France's Best Hot Hatch Hides A Very Weird Secret .. Peugeot 306 GTi 6

[@mjbskydigital]

O M G !!! I had 2 of these in the naughties :) Both black. The "P" reg was ploughed into the side of by a non observant driver and used the insurance money to get another straight after which was an "S" reg (facelift). I had so much fun in this. KONI adjustables, Exhaust mod, strut brace, rear spoiler, peugeot SP accessories and more. I loved it. Buy the 306 and go on a journey for us! PLEEEZE!

[@lr5777]

You won't be disappointed with the 306! I've had my GTI-6 for several years now. I use it every day all year round, and unlike most cars of that era they don't rust! Mine's on 180k and nowhere near as tidy as the example you were driving. Despite the cheap build quality, everything still works and the car has been faultless during my ownership! The damping, chassis, steering, etc., is quite remarkable. It's difficult to put into words just how composed and controlled it feels even on broken, potholed roads. Regarding the turning circle to the right, you do get used to it. Just keep it at the forefront of your mind when negotiating multi-storey car parks! The only other thing is to remember to replace the cambelt every 3 years or 36k. As timing belts go, it's a very quick and straightforward job to do, but don't be tempted to ignore the short intervals!

[@lapos1979]

Oh they do rust, you've been lucky! the underside can rot and also around the rear suspension turrets. keep my under sealed and all is then well.

[@Michael-qq9kk]

@@lapos1979 thats a true story mate i have 2 306s one of them being a gti6 and they both have had to have welding done to rust on the front of the chassis rails and chassis area behind the front arches and my diesel one had spread to the lower part of the arch on one side

[@mrrocknroll84]

Get the 306. Look at the excitement on your face. I miss mine...i used to be blown away on how quickly I'd go through corners in it. I always had a smile on my face while driving it. The accord is great but bland. The 306 still looks great and the gearing is well adjusted. Because I moved to croatia I doubt that I'll ever be able to buy one again. You can never forget a gti6. It just grows on you. I used to speak to mine. They have a soul

[@TJC156]

I can tell already you’re going to go with the GTI-6 and rightly so!

[@alfagtvjan]

Your problem is going to be finding a decent example of either the 306 or Accord. They are both incredibly rare. I don't think you'd be making a mistake with either of them.

[@kr1886]

There's a grand total of one pug on auto trader...97 plate with 60,000 miles @ 8,250

[@mjbskydigital]

@@kr1886 Yep, saw that one

[@lapos1979]

@@kr1886 Always a few coming up for sale in the owner's groups. But most do need a bit of TLC, those that don't can fetch north of £10k.

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

I don't think Honda did the r in UK. That'll be an import I think.

[@markhetherington7703]

Yes they did.

[@ryanmccormick2150]

Go with the GTI6 Jack, I had one years ago and loved it! Also I had a civic type R and to be honest you do get sick of having to drive v-tec powered cars like there stolen because if they are driven any other way they just feel slow! Definitely GTI6 buddy 😃👍

[@BRAINFxck10]

Well Honda build quality is way better and it's a street car anyways not a race car, you sound like the type of guy to race everything in your stock Honda and lose no wonder why you got bored of it.

[@VGILee]

@ryanmccormick2150 The Civic Type R and the Accord Type are are worlds apart mate, don’t think of them as being the same at all. Yes there will be some of that top-end headiness that the Cocic has but haft less of it. It redlines 500rm lower, has over 150cc more capacity, more torque, more low-down pull. Maybe a touch less than the Pug but closer to that than it is to the Civic. It also sounds WAY better than the Civic (or Pug), or, in fact, any 4 cylinder Honda car, which is something than rarely ever gets talked about. It doesn’t do the full rev range sanity of the Integra but it’s so much sweeter sounding and I’d say as a daily that’s the best trade-off. It’s a car which is better than the sum of its parts whereas the S2000, for example, is less than the sum of its parts. I’ve owned one (owned an NSX too) and I’ve driven modded ones and I can honestly say that the Accord is - with the exception of a 6 speed gearbox - the EXACT car Honda intended to make. It fits its brief as well as the Integra did. None of this is taking anything away front m the Pug, I wanted to make a point that just because you’ve owned a Civic (they weren’t fitted with an LSD by the way, apart from ones headed to Japan), don’t assume you know the Accord!

[@russellcopp6968]

I had a 306 GTi-6 and they're amazing. Loved taking it through twisty, hilly, Highland roads and it was very easy to live with, bar a couple of electrical bugs, which got sorted..... Loved it so much in fact, that I've made my way back to it's younger brethren; a 308 GTi 270.

