Peugeot 309
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Talbot Horizon |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Defunct | 1994 |
| Headquarters | Poissy, Coventry, Spain (manufacturing locations) , France, United Kingdom, Spain |
Area served | Europe, India |
| Products | Compact family cars (hatchback) |
| Parent | PSA Peugeot Citroën |
Peugeot 309
The Peugeot 309 is a compact family vehicle manufactured between 1985 and 1994 across facilities in France, England, and Spain by PSA Peugeot Citroën. Originally planned to launch as a Talbot under the name Talbot Arizona, the model was ultimately released under the Peugeot brand due to Talbot's deteriorating market presence.
This model succeeded the Talbot Horizon, which was initially developed by Chrysler Europe and Simca and also produced for the North American market. PSA ceased the Talbot brand in 1985, with the final Talbot passenger car being the 1981 Samba. The Talbot name was completely phased out following the end of production of the Talbot Express in 1994.
History
Known internally as Projet C28, the 309 was created by PSA’s former Chrysler/Simca division to replace the Talbot Horizon. Design responsibilities were assigned to the ex-Chrysler-Rootes design studios located in Coventry, while engineering development took place at Simca’s facility in Poissy, France.
PSA required that many existing parts be utilized, which resulted in a lengthened floorpan and door components borrowed from the Peugeot 205, combined with engines and gearboxes from Simca’s Horizon.
The aerodynamic design of the 309 was influenced by research such as the 1982 Peugeot VERA Plus, noted for its low drag coefficient. These aerodynamic principles later informed subsequent Peugeot models.
Manufacturing commenced at Poissy in late summer 1985, with deliveries within France beginning in October. Right-hand drive versions were built at the Ryton plant near Coventry, previously owned by Rootes and Chrysler Europe before Peugeot’s acquisition in 1978. Sales in the UK started early in 1986, initially limited to a five-door hatchback.
Despite its numbering, the 309 was not designed as a direct successor to the Peugeot 305 but rather to establish a distinct identity reflecting its Simca roots. It was also Peugeot’s first hatchback within this size segment. As Talbot passenger vehicles were phased out, the 309 took over from the Talbot Horizon. The Talbot Samba ended production in 1986 due to competition from the Peugeot 205, removing overlap within PSA’s small car lineup. Additionally, larger Talbot models like the Alpine and Solara were discontinued that year ahead of the launch of the similarly sized Peugeot 405.
The styling incorporated reused door shells from the 205, resulting in a somewhat unconventional look compared to other Peugeots of that era. Although originally intended as a Talbot internally, it was marketed as a Peugeot. Unlike contemporary Peugeots designed by Pininfarina, the 309 featured an in-house design with a liftback silhouette reminiscent of American models such as the Dodge Shadow and Plymouth Sundance, although developed independently.
In the UK market, initial engine offerings included Simca-derived chain-driven overhead valve petrol units: an 1118 cc (E1A) and a 1294 cc (G1A) engine sourced from the Horizon, alongside Peugeot’s own belt-driven overhead camshaft XU petrol engines of 1580 cc and 1905 cc. Spanish versions utilized Simca Poissy engines of 1442 cc (Y2) and 1592 cc (J2) instead of the 1580 cc OHC unit.
Diesel options were introduced in July 1986 with PSA’s 1905 cc XUD GLD and GRD variants, followed by an SRD version in 1987. Some export markets offered a smaller 1769 cc diesel from launch; however, this engine only became available in France starting in 1992.
As sales of the Peugeot 305 declined, February 1987 saw an expansion of the 309 lineup with the addition of a three-door body style. The naming scheme designated five-door models with equipment levels beginning with G and three-door versions starting with X. Key new variants included a sporty GTi model powered by the XU9 1905 cc engine from the successful Peugeot 205 GTi, an automatic transmission option (exclusive to five-door models), and two-seater van versions XA and XAD introduced simultaneously.
The Peugeot 309 represented PSA’s inaugural use of the former Rootes factory at Ryton-on-Dunsmore following its acquisition of Chrysler Europe in 1978. Its partial British manufacturing roots contributed to its popularity within the UK market. Production at Ryton expanded further with introduction of larger models like the Peugeot 405 in 1987. The subsequent Peugeot 306 and later Peugeot 206—the latter being the final vehicle produced at Ryton before its closure in December 2006—were also assembled there. As of September 2022, around 41 Peugeot 309 GTi units remain active on UK roads, with an additional approximately 313 registered but currently off-road (SORN).
