The Peugeot 309 is a small family car produced by the French manufacturer Peugeot between 1985 and 1993. Positioned as a replacement for the Peugeot 305, the 309 represented a significant step forward in design and engineering for the brand. Initially launched as a hatchback, it was later offered in cabriolet and estate body styles. The 309 was primarily a European market vehicle and wasn’t officially sold in the United States. However, it gained popularity for its modern styling, improved handling, and relatively affordable price point within the competitive European small car segment. This article focuses on the early models, specifically the 1.6-liter version produced between 1985 and 1987 (designated 10C and 10A), delivering 75 horsepower.
Peugeot 309 (10C, 10A): A Detailed Overview
The Peugeot 309 was conceived as a more contemporary alternative to the aging 305. It shared many components with the Citroën BX, a result of the partnership between Peugeot and Citroën at the time. The 309 aimed to appeal to buyers seeking a practical, reliable, and stylish hatchback. The 1.6-liter engine variant, the focus of this article, was a popular choice, offering a balance between performance and fuel economy. It served as an entry point into the 309 range, appealing to a broad customer base.
Engine & Performance
The 1985-1987 Peugeot 309 1.6 (75 Hp) is powered by a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, internally designated B1A XU51C. This naturally aspirated engine produces 75 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 125 Nm (92.2 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2,800 rpm. The engine features a carburettor fuel injection system and an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. While not a powerhouse, the engine provided adequate performance for everyday driving. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph was achieved in approximately 12.7 seconds, and 0-62 mph took 13.4 seconds. The top speed was recorded at 167 km/h (103.77 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio was 11.7 kg/Hp, and its power per liter was 47.5 Hp/l. The engine’s relatively simple design contributed to its reliability, although it lacked the sophistication of more modern fuel injection systems.
Design & Features
The Peugeot 309 boasted a modern, aerodynamic hatchback design for its time. Its sleek silhouette and relatively compact dimensions made it easy to maneuver in urban environments. The car offered seating for five passengers and featured five doors for convenient access. The interior was functional and reasonably well-equipped, although materials were typical of the era. Safety features were limited by the standards of the 1980s, primarily consisting of seatbelts. The 309’s trunk offered a practical 397 liters (14.02 cu. ft.) of space, expandable to 1279 liters (45.17 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The car’s design prioritized practicality and efficiency, making it a popular choice for families and commuters. The McPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension provided a comfortable, if not particularly sporty, ride.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Peugeot |
| Model | 309 |
| Generation | 309 (10C, 10A) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (75 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1985 |
| End of production | 1987 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.4 l/100 km (22.6 US mpg / 27.2 UK mpg / 9.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg / 43.5 UK mpg / 15.4 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 167 km/h (103.77 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 125 Nm @ 2800 rpm (92.2 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B1A XU51C |
| Engine displacement | 1580 cm3 (96.42 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 73 mm (2.87 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.65:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 880 kg (1940.07 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1310 kg (2888.06 lbs.) |
| Max load | 430 kg (947.99 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 397 l (14.02 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1279 l (45.17 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 800 kg (1763.7 lbs.) |
| Length | 4051 mm (159.49 in.) |
| Width | 1628 mm (64.09 in.) |
| Height | 1380 mm (54.33 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2469 mm (97.2 in.) |
| Front track | 1408 mm (55.43 in.) |
| Rear track | 1376 mm (54.17 in.) |
| Front overhang | 753 mm (29.65 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 829 mm (32.64 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.33 |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 165/70 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
The Peugeot 309, particularly the 1.6-liter version, represented a significant step forward for Peugeot in the mid-1980s. While not a performance car, it offered a compelling combination of practicality, style, and affordability, making it a popular choice in the European small car market. Its influence can be seen in subsequent Peugeot models, and it remains a fondly remembered vehicle for those who owned and drove it.