[@SapphireSamC]

Me too! I had a 2001 white 306 Gti-6 back in the day and now have a 2018 black 308 Gti 270 (with 315bhp!). Both epic drives 👌👌👍👊

[@F1Kamel_1992]

The 306 GTi-6 is as of today a great 90's hot hatch. I ❤ it

[@robyourtime]

I only had the 306 XSI (2 litre, manual) but boy was it a lot of fun! Can only imagine that the GTi 6 is like

[@DeGlennen]

I do prefer the 306. They were introduced about 30 years ago and went out of production 21 years ago, but stylewise they haven't really aged that much in my opinion. When I had a bog standard 1.4 I absolutey loved the steering feel and cornering. The boot on a 306 hatchback feels roomier and has a more practical shape than my current mk3.5 Focus

[@TheKenjoje]

it looks like copying of usual pug stereotypes....but that's not true....I had 1.6 and its steering had a lot of free play around the straight position. no, it's not faulty steering.

[@DeGlennen]

@@TheKenjoje And still those were the finding I had when driving my '98 306 Midnight edition. Loved driving that car. Some annoyances I had with the 306 where the interior trim easily breaking ang falling off, and the both front seats were just rubbish. (driver seat just about collapsed at 70k miles and passenger seat followed at 100k miles)

[@TheKenjoje]

@@DeGlennen I also liked overall driving experience, just not in epic proportions like you two....

[@steveberridge4648]

He's driving the GTI-6 not a bread and butter car. I drove a meridien hdi back in the day and was disappointed like you but then I drove the rallye and it was night and day better. You need to try one to believe.

[@renny4861]

I had a 306 Rallye as a daily for around 4 years, it was high mileage but even at 167k when I sold it, hardly anything needed doing to it, couple of bushes and drop links as to be expected at that mileage but nothing major. It was so good to drive that the 205 GTi with Mi16 that I also had at the same time ended up hardly getting used at weekends.

[@Hvitserk67]

Peugeot at the time was really good and my choice would without a doubt have been the GTi 6, but I recommend that you also test a good 405 Mi16 before you decide. These have, among other things, hydropneumatic suspension from Citroën on the rear axle. A quirk few know about.

[@Hvitserk67]

Ugh, my memory is clearly failing me. After some thought, it was only the 4x4 versions of the 405 that had hydropneumatic suspension on the rear axle. Regardless of that, the 405 Mi16 in particular and the 405 in general have very inspiring driving characteristics. I think Peugeot kept this feature all the way up to the 405. After this, with few exceptions, they unfortunately lost the plot. It was a bit like BMW who a little later definitely had their heyday with the E46, E39 and E38 models.

[@simes205]

@@Hvitserk67 good luck finding a good 405 mi16. The engine out of a written off 4x4 fell into my 205 around 2004! Still there too!

[@carmadme]

The rear axel was off the BX4X4 and is therefore ofcorse hydropnumatic

[@Hvitserk67]

@@carmadme That's the point, yes.

[@dosgos]

The 306 was developed on European high-speed and mountain roads. The engineers took these things home as testbeds. The Japanese traffic generally is slower so you don't get that real-world Euro testing. 306 was a brilliant (larger) car. I still like the 205 best but it is smaller and less refined.

[@christopherjohnston6343]

The Euro R was pretty much an English invention though so it should be really well judged for your roads

[@TassieLorenzo]

"The Japanese traffic generally is slower so you don't get that real-world Euro testing. " Honda have both a Nurburgring testing base and a handling circuit based on the Nurburgring at their proving grounds in Japan. Basically it's just preference that Honda tends towards setting slight understeer to neutral and a typical Japanese overdamped ride, where Peugeot, Renault and Ford tend towards setting up the suspension of their sporty cars with lots of lift-off oversteer and a slightly softer ride (apart from the Focus RS Mk3 that is infamously even more stiff riding than any Type R, STi, Lancer Evo or whatever!). It's nothing to do with lack of development mileage by Honda. (You can see both circuits -- Nurburgring and proving grounds -- featured in the promotional video for the 2023 Civic Type R: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXWxYWN6m6p-Y7c ). A fun blast from the past is watching Motoharu Kurosawa driving the EK9 Civic Type R around the proving grounds handling circuit on Best Motoring, he does not hold back despite the wet conditions, catching air at one point! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJ_OpaqAbJZ_eKM The Civic's twin-cam engine might sound like it's about to explode compare to a low-revving Peugeot twin-cam, but it is supposed to sound like that! 😂

[@dosgos]

Typical Japanese and US daily highway traffic are at very low speeds, so the core engineering and markets are slow-biased. A lot of Southern European daily traffic was at extreme speeds. So a lot of the Peugeot staff are driving fast or exposed to speed all the time. Not just the test track teams. Entirely different design and build mindset.