Facelift (Phase 2)
During the summer of 1989, Peugeot introduced the Phase 2 version of the 309, which showcased a revamped rear design featuring a lowered boot edge, rear lights with a 'smoked' appearance, and an updated front grille. Inside, the cabin was refreshed to resolve complaints regarding the Phase 1’s Talbot-originated multi-piece dashboard, which had issues with creaking and rattling noises. The GTi variants were upgraded with a colour-matched, single-piece rear spoiler that replaced the older rubber type.
A significant mechanical enhancement was the debut of the 'BE3' gearbox, an evolution of the initial 'BE1' unit. This new transmission repositioned the reverse gear to a more standard location and improved reliability by lowering failure incidents. Peugeot also began integrating the belt-driven TU Series overhead camshaft engines in 1,124 cc and 1,360 cc displacements, gradually phasing out the older Simca engines by 1992. The GTi 16 model appeared during this period, powered by the XU9J4 engine from the 405 Mi16; however, it was sold exclusively in continental Europe. (Refer to Trim levels)
End of production
By late 1992, manufacturing of the 309 was tapering off in anticipation of the upcoming Peugeot 306, which marked Peugeot’s return to its classic numerical naming convention. By July 1993, only two Vital models—one petrol and one diesel—remained available until sales ended in December. Over its production span from 1985 to 1993, Peugeot built a total of 1,635,132 units, including 18,262 GTi and 5,896 GTi 16 examples.
As of 2018, just 481 Peugeot 309 vehicles were recorded as roadworthy in the UK, with another 1,378 registered but kept off-road under SORN status.
India
In India, Premier Automobiles Limited (PAL) commenced local assembly of the Peugeot 309 in 1995, offering solely the five-door body style. Initially sold as a petrol-powered GL variant equipped with the TU3 engine, buyers on waiting lists gained access to a diesel GLD model starting in 1997. Unlike European diesels that employed XUD engines, Indian versions featured the smaller 1527-cc TUD5 diesel engine also used by Maruti Udyog. Due to labor and service-related difficulties, Premier entered into a second joint venture with Fiat; consequently, Peugeot ended its association with PAL in November 1997, although sales of the 309 persisted into 1998.
Trim levels
- XE, GE: These models were powered by either an 1118cc E1A or a 1294cc G1A OHV Simca engine; XE came as a three-door while GE had five doors. The smaller engine models featured a four-speed manual transmission; larger engines came with five-speed gearboxes. Standard equipment was basic—rear bench seat, heated rear window, small wheel covers, and flick wipe—with optional extras such as rear wash/wipe functions, side door protective strips, and pop-up sunroof. Diesel variants carried a 'D' suffix and were fitted with the 1905cc XUD engine.
Special editions based on X/GE included Sport versions equipped with spoilers and decals and Sunseeker editions featuring sunroofs and decals. In the UK market, the Special Equipment model (1989) added sunroof and rear wash/wipe functionality. From 1988 onward, the E trim was replaced by Style to align with Peugeot’s naming conventions; Style trims offered TU petrol and XUD diesel engines paired with five-speed gearboxes following Simca engine phase-out.
- XL, GL: Engine options ranged from the 1294cc G1A through to the larger 1580cc XU5 petrol and 1905cc XUD diesel units (diesels denoted by 'D'), all mated to five-speed transmissions; XL was available as a three-door model while GL came as five-door. Early L trims featured upgraded interiors including enhanced seats, dashboard clocks, door bump strips, intermittent wipers, glovebox doors, split/fold rear seats, full wheel covers, and rear wash/wipe systems. A three-speed automatic gearbox was offered on XU5 GL versions. Later production saw XL discontinued; meanwhile a turbocharged 1769cc XUD diesel was added as GLDTurbo featuring alloy wheels sourced from Peugeot 205 GTI along with suspension enhancements, fog lamps, central locking, electric windows and vacuum-operated moonroof.
