Peugeot 309

Peugeot 309
Overview
Manufacturer	Peugeot
Production	1985—1993
Assembly	Poissy, France Ryton-on-Dunsmore, United Kingdom
Body and chassis
Class	Small family car
Body style	3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback
Layout	FF layout
Powertrain
Transmission	4-speed manual 5-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic ZF 4HP14
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,470 mm (97 in)
Length	4,050 mm (159 in)
Width	1,630 mm (64 in)
Height	1,380 mm (54 in)
Chronology
Predecessor	Chrysler-Talbot Horizon Peugeot 305
Successor	Peugeot 306

The Peugeot 309 was a small family car manufactured between 1985 and 1993 in England and France. It was originally intended to be badged as a Talbot and, as development progressed, to be called the Talbot Arizona.^[1] 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 American market.^[2]

In 1985, the PSA Group decided to discontinue the Talbot brand, with the last Talbot passenger vehicle being the Samba, and to market the Arizona as the Peugeot 309 instead. The Talbot brand was phased out completely when Talbot Express production stopped in the early 1990s.

History

Production in France began at the former Simca plant in Poissy in late summer of 1985, with the first French customers getting their cars in October of that year; but it was decided that RHD models would be built at the Ryton plant near Coventry, England, which had previously been owned by the Rootes Group and then Chrysler Europe before Peugeot took it over in 1978.^[3]

The first 309 for the British market rolled off the production line at Ryton in October 1985 and sales began at the beginning of the following year. The 309 was not intended to replace Peugeot's own 305 model, but the out-of-step model number (the next small family car after the 305 should have been named "306") was intended to distance it from the 305 in the marketplace and to reflect the car's Simca origins.

1982 Peugeot VERA Plus

The 309's design was presaged by the 1982 Peugeot VERA Plus (followed by the VERA Profil in 1985), which were aerodynamic studies developed by Peugeot at the time. The VERA Plus claimed a Cw of only 0.22.^[4] Many of the aerodynamic features from the VERA studies found their way into later production Peugeots.

The 309's slightly awkward styling (especially when compared with the 205 and 405 of the same era) was due to the decision to re-use the door shells from the 205. The 309 was also supposed to be differentiated from Peugeot as a Talbot, and was designed "in-house". Other Peugeot cars were designed by the famed Italian design house Pininfarina, up until the introduction of the 206. The notched-hatchback design bears an unintentional similarity to the Dodge Shadow and Plymouth Sundance, which were also developed, entirely separately and cut-down from a larger (Chrysler K-Car) platform rather than stretched from a smaller one, to replace the Horizon in North America.

The initial engine line-up in the United Kingdom market consisted of the chain-driven Simca-derived 1118 cc (E1A) and 1294 cc (G1A) overhead valve petrol units from the Horizon, and Peugeot-provided 1769/1905 cc diesel and 1580/1905 cc petrol belt-driven overhead camshaft XU units. Some markets also used the 1442 cc (Y2) and 1592 cc (J2) Simca units, as seen previously in the Simca 1307 and Solara as well as the Horizon, instead of the 1580 cc OHC.

The XU 1905 cc 130BHP engine was used in the very highly regarded high performance GTI version of the 309 in fuel injection form; this quickly established itself as the class leading hot hatch of its time, thanks to a better balanced chassis set-up than the, already excellent handling, Peugeot 205 GTI and very quick acceleration.^{[citation needed]}

The 309 was also significant in that it was the first Peugeot car to be assembled in the former Rootes factory in Ryton-on-Dunsmore, which Peugeot had inherited from Chrysler Europe in 1978. Largely due to its British origins, the 309 became a popular choice in the United Kingdom, and set the scene for future Ryton-assembled Peugeot models (the 405, 306 and 206).

1989 Facelift (Phase 2)

Facelifted, sixteen-valve 309 GTi 16

The summer of 1989 saw the introduction of the Phase 2 Peugeot 309.^[5]

It revised the design of the rear, lowering the boot lip, changing the rear lights to a more 'smoked style' and making slight alterations to the front radiator grille. Also, an updated interior was required to address severe criticisms leveled at the Phase 1's, Talbot designed multi-piece dashboard which was prone to developing squeaks and rattles. The GTi models received a colour coded one piece rear spoiler as opposed to the Phase 1's outdated rubber spoiler which, by then, harked back to early 1980's design.

Quite importantly a modified gearbox called 'BE3' was introduced, a revision of the original 'BE1' unit, placing reverse in the "down and to the right" position behind fifth gear, as opposed to the earlier "up and to the left" position next to first gear. Retrospectively, the 'BE3' gearboxes are slightly less prone to failure than their earlier counterparts.

This was also when Peugeot gradually phased in their all-new belt-driven TU-series overhead camshaft engines, in 1,124 cc and 1,360 cc forms, eventually replacing the trusty Simca units during 1992.

The GTi-16 model, featuring the XU9J4 engine from the 405 Mi-16, was also introduced at this time; however, these were only sold in mainland Europe. (See Trim Levels)

End of Production

Towards the end of 1992, 309 production began to wind down in anticipation for the launch of the new Peugeot 306, returning Peugeot to their normal numbering scheme.