[@GlamStacheessnostalgialounge]

My favorite small-ish pug is still the 309. Better built and more practical than the 205, and I don't know why but I prefer it over the 306, and I got both a 309 and 306. Both are brilliant cars though and make all newer PSA products look like absolute jokes in comparison.

[@dosgos]

@@GlamStacheessnostalgialounge Oh I never really knew what the 309 was about. Wikipedia had a nice description of it. I think the 309 was a very good looking car. Always liked the sporty 405 mi16. Almost bought a 206GTI...

[@lapos1979]

I added a 306 Rallye to my collection last year, you wouldn't regret it and it will make you smile every single time you drive it!

[@joyrider6456]

DEFENITELY the GTI-6 all the way Jack, you won't be dissapointed!

[@oohmeconkers1968]

306!! Looks better goes better and don’t worry about the interior as you won’t really be keeping it👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@martytdd1606]

What's the point buying it if your not going to keep it? Or are you advising changing the interior?

[@BrKnOblivion]

I'm biased, I have 2x S16's and a GTi-6. They are amazing. Steering feel, handling etc. all stunning. Engine is so much fun and very tuneable and still keeping it daily driveable.,

[@Rascularvideos]

You smiled about 100 times more in this video than the Accord one. I love thrashing engines - I own a Clio 182 Trophy - but I take your point on that, especially if you wanna daily it. Defo can’t daily the Trophy. And to your point re the 306 suspension: same with the Trophy. Bumps at speed are it’s forte. It just eats them up and eggs you on. It flows and grips and the more speed, the better. And it’s a constant conversation.

[@laszlototh5956]

I drive a 306 1.4. My mate still mentiones sometimes when I took him for a spirited drive in it on a twisty b road. These all are quite enjoyable. Buy the GTi6 please.

[@deaks25]

I think the 306 is a forgotten gem these days as well. I find the Styling of the Accord is a little more plain where the 306 GTi is a lot sharper than the base car, the colour may not be helping though. I guess it may come down to whether you want to have to explain it. The Accord's plainer styling means it is going to escape a lot of attention whereas the 306 is not a car you see in the UK at all anymore and having the magic 'GTi' badge on it is going to get more questions of "what is that mate?". In the day, the 306 GTi 6 was the more special car and I don't think anything has changed so I'd get the 306. The caveat is a lot of this may be colour. That lovely deep red of the 306 is an eye-grabber. It's a really nice, deep paint that is in glorious condition, whereas the Accord is a very dark colour, which makes it blend into the background even more.

[@golyng]

306 XSi! First car I ever bought and I still regret letting it go! One of the best handling cars I’ve ever driven. Highly recommended!

[@ThomasDoubting5]

Everyone regrets selling thier pugs ,amazing cars from the early mid 90s to early 2000s even the basic ones handle .

[@wobbler6372]

was a great car . i remember pitching mine in a corner at 95mph with the belief i would make the exit and not hit a tree .I'm still here so that answers that

[@toliasdxs]

Finally a channel that reviews real world affordable sporty cars...!!

[@psircos]

I had a Renault 19 1.4rt which held itself together over bumps VERY well. Maybe its a French car thing. I wonder if there are any Renault 19 16v left out there. Be nice to see one of them driven/reviewed 👍

[@The_BenboBaggins]

The 306 GTi6 and Rallye had passive rear steering, which helps getting the rear end rounded

[@ApothecaryTerry]

Every 306/ZX got it, I had a 306 1.6 LX as my 2nd car- I've owned exclusively RWD since then and yet had the rear out in the 306 more than any of them!

[@Graham_Langley]

@@ApothecaryTerry The design was carried over from the 205.

[@ApothecaryTerry]

@@Graham_Langley Was it? The 205 didn't have rear steer- as far as I'm aware the system was implemented based on learnings from the 205 and basically designed to fix the issues that car had with rear stability (or "character" as we now call it 😄 big part of the 205's fun).

[@Graham_Langley]

@@ApothecaryTerry They certainly had the same suspension and mounting arrangement although the 306's front bushings were rather different and possibly more compliant.

[@ApothecaryTerry]

@@Graham_Langley I'm sure they carried a lot of it over, but the rear steer wasn't there and the components aren't compatible since I've seen people on forums discussing trying (unsuccesfully) to put the rear steer into a 205.

