The Peugeot 306 GTI-6 and Rallye combined a rev-hungry 16-valve engine, an unusual six-speed gearbox and one of the finest front-wheel-drive chassis of the 1990s.
1. The six-speed gearbox supplied the name
Six forward ratios were remarkable in an affordable hatchback in 1996 and helped keep the two-litre engine in its strongest rev range.
2. Its engine produced about 167 bhp
The XU10J4RS twin-cam four-cylinder used variable inlet technology and was shared with the Citroën Xsara VTS.
3. The Rallye removed weight
Peugeot deleted air conditioning, much sound insulation and other equipment, saving roughly 65 kg compared with a similarly specified GTI-6.
4. Only 500 UK Rallyes were planned
The Rallye was a British-market special and its small production run makes correct surviving cars particularly desirable.
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5. Passive rear steering aided agility
Compliance in the rear axle mountings created subtle toe changes under load, helping the car turn into bends with unusual enthusiasm.
6. Lift-off oversteer was part of the character
A sudden throttle lift could tighten the line dramatically. Skilled drivers enjoyed the adjustability, while careless inputs demanded respect.
7. The turning circle was poor
Packaging the six-speed transmission limited steering lock, producing one of the car’s most frequently mentioned everyday compromises.
8. It succeeded the 306 S16
The earlier S16 established the 16-valve formula, but the GTI-6 brought more power, the extra ratio and important detail improvements.
9. It became a successful competition base
306s appeared in rallying and circuit racing, while the spectacular Maxi kit car gave the family hatch genuine international credibility.
10. Rust and rear axles now matter
Age can expose corrosion, tired beam bearings and accident repairs. A strong engine cannot compensate for a neglected shell and chassis.
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