One of the world’s biggest car manufacturers today, Peugeot’s roots are somewhat unorthodox. Rather than beginning its existence as a producer of cars, the company was actually founded as a manufacturer of coffee mills in the early 1800s. It later got involved in the transportation sector with the production of bicycles and then, in 1882, as a car manufacturer.
Known from its innovative design work, the first Peugeot model – the Peugeot Type 1 – utilised a steam engine, and featured three wheels. Designed by Leon Serpollet it was produced in 1886. However, in vast comparison to the number of, for example, hatchback models rolled off the production lines today, just four versions of this ground breaking model were built.
In over a century since the first model was produced, Peugeot has designed and created many fantastic cars. With a line-up of models that changes over time, there have been many Peugeot hatchback cars built over the years.
We’ve taken just three of the most recognised Peugeot hatchback models, and detailed them below:
Peugeot 307: A hatchback produced between 2001 and 2011, the Peugeot 307 was incredibly popular. At the start of its ten-year lifespan, the vehicle was produced both as three and five-door option.
Featuring wonderful curves in abundance, the 307 was also constructed to feature soundproofing and a stronger body. From the typical motorist’s perspective this was brilliant, as it meant that the annoying hum of the engine, and noise from surrounding traffic was reduced.
It’s also capable of producing fuel efficiency rates of up to 39.2 mpg (miles per gallon) – well at least the model fitted with the 1.6-litre diesel engine is. Because of this factor, the Peugeot 307 still remains a popular car of choice on the second-hand hatchback market.
Peugeot 308: Having been rolled off the Peugeot production line since 2007, the decision to revamp it at the start of 2011 was widely seen as a logical step. As with its hatchback predecessor – the 307 – it’s another very attractive model.
The attention to detail displayed on this hatchback model’s interior is phenomenal; the amazingly upholstered seats provide an incredibly comfortable experience. Meanwhile the inclusion of Peugeot’s Connect Navigation system (also known as RT6) ensures that the intrepid explorer never has an excuse (or at least not a good one) for not getting to where they need to be.
Depending on the model you opt for, the latest (at the time of writing) Peugeot 308 is capable of doing 47.1 mpg (miles per gallon) – pretty incredible for a hatchback that isn’t exactly tiny.
Peugeot 309: Regarded as a classic, the Peugeot 309 is a hatchback model which was produced for eight years – with production starting in 1985 and finishing 1993. Displaying the hugely popular straight lines that dominated car design during that particular period, the 309 could be viewed as a throwback to a bygone era.
Notably the car was assembled in the UK – at Ryton-on-Dunsmore, as well as in Peugeot’s native France – this factor naturally lent itself towards making the hatchback a popular choice amongst motorists in the country.