[@tomblatch1594]

GTI6! But then I'm biased as I had one for 7 years. Loved every minute - one thing you didn't mention is the styling. Perfectly proportioned Pininfarina design vs......well, 90's Honda. Sorry Honha fans, there is no comparison!

[@PyleHD]

Love the GTI6 but ph3 is so much worse looking than ph1 or even ph2. I guess the front end could be swapped easily but it just looks blobby compared to 90s kinda boxy look of the ph1

[@timgriffiths8785]

Such nostalgia. My first ever company car was a 306XSi (don't discount the lowly XSi) and I absolutely loved it despite being a little troublesome. I also remember test-driving an Accord Type R as a possible company car back in the day. The test-drive was a blast but it just begged to be kept above 6k revs and I decided that the fun of that may wear off when driving 30k-40k miles a year! Either car would be a good daily for slightly lower mileages though. Looking forward to your decision.

[@rupertorgan7749]

Jack, the most fun I've ever had in a car was a rental 306XNd I had for a month in the mid 90s. No PAS or electric anything, 71bhp 1.9 NA diesel, so not very quick on paper. However I could drive it flat-out everywhere, just using the throttle to balance the car in corners. The 306 is the best handling and riding everyday car ever and if you can find a good one (XSi or GTI6), it would be the perfect daily around those Cotswolds roads.

[@gixerloon]

I'd be hard pressed to choose tbh, Having owned an early 2.0 306 Xsi 8v for 6 years back in the day, with a few minor tweaks they can be made to go round corners impeccably, buy stiffening up that passive rear wheel steer nonsense, but I've also owned a few Honda's an S2000, 3x Vtec Preludes, one an import BB4 which had been tuned and was just epic, the urgency from the Vtec, when it comes on song, as you say the engine is just something else, it would be a very difficult decision for me, I test drove a GTi-6 some years ago, but never owned one, I think on balance, the accord if you need to take passengers but if not and it's just your personal plaything, the GTI-6 win's it for me.

[@philthewriter]

Having had a 205, 106, 306, nothing ever broke (or felt like it was going to) on the interior of my 306 in years - think you're being a tad harsh on it. Plenty did on the 205 and 106. Certainly not tactile though. That said, how many cars have soft-touch plastics that melt and scratch years later - have seen some truly nasty interiors a few years down the line, VW included. Plenty of other issues to wonder about that probably wouldn't be a problem on the Honda - wiring, heater matrix, electric windows failed - but I'd put money on the Honda being worse for rust, at least from personal experience. Looking forward to seeing which one you go for.

[@Graham_Langley]

Agree with you about the interior. Can't remember anything breaking in my N-reg XSi over 100k miles and its interior was way better than the 205GTI I had before it.

[@chrispark9343]

If you can find a good 306 GTi-6 then go for it. We had one from new in the late 90's and we absolutely loved it. It looks great, handles brilliantly and goes like stink. We had no significant reliability issues and the build quality was a lot better than my 309 GTi! Just watch out for the cam belt. If it goes then it will definitely mess up your valves.

[@liamcorrigan3158]

Hasn’t the 306 aged beautifully? It’s a really handsome car. Shame you don’t see them any more.

[@drazenradosevic7467]

I noticed that too on my Peugeot 405 and even the old Berlingo - the faster you go on the bumpy road, the ride becomes smoother and calmer

[@AlexSheltonFTDG]

Point to Point in the city the GTI 6 was one of the fastest cars I've owned. Extremely torquey, had 5ppl in it a few times and still pulls like a train, sounds good, a fun car. And yes, superior comfortable and road holding suspension. It was even decent on the track, feeling like a RWD car! It's solidly built. What else do you need. The Accord looks like a granny sedan in comparison.

[@bogged2theeyeballs695]

It's a pity Peugoet don't make cars like this today. They were such fun cars to drive and the way the suspension used to absorb road potholes, bumps and imperfections was fantastic.

[@TheBlaert]

The 306 is getting increasingly rare and could have been bought for buttons not that long ago. Have owned a 306 GTi6, 405 Mi16 P1(which I still have) a 405 Mi16x4 and a 309 GTi. Out of all of them the 2wd 405 was the best handling. Hard to beat a fast Peugeot for fun on a twisty road.

[@mementomori4371]

Hi there! I totally agree that Peugeot 306 (not only the GTi6, XSi and S16, but the conventional models as well) is a real secret tip and arrantly underrated car. So I would go for the Peugeot 306 (i had the 1.6 model for many years and I have really adored it!) What about considering a Lexus IS 200 instead of the boring Honda Accord?

