Peugeot 309 (3C,3A facelift 1989) 3-door 1.8 D (78 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Peugeot 309:

The Peugeot 309 is a small family car that was manufactured between 1985 and 1994 in France, England and Spain by PSA Peugeot Citroën. It was originally intended to be badged as a Talbot and, as development progressed, to be called the Talbot Arizona.
It was the replacement for the Talbot Horizon, which had started life as a Chrysler in Britain and a Simca in France, and was also being built in several guises for the market in America. In 1985, the PSA Group decided to discontinue the Talbot brand, with the last passenger vehicle branded as a Talbot to be launched being the Samba of 1981, and to market the car as a Peugeot instead....(Read more on Wikipedia)

(3C,3A facelift 1989) 3-door Overview:

Peugeot 309 ((3C,3A facelift 1989) 3-door). With 157 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7 l/100km). Weighing only 909 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 13 s). The top speed reaches 175 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

1.8 D (78 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers decent torque for a diesel of its era, providing relaxed cruising and good pulling power.

Fuel Economy

Excellent fuel economy, making it a cost-effective choice for longer journeys.

Best Use Case: Highway / Economy

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Engaging handling and ride quality, especially in GTI variants.
  • • Practical hatchback design with good boot space.
  • • Wide range of engines catering to various needs.
  • • Generally robust and simple mechanicals.
  • • Iconic hot hatch status for GTI models.

Cons:

  • • Safety features are basic by modern standards.
  • • Interior quality can feel dated and prone to wear.
  • • Rust can be an issue on older examples.
  • • Some engines lack refinement and power for modern driving.
  • • Parts availability for specific components might be challenging.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(10C,10A: 1988 - 1989).

General:
Brand:Peugeot
Model:309
Generation:(3C,3A facelift 1989) 3-door
Modification (Engine):1.8 D (78 Hp)
Start of production:1989
End of production:1993
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:78 Hp @ 4300 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:44.1 Hp/l [worst than previous generation]
Torque:157 Nm @ 2100 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:XUD7TE More details about the engine XUD7TE
Engine displacement:1769
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Precombustion chamber injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:5 l
Coolant:8.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:80 mm mm
Piston Stroke:88 mm mm
Compression ratio:22:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:4.9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:13 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:13 sec
Maximum speed:175 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:11.7 kg/Hp, 85.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.8 kg/Nm, 172.7 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:12.4 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:909
Max. weight:1350
Max load:441
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1279 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:397 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):900 kg
Fuel tank capacity:55 l
Size:
Length:4051 mm mm
Width:1628 mm mm
Height:1380 mm mm
Wheelbase:2469 mm mm
Front track:1405 mm
Rear (Back) track:1380 mm
Front overhang:753 mm
Rear overhang:829 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Tires size175/65 R14
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionTorsion

Behind the wheel of the Peugeot 309. How does it handle on the road?