All-Rounder

• The best 307 for combination of power and performance per pound
• New lightweight aluminium 1.6-litre engine (more torque than replaced 2.0)
• Prices start from £13,300 for the five-door

Customers today have plenty of choice in their selection for a new car, but not all fit the many attributes required. Peugeot however are probably best placed with their all-encompassing 307 range, now specified with the latest lightweight 1.6-litre HDi 90 engine. It combines perfectly a full choice of body styles, lively performance and great drivability, and is fundamentally fun-to-drive. Importantly for most though, it has excellent fuel economy, low emissions, a good specification and is great value.

The latest model is the 1.6-litre HDi 90 - a 16-valve Euro IV diesel engine (DV6ATED4) that develops 90bhp and replaces the 2.0-litre HDi of the same power, but by producing a higher maximum torque output of 215Nm (instead of 205Nm) and at a lower engine speed (1750rpm instead of 1900rpm) to further enhance drivability.

307 has recently benefited from a host of specification enhancements, a distinctive appearance aligned to the current ‘Peugeot look’ and a new CAN multiplex protocol system to ensure greater responsiveness and functionality. HDi 90 engined models are available in the most popular derivatives - the E, S and SE trim and each version is comprehensively specified combining safety, security and comfort items; all models feature six airbags, ABS, remote central door locking, power-assisted steering, 12V accessory points, shopping hooks and trip computer.

The latest 1.6-litre HDi 90 engine in 307 is a development of the equally lightweight HDi 110 utilising the same aluminium engine cylinder block, 16-valve cylinder head and the second-generation Common Rail injection system. It is characterised in particular by injectors with six spray heads of very small diameter to ensure complete mixing of the fuel/air, multiple injections per engine cycle and a controlled turbocharger, and combines with a maximum operating pressure of 1600 bar (1350 for the 2.0-litre engine it replaces).

Compared to the 2.0-litre HDi engine of the same power, acceleration is subjectively quicker, with higher engine speeds attained more efficiently. Noise levels are considerably improved, with fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions being also significantly reduced. In a 307 Hatchback for example, one gallon of fuel is sufficient for a mixed (Combined cycle) journey of 57.6 miles, while emissions of CO2 fall from 138g/km (2.0 HDi) to 129g/km, a reduction of around 6%. Fuel consumption is reduced further in the ‘Urban’ driving cycle conditions with an impressive economy of 46.3mpg, 12% up on the 2.0-litre.

The 1.6-litre HDi 90 engine is available in 3- and 5-door Hatchback, Estate and SW versions.