[@JN-qj9gf]

Such an unrecognised amazing car. Taught me that engineers knowing how to dial a car in matters more than having the "proper" performance specs and features. My job at the time had me travel deserted mountain roads occasionally and it was bliss. Sadly only had it about a year before someone wrecked it parked out the front of my house, especially sad as there were probably only a few dozen sold on this continent. Replaced with a Clio 3 200 as something kind of close but the 306 GTi-6 still stands up with a character of it's own.

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

Peugeot did get the suspension right for UK roads. The wife had a 405 ages ago and it was the first thing we noticed....how it dealt with the poor roads. Rest of the car wasn't great though German hatches all too firm a ride for me.

[@dang9059]

I can feel the experience of driving this car by your reactions it’s exciting to watch

[@74amills]

Not wanting to try and punt anything on here but I have a 97' GTI6 with 66k miles and one owner in silver. Full history as well. Nice car and un molested.

[@ash20500]

Definitely the 306 - looks and handles much better. My first car was a 306 1.6XS which was so much fun to drive. You’re right about the build quality though - not as great as the Honda.

[@simonhouldsworth6513]

Jack, I had a brand new GTI 6 in a groovy gold metallic. This followed a new 306 Dturbo & I loved it! Felt like something quite exotic after the diesel. Loving the channel, keep it up 👍

[@richardprice7763]

306 was one of the best looking hatches ever made...I never had one but always wanted one...

[@mementomori4371]

Lancia Delta Mk2 looked pretty well... and Alfa 147 too. These were awesome cars.

[@ApothecaryTerry]

No matter how many other cars I drive, this is still my all time favourite. Just the right amount of performance to be able to push hard on public roads but never feel slow, and the handling is just top notch. The Accord is a great car, but for me this is a very easy decision. Smiles per mile, the 306 GTi-6 is about as good as it gets. I've seriously considered swapping my porker for one...if I had a 2nd parking space it'd be a no-brainer.

[@SteveDuts]

Had my GTi6 now for nearly 3 years and been using it as a daily, mines an Astor Gray. Parts are rough to get hold of but still doable, I’ve just had my gearbox reconditioned and fitted Pug1off uprated gear linkages and a short shift, makes such a huge difference.

[@DimZ_F1]

As a former 306 owner i suggest the 306. Amazing ride quality and a gem of an engine. Everything else might fall apart - in my case it did - but you'll very much enjoy it for as long as it lasts!

[@grahamariss2111]

I agree, the best handling fwd car I have ever driven and think will ever drive was the 306 GTi, simply because modern cars are too heavy. When I had mine I had a friend who had top end Honda Accord with all the bells and he was amazed at how smoother the ride was and how better the roll control was than his Honda, despite its supposed advantages with wishbones at the front, multi link rear and electronic adjustable dampers.

[@caeserromero3013]

I had a 106 diesel 1.5 that was slower than my old 1.3 Metro. I then had a white 306 as a company car for a short while. Always liked the shape. I also always wanted a red 406 coupe, as I thought it looked a bit like a Ferrari :)

[@SunnyD1865]

I’m very much looking at one of these as my next car... to replace my 106. Nothing wrong with the 106 - I just want something bigger. If insurance companies aren’t so kind I might get a normal 306 as a stop gap. Always liked the 306 GTI-6.

[@lapos1979]

Classic car insurance

[@a.wilson4380]

The Peugeot 306 was their best mid sized model ever, then came the dreadful 307. The 306 despite being 20+ years old now has dated well and still looks modern today.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

I have a massive soft spot for the 306 - an ex girlfriend had a really nice GLXi version - it was a superb car, well equipped, and looked wonderful. I also once owned a 307, which, awkward looks aside, was one of the best cars I’ve had. Pugs of that era were superb motors. It’s a difficult decision to make over the Honda. Just to add something else to the mix, from the same era, would you consider a Honda Civic Type R?

[@steffydog]

Nice to see one of these again, takes us all back to our past years 🤦🏻‍♂️👍

[@xeboi11]

Front strut brace tightens up the pug nicely, I've no idea which you go for maybe go for whichever one you can find the best example of

[@asphalthedgehog6580]

The problem with your Rallye is that it doesn't have the original Peugeot dampers and probably springs. Mind you: the designer of the underpinnings of Peugeot's of that time was some specialist.