However, upon release of the 306, initial public reaction, in the United Kingdom certainly, was slightly slow. Hence the reason some 309's were still being registered in dealerships as late as 1994, putting them on an: L prefix registration. However, it has also been known that there were 309's registered on: M prefix registrations, but these were extremely scarce, and it is now unknown if any have survived.

Trim Levels

• XE, GE: 1118cc E1A or 1294cc G1A OHV Simca engine, X with three doors and G with five doors. The 1118 cc engine came with a four speed gearbox, whilst the 1294 cc came with a five speed gearbox. Standard equipment was sparse, featuring a rear bench seat, heated rear window, small wheel centre wheel covers, as well as a flick wipe facility. Options included a rear wash/wipe, side bump strips on the doors, and a pop up sunroof. Many special editions were based on the X/GE, such as the Sport model, which came with a spoiler and side decals; and also the Sunseeker model, which came with a pop-up sunroof, and side decals. In some markets a diesel E model was also available, using the 1905 cc XUD engine. All diesel models carry the D suffix on the model badge (XLD, GLD). The Special Equipment model available in the UK in 1989 also added a pop up sunroof and a rear wash/wipe to the standard equipment list. The E designation was replaced by the Style designation, which began as a special edition in 1987, but became a part of the range from 1988, to denote the base model, in line with other contemporary Peugeot models of the time (e.g. the Peugeot 205 Style and the Peugeot 405 Style). The Style was also available with the 1124 cc and 1360 cc TU and 1905 cc XUD (Style D) engines, all with 5 speed gearboxes, after the Simca units were phased out.

• XL, GL: 1294cc G1A, 1580cc XU5, and 1905cc XUD engines (with D suffix), all with 5 speed gearboxes, X with three doors and G with 5. The L model was available throughout the 309's production, varying differently from early to late cars. The early cars came with some standard features, such as better seat coverings than the E model, a clock on the dashboard, door bump strips, intermittent wipe, a glovebox door (as opposed to the X/GE's glovebox hole), 50/50 split/fold rear seats, full size wheel covers and a rear wash/wipe. A three speed automatic option was available with the XU5 engined GL. Later in the production run, the XL model was dropped, and a 1769 cc XUD turbo diesel engine was added to the L range, to become GLDTurbo, which featured alloy wheels (from the Peugeot 205 1.6 GTI), uprated GTI specification suspension, and a pair of front fog lights. Options on this also included central locking, electric front windows and the Peugeot vacuum operated moonroof, essentially a large glass sliding sunroof.

• GLX: 1294cc G1A, 1360cc TU3, and 1580cc XU5 engines, all with 5 speed gearboxes and all with 5-doors. Standard equipment includes a digital clock, a tachometer, a sliding glass moonroof, sports style seats (similar to those fitted to the 205 XS), rear wash/wipe, door bump strips, intermittent wipe, and a small boot spoiler. The 1.6 model also added central locking and front electric windows to the list. Post facelift 1.3 models and the 1.4 model also have central locking. Curiously, if the GLX was ordered in white, and later burgundy red, the bumpers were body coloured, with a contrasting trim strip, red with the white bumpers and silver with the burgundy ones. After the facelift the bumpers also gained a pair of fog lights. A reflective strip panel was also on the options list, that replaced the louvred panel that sits between the rear lights.

• GR Profile: 1294cc G1A, five doors. Intended as competition for such cars as the Austin Maestro HLE, the GR Profile used exactly the same G1A engine as the lower models in the range, but combined it with subtle aerodynamic improvements and lower rolling resistance tyres to reduce the drag coefficient of the car, with the brochure claiming a fuel economy improvement of 3 miles per gallon at a constant 75 mph (121 km/h). The standard equipment list included an instrument lighting rheostat, a digital clock, an engine compartment undershield, a glovebox lamp, a carpeted boot and a boot light. Options included metallic paint, central locking, electric windows, and central locking. It was discontinued sometime in 1988, at about the time of the introduction of the GLX.

• XR, GR: 1580cc XU5, and 1905cc XUD engines, XR three door, GR five door. Much the same as the GR Profile in specification, with much the same standard features, and options. Was available later with the 115 PS (85 kW; 113 bhp) fuel injected XU5 engine, and also a detuned 90 PS (66 kW; 89 bhp) version, badged GRi, to address the problems Peugeot had with the XU engine and 95 octane fuels.^{[citation needed]} Later in the run, a 1769 cc XUD turbo diesel model was also added, to become the GRDTurbo. This came with all the features as the GLDTurbo, and also added the features on the options list as standard. The XR was unavailable in the United Kingdom.

• SR, SRD, SR Injection: 1580cc XU5, and 1905cc XUD engines, all with five doors. The SR model was intended to top the range, along with the GR. The SR used the 80 PS (59 kW; 79 bhp) tune single carb XU5, the SRD used the 65 PS (48 kW; 64 bhp) XUD9, and the SR Injection used the 115 PS (85 kW; 113 bhp) XU5 from the 205 GTI 1.6. Equipment levels as standard were much the same as the GR, with the addition of central locking, internally adjustable headlights, a map reading light, electric windows in the front, and Windsor seat trim. The SR Injection, in addition, added alloy wheels, remote controlled central locking, and remote controlled heated door mirrors. The options list included metallic/black paint, front fog lights, a sliding glass sunroof, an automatic gearbox (SR only), and SR decals on the rear flanks. These were only built in Phase 1 guise and many enthusiasts say that the SR was a better balanced car to drive than the GTI, however, they now also very rare.

