Peugeot 302
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1810 |
| Headquarters | Sochaux , France |
| Products | Automobiles |
The Peugeot 302 is a mid-range saloon car that debuted at the 1936 Paris Motor Show under the Peugeot brand and was manufactured until April 1938, with a total production of 25,083 units.
Background
Essentially a shortened adaptation of the Peugeot 402, the 302 featured a smaller 1758 cc engine and was introduced one year after the launch of the 402.
Market Placement of the 302
Targeting a different segment than the aerodynamic 402, which aimed at a broader audience, the 302 was positioned to rival the Citroën Traction Avant. It catered to consumers seeking mid-sized saloons during the economic recovery following the 1929 downturn. Its release, however, took place amid political and industrial unrest in France.
Brief Production Span
Production of Peugeot's well-liked Peugeot 201 ended in September 1937, with its replacement, the more compact Peugeot 202, arriving in February 1938. Although still listed at the October 1937 Paris Motor Show to facilitate stock clearance, the 302 was notably absent from Peugeot’s exhibition stand. Throughout late 1937 and early 1938, it remained Peugeot’s entry-level and most affordable model.
Body Design
The styling of the 302 closely followed that of its larger sibling, the 402, showcasing a slanted front grille behind which the headlights were positioned. A unique feature included an opening for the starter handle located in the lower grille area, passing through the central digit of the vertically arranged "302" emblem, which was accented with blue, white, and red colors symbolizing national pride.
In addition to the standard saloon and Peugeot’s own two-door four-seat cabriolet variant, limited special editions were produced. These included a Darl'mat 302 roadster and a coupé-cabriolet equipped with an automatic retractable steel roof patented by Georges Paulin in 1931.
Engine and Mechanical Components
The water-cooled four-cylinder engine of 1758 cc bore strong similarities to that used in the larger 402, featuring a fiscal horsepower rating of 10 CV compared to the 402’s 11 CV. It was claimed to deliver a maximum power output of , enabling a top speed of .
Power from the front-mounted engine was sent to the rear wheels through a conventional three-speed transmission.
Peugeot had earlier introduced independent front suspension on an upgraded 201, providing it with an advantage over competitors like Renault. This technological innovation continued with the 302, enhancing driving comfort and handling on uneven surfaces. The rear suspension employed a rigid axle combined with cantilever springs.