[@gazzafloss]

Hey Jack, couple of years back one of our neighbours had a 306 (Puggie), Peugeot, it nearly sent him broke and mad, it'd had lots of electrical problems. No one here could sort it he passed in the registration, put it out on the street so the local council would pick it up and scrap it. It was a nice looking little car, body/interior in nice condition. To own such a car here you need to be competent and able to do your own maintenance. Go Honda!

[@fredvallenet]

Perfect choice, great handling and perfect daily. You could also check the ZX Volcane with the exact same engine from 1996 onwards. However the rather complex rear axle is not the most reliable however parts are not too expensive and easy to find.

[@richardhookway]

I had a petrol Volcane when the 306-6 was released. I sold it at around 80k miles and covered 65,000 in it. Nothing really failed during my ownership apart from a cracked manifold which is surprising.

[@stephendeadman7131]

I would go with the Peugeot. Better looking! Better to live with!

[@darrenbretherton7298]

Just got one last weekend. It needs a little love to bring it back to it's former glory but driving it is so much fun. I had one back in 2002 and max power modified it. This one won't be getting the same treatment !

[@rebeccashaltielmazor4683]

I had a 306 xsi from the second series (135 hp) and as far as I remember, it was mechanically the same as the gti 6, except for the higher power and one more gear. Even the tires (funny sizes compared to today...) were the same. At the time after a test drive, I preferred the xsi. If you don't push the engine hard in a gti 6, there is really no difference in performance, the behavior is the same and most importantly, certainly when these cars are already more than 20 years old, it will be much easier to find an xsi preserved and in original condition than a gti 6, not to mention the -s16 which supposedly had 155 hp, but in practice much less.

[@mattclarke6773]

I think if you're looking for a fun hot hatch trying something by Renaultsport is an absolute must.

[@julianhoskins5158]

Yes one of the last 182 Sports in red would be perfect for you 👌

[@wobbler6372]

Renaults just break down . i had a Magana 225 and it was great when it wasn't broken

[@mattclarke6773]

@@wobbler6372 you'll be having such a hoot in renaultsport you can forgive it anything. I have a 40k mile Megane R26, it's such a laugh to drive around in. Sensibly obviously 😉

[@BorehammerDrive]

When options are 306 GTi or Accord Type R, anyone who have passion for cars, would go for Peugeot ;-)

[@andrewbarton8525]

I've had 6 Peugeot 306s in my life from a 1.4 petrol to a HDI 2.0 with more torque than a rhino. All of them handled like a dream. I've had 205 gti , lotus elan turbo SE, multiple mercedes two of which I still have, Rover 820 and 620 which was an accord. Totally agree with everything you said , but it will fall apart. Smiles per mile though in the real world? A pug 306 with whatever engine is just a big 205. Fun to drive. I don't do Instagram, but would be happy to put you up here in France to test drive my newly imported from the UK, 2001 Mercedes CLK 320 Convertable with a Brabus B9 conversion. For 2000 pounds plus another 800 to get her matriculated here. Full service history, and I drove her here at 35mpg. Whilst your here, you can test my wife's 190e 2.0 with 500000 on the clock that we just did a UK tour of 3500km in this summer with no faults apart from a side light bulb, we visited Frau Benz, on the way. Jasmine is a godess of old benzes. She has been invaluable in keeping my old girls on the road through the years.

[@trustgtr33]

i had the sister car to this the Citroen Zx 2dr, early model with 155hp 2.0 and 5 speed in 1995, was probably one of the best handling with excellent ride quality car i've owned..the springless rear suspension with a little rear steer was amazing. This was when Peugeot/Citroen had excellent handling qualities.

[@Ashfielder]

I like my £450 406, it’s a pretty solid wobbly old barge. I can imagine a sporty hatch of the same stock must be a lot of fun.

[@Rhopunzel]

I remember my brother had one as a company car one time and he took me on the local bypass and maxed it out to 6th gear. It was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life at the time

[@bymohenski]

This one is one to go..but try to test, as a potential buyer, Focus mk1 ST ( or even RS :), why not! )), reasons, better handling and much more practical interior, roomier more comfortable. I genuinely believe that Focus gives better driving sensation with steering and that seating position, feeling that everything is just optimal when u adjust it for you ( I'm 187 cm ). Just try it...

[@harisdevedzic3167]

Why did Peugeot (and many other manufactureres, ex. Mitsubishi) stop making cars like this 😒☹

[@AlfaGTA156]

I’ve owned 2 of these epic cars, a white ph2 and a China blue phase3. Steering is sublime on these. Great handling and feels quite solid and big for a small hatch. I think it was the first mainstream hot hatch to have a six speed manual. Watch out for premature cambelt failure and rebuilds have the infamous tapper top ends. Heavy clutch due to cable operated action. I haven’t seen one for years so they must be coming up in value. Great car👌

[@koolkat969]

The Gti-6 was ranked first place out of the 50 greatest hot hatches by Modern Classics Magazine, so I'm not surprised you're blown away. The 182 Clio came in at second place and it's a great useable daily and a bit surprised that it hasn't come up in the discussions. However, tough choice indeed btw the 306 and the Accord. Can't go wrong with either!