• XS and SX: 1580cc XU5, three door version was designated XS and the five door version SX. Marketed as a sporty model, to complement the GTI, with the 115 bhp (86 kW; 117 PS) XU5 injection engine. Was a little more basic than the SR models, to enhance the sporty feel, and made do without such things as luxury seats, instead having the tweed sports seats from the Peugeot 205 XS. It also came with opening rear windows (3-door), a digital clock, a black spoiler (painted spoiler from the GTI after the face-lift), driving lamps and a load area lamp. Options included alloy wheels, central locking/electric windows (only available as a twinned options pack), a sliding glass sunroof and front fog lights. The 309 XS is now very rare in the UK. The SX model was not available in the United Kingdom.

• GTI: 1905cc XU9, three and five door. Arguably the top of the range, fitted with the 1905 cc XU9 engine, producing 130 PS (96 kW; 128 bhp), later detuned at around the time of the facelift to 122 PS (90 kW; 120 bhp) to conform with 95 octane unleaded and emissions regulations. The GTI came with some features unique to the range, such as the large black boot spoiler, driving lights and fog lights in the front bumper, remote opening rear windows (three door only), and the Speedline 1.9GTI alloys, the first car to be fitted with them. Also benefitted from uprated suspension, tinted glass, a deep front airdam, a leather steering wheel and internally adjustable headlights. Items on the options list included central locking/electric windows (as part of a twinned options pack), a sliding glass sunroof, and metallic/black paint.

• GTI16, A late addition to the range and only produced for a limited period. It featured the PSA XU engine XU9J4 160 PS (118 kW; 158 bhp) 16V 1.9 alloy engine from the 405 Mi-16/Citroën BX 16V. It also included slightly uprated suspension (stiffer rear torsion bars, and wider track width both front and rear). The GTI16 was produced in LHD only, due to clearance issues with the master cylinder in RHD cars.^{[citation needed]} The very high power-to-weight ratio (160PS / 975 kg) resulted in a highly responsive drive, even by modern standards.

Some notable limited edition models included:

The Zest/Zest D and the Trio/Trio D editions, with 1124/1360cc TU engines and 1905cc XUD engines, with unique seat fabric, green seatbelts and side decals down both flanks.

The Look, available in blue, white and very scarce black were fitted with unique seat fabric with a sunroof and coloured bumper inserts.

The Goodwood, UK only Limited Edition was a GTI with full black leather interior as standard, and no-cost optional wooden steering wheel, gearknob and CD-Autochanger. The model was only available in limited numbers for the UK market (only 398 vehicles were constructed) in metallic pinewood green with anthracite Speedline alloy wheels, with metal lip on outer rim and badging depicting the Goodwood racing circuit on the front wings, tailgate and steering wheel boss. When the Goodwood was launched, the high asking price resulted in some examples not finding homes until 1994, hence some being registered on an 'L' prefix registration.

Peugeot 309 Serie 2 Rear

Reliability & Build Quality

Generally, Peugeot 309's, like all Peugeots of that era, were quite hardy, the only real issues with them being rust and the usual rear suspension trailing arm bush wear. For some reason, 309's seemed to suffer from rust more than the 205's and 405's of the same era. Diesel engined examples, with the famed XUD engine, could be known to reach over 200,000 miles with regular servicing.

A known defect on the Phase 1 models was rainwater leaking into the rear of the car via the tail lights, resulting in puddles of water sitting under the rear seats which ultimately could rust out the vehicle around the rear suspension mounting points, as well as rotting the rear seat itself. Modification kits to resolve this were available for a time, although some owners resorted to the use of liberal applications of silicone sealant.

On Phase 1 models the boot hinge bolted directly to the glass. On these models, the wiring for the rear window wiper relied on the boot gas struts to have electrical connections to complete the circuit; struts with the necessary connections are now nearly impossible to get hold of, leading to many of the remaining Phase 1 309's having non-functioning rear windscreen wipers (and the wiring connecting to the struts also breaks).^[6]

With the facelifted model the rear window was reinforced with steel around the edges and at the same time the heating element changed to a more traditional design. Better designed seals ensured no leakages made their way into the bootwell, hence the reason later, Phase 2, examples tend to have survived more than the far rarer Phase 1's. Furthermore, Phase 2 309's tended to be built slightly better than the Phase 1's, including one-piece dashboard design eliminating dash rattles, and the aforementioned introduction of the more modern TU family of engines.

However, both Phase 1 and Phase 2 309's are now rare while the best examples tend to be kept in the hands of collectors, with values now beginning to rise periodically.

References

External links

• Peugeot 309 GTi History & Owners Cars
• Website dedicated to the Peugeot 309