Peugeot 305

Introduction

The Peugeot 305 was a small family car produced between 1977 and 1989, designed to succeed the Peugeot 304 and fill the gap before the larger 505. It was positioned as a practical, reliable, and comfortable vehicle for families, with a focus on everyday usability. Available in sedan, estate, and van versions, the 305 combined French styling with efficiency and durability, making it a popular choice across Europe.

Exterior

The Peugeot 305 carried a more modern and angular design compared to its predecessor. Its sharp body lines, rectangular headlights, and wide stance gave it a more contemporary appeal for its era. Estate versions offered additional cargo capacity, while the van variant was suited for commercial use. The styling emphasized practicality but retained a sense of understated French elegance.

Interior

Inside, the Peugeot 305 offered a roomy cabin with improved ergonomics compared to the 304. The dashboard design was simple but functional, with well-laid-out controls. Upholstery ranged from basic cloth in entry-level models to more refined finishes in higher trims. The estate version added excellent luggage space, making it ideal for family trips and professional needs.

Safety Features

For its time, the Peugeot 305 included reasonable safety features, such as seatbelts, crumple zones, and reinforced body structure. Later models introduced disc brakes and better braking systems. While it lacked the advanced safety systems seen in modern cars, it was considered dependable and safe for family use in the late 1970s and 1980s.

Engine Trims

The Peugeot 305 was offered with a variety of engines, including petrol units from 1.3L to 1.6L, and later 1.9L. Diesel versions were also introduced, which gained popularity for their fuel economy. The engines were known for reliability and ease of maintenance, paired with a manual transmission. This flexibility allowed the 305 to meet diverse customer needs, from economy to family practicality.

Maintenance

The 305 was relatively easy to maintain due to its straightforward engineering and widely available parts at the time. Routine servicing included oil changes, brake maintenance, and suspension checks. Its durability meant that many models continued to run reliably for decades, especially in markets where Peugeot’s service network was strong.

Competitors

The Peugeot 305 competed with cars like the Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf Mk1, Renault 18, and Fiat Ritmo. While some rivals offered sportier options, the 305 was appreciated for its comfort, versatility, and reliability. It successfully bridged the gap between Peugeot’s smaller and larger models, making it an important part of the brand’s lineup.