[@pgtmr2713]

The Accord R has it for sound. A shame they never did anything fun with the Acura Vigor's 5 cylinder.

[@caterhamsuperlightr81]

The GTi6 was the car I should have bought back in 1997… instead I bought a new Golf GTi 16v (Mk3) which, if I’m being honest was a bit of a disappointment! Good on the autobahn at 135mph, but everywhere else it felt heavy and sluggish. You live and learn. Fast forward to 2012 and after a ‘life event’ I needed a cheap runaround and bought my brother’s 306 XSi which was in great condition. What a lovely car… comfortable, reasonably quick and so very, very torquey. I was genuinely sad to see it go and I believe it’s still alive (S261DDV). Go for the 306 GTi6! 👍

[@richardjones7386]

I have owned a 306 and currently have a 208 GTI. Peugeot have been derided for years, often justifiably. When their engineers are on form, they achieve wonderful things. I’d go for the 306 because I remember just how pleasurable the steering was.

[@Number27]

It really is very good!!

[@solitaryclusterofneurons598]

coming from a 306, how do you feel about your 208 GTI?

[@richardjones7386]

@@solitaryclusterofneurons598 It feels lighter. Steering is not as engaging but it is overall an engaging car to drive. A real joy at times. Time might have given me a rose tinted view of the past. The 208 is a joy to thread along B roads when pressing on.

[@anthonygregg862]

i had a 1.9 D Turbo and the car wasnt particularly fast but it was a lot of fun for a blast around the twisty roads. Enjoy the 306 GTI

[@michaelpegasiou4531]

My cousin had a gti6 as a company car when he worked at Peugeot and my mate loved it so much he got one on finance,wicked car in burnt 🍊

[@EliteRock]

I house-sat for friend and had the use of his 2003 (IIRC) Civic Type-R for two weeks (he lived in the sticks, so was using it on most kinds of roads) and indeed, they need a LOT of revs to go any faster than any number of more prosaic hatches/saloons. I don't think I could live with that TBH. The 306 sounds much more promising (never driven one).

[@hi2lenduffy837]

I had a gti6 silver one absolutely loved it never missed a beat in 3 years

[@richardharries5812]

Great car and loved mine but try an ATR on decent tyres and I suspect your decision will be easier. “One of the best front drivers of all time” according to Evo and I have yet to drive anything that causes me to question that.

[@alexluke84]

Best hot hatch of the days...nothing FWD comes even close

[@daveshongkongchinachannel]

It really comes down to which car will give more content and how you might go about that. If you had a good example of either car, would you really want to modify what is already an excellent car and all the cost involved with that? Or would you go for a cheaper one in worse condition and hope to bring it back to original condition using the skills you have picked up with the previous cars you have owned and possibly adding to those skills?

[@petejupp7654]

Iv never driven a type r. But owned a gti 6. Absolutely loved it, and miss it. Been thinking about getting another. Currently own a mk3 golf vr6. Which needs alot of work. Owned it for only a year. And if I had the money I would also get a gti6

[@danieleregoli812]

I absolutely love the 306 (GTi or otherwise), such a capable and refined chassis. Competent and comfortable. You really have to give it to the French, they really know how to build and combine a good chassis with excellent suspensions. I also like the lil' 106 Rallye but trying to daily in one over our [potholy] Tuscan roads would be far too punishing for my spine, as well as my mental health!!

[@71bassg]

I had the 2.0 XSi years ago,think i paid around £200 for it,had around 70,000 miles and the owner was at uni and it was just left at his parents.was a great little car!I remember it was snowing and hardly anyone made it into work but the little 306 loved it in the snow.BUt i think if the peugeot and accord where similar prices i would go for the Accord good fit and finish and you never saw many around even when they were new.

[@ianstoys13mgs]

Have you tried a MG ZT the 1.8 turbo cars ? at the right money as well

[@Assimilator1]

I worked at a Peugeot dealer when these came out, and loved them and loved the induction roar!😁 Shame that loud exhaust that one has seems to drown it out (on camera anyway).

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

I'd take the Type R sedan unless that interferes with the luxobarge series. Very nice video. Love the colour of this car. Looking forward to the next video. Keep up the good work.

[@fawleyjude6439]

WHAT ABOUT LEXUS IS200 (EVEN THE SPORTCROSS)?

[@NickMurray]

A lot to love about that 306

[@dw5150dw]

When new I went round mira bank circuit as a passenger at 137mph ..it was spectacular...it was at the peugeot sport club national day when I was in the club with my 405 mi16...wanted one ever since

[@grahamcolls8466]

Accord Type R all day long. A rare masterpiece. That particular one is unusual in that it has no rear wing. It is also in Pirates black which has a lovely purple sheen to it. Great rare car!

[@petrjerabek7641]

Both great cars and The Pug 106 Rallye is one i always wanted and never had, partially because i havent found any good example of it on the market. They are rare. Actually all these 3 cars are now incredibly rare. The 306 GTI-6 might become a small legend of its own, very popular hot hatch in its day. Because of this kind of nostalgia, i bought last year a very nice example of the Mini Cooper R53 with JCW options , brg , black roof and mirrors in cream/black leaather interior. It looks really good and drives even better. I use it pretty much in the daily drive process. Had to fix up few things, but it runs beautifully, especially after proper service on the supercharger, instalation of Kavs 15% pullye and with adjusted fuel map (software setting). It is one of the rare FWD cars where there is no sign of understeer if you turn it correctly. It goes round the corner extremely fast and the rear sometimes doesnt even catch up and you need to beware of oversteer, but not too snappy, controlable one. Maybe the Peugeot is even better in this, i suspect the best of hot hatches is still probably the Clio 182, but love my Mini. So maybe if you think about cars like the 306 GTI-6 and wont be able to find one, try the Mini R53. You might be pleasantly surprised

[@carlwilliams3488]

The accord has to have decent tyres on it and tyres with a stiff sidewall, the TDFs on the accord that was driven would have ruined the steering. BITD when I owned mine it had to be either Bridgestone or Goodyear, anything else ruined it.

[@seanmcneill8899]

Had two 306 D turbo's, great car's Loved the way they handled. Can remember the dealer had a gti 6 in this coulor. The one I wanted but could not afford.😎

[@neallewis8628]

I had 3 of the 306 , sedan TD -crashed really well due to ice, 306TD hatch - loved it took it to 168k miles interior and seat were fine, 306 hdi estate, great car again over 160k miles and survived ok.

[@ciaranburke3243]

My head would choose the accord but my heart would run away with the 306 lovely little car 😍

[@Carrera-gp9od]

I had the Xsara vts which had the same engine as these . Only had a five speed box though which at the time I found extremely annoying ! I had a Devil exhaust on it and a stupid induction kit it sounded great and for the time was pretty quick . I can’t remember the last time I actually saw one , it must of been nearly a decade ago !

[@stephenlewis9159]

For handling yes the 306 is great. but for looks don't forget the Pinin 306 cabriolet which won a design award and doesn't really handle badly either. Wife and I really miss ours.

[@danieleregoli812]

Go with the Pug. The Accord is a tad less inspiring. I think the 306 is aging better in terms of styling.

[@PugEngineer]

Honestly have looked for years for something better - failed; having commuted and track day'd over the last 20 years in a mix of 205, 106, saxo, ZX and most flavours of 306 - the 306 is the best daily for me. I would have to spend 3 times as much on something that costs more to run and maintain. Settled on 306 hdi estate's for daily and occasional emergency track use because its 2.5k cheaper on fuel but no patch on a good Six or Rallye if you can afford the fuel - may not have helped always taking the longest twistiest route home - nearly every night. But a stock Six needs improving - small changes make huge differences - tried all but cam's, a supercharger or a turbo. M1144 pads, braided lines, stiffer engine mounts with chocked engine mount and a slightly lighter flywheel. Personally KW variant 1's are the best suspension I have tried on the front while also being the most comfortable with the larger capacity Group N rear dampers - Phase 1 Xsara steering rack and rear bars are worth having when available. Would I like to try an Accord Type R - yes; would I swap a standard phase 3 sunroof'd gti-6 with ripped alcantara for one …. yeah. Would I swap a standard non-sunroof phase 1 six or my faded pink rallye for one - no. Curve ball into the mix the early Primera GT is very under rated.

[@finchesrestcemetery]

GTI-6 all day long just puts a massive smile on your face

[@squeakers27]

I would love to have a 306, as they get older they are just going to get harder to find. They look timeless and the perfect sized hatchback imo. Hopefully a GTI-6s aren't too expensive when the time comes to replace my 206.