- GLX: Available exclusively as five-door models powered by either the 1294cc G1A, 1360cc TU3 or 1580cc XU5 engines—all equipped with five-speed gearboxes. Standard features encompassed digital clocks, tachometers, sliding glass moonroofs, sports seats similar to those found on Peugeot 205 XS models, rear wash/wipe capability, door bump strips and intermittent wipers plus small boot spoilers; the larger displacement variant also included central locking and electric front windows. Post-facelift models gained body-coloured bumpers fitted with fog lights and optional reflective strip panels.
- GR Profile: This five-door trim used the 1294cc G1A engine and was developed to rival vehicles such as the Austin Maestro HLE by enhancing aerodynamics and reducing rolling resistance for improved fuel efficiency—advertised as delivering an extra three miles per gallon at steady speeds of around 75 mph. Standard equipment featured instrument lighting rheostats, digital clocks, engine undershields, glovebox lamps and carpeted boots illuminated by lights; optional extras included metallic paint finishes along with central locking and electric windows. The GR Profile was discontinued circa 1988 when GLX was introduced.
- XR, GR: These trims were powered by either the petrol-powered 1580cc XU5 or diesel-fueled 1905cc XUD engines; XR came as a three-door while GR offered five doors. Specifications closely matched those of GR Profile models but allowed options like metallic paintwork and central locking systems. Later iterations incorporated fuel-injected XU5 engines delivering up to115 PS alongside detuned variants badged GRi designed for compatibility with lower-octane fuels. Towards production end a turbocharged version of the1769cc XUD diesel appeared under GRDTurbo badge offering features aligned with GLDTurbo. The XR trim was never marketed in the UK.
The 309 Automatic trim corresponded to GR-level specifications and was available with either a1.6-litre XU5 or later a catalyzed detuned1.9-litre XU9J1 engine producing105 PS; exact configurations varied depending on market.
- SR, SRD, SR Injection: These five-door trims were equipped respectively with1580cc XU5 petrol or1905cc XUD diesel powerplants; SR represented top-tier alongside GR trims. The SR featured an80 PS single-carburettor XU5 engine; SRD used65 PS XUD9 diesel units; SR Injection boasted115 PS fuel-injected XU5 engines derived from Peugeot205 GTI models. Standard features included central locking systems adjustable headlights map lights front electric windows Windsor velour upholstery fibre-optic dashboard dials; SR Injection further added alloy wheels plus remote-controlled mirrors. Optional equipment encompassed metallic or black paint finishes fog lamps glass sunroof automatic transmission (SR only) plus SR-specific decals. These trims were produced exclusively during Phase1 making them relatively rare today.
- XS (three-door) and SX (five-door): Marketed as sportier alternatives to GTI variants featuring fuel-injected115 PS XU5 engines; these lacked some luxury elements found on SR trims emphasizing sportiness instead—utilizing tweed sports seats similar to those on Peugeot205 XS rather than plush interiors seen elsewhere. In markets such as Sweden and Switzerland these models were sometimes fitted with lower-output110 PS versions of XU9M engines. Equipment included opening rear windows (three-door), digital clocks black spoilers (post-facelift), driving lamps; options comprised alloy wheels central locking/electric windows packages sliding glass sunroofs fog lamps. XS versions are now scarce within UK markets while SX trims were not offered there.
- GTI: Available from February1987 in both three- and five-door formats powered by robust1905cc XU9 engines delivering up to130 PS (with122 PS catalytic converter-equipped variants for emission compliance). Production of non-catalyzed versions ceased globally by1992. Distinctive features included large black boot spoilers driving/fog lamps integrated into front bumpers remote-opening rear windows (three-door only), Speedline alloy wheels—the first application for this car—upgraded suspension systems tinted glass leather-wrapped steering wheels; optional extras consisted of central locking/electric windows packs sliding glass sunroofs metallic or black paint finishes.
- GTI 16: Launched in July1989 as a limited edition model equipped with powerful160 PS sixteen-valve1.9-litre alloy XU9J4 engines shared with Peugeot405 Mi16/Citroën BX16V models. Suspension improvements comprised stiffer torsion bars at rear plus wider front/rear tracks for enhanced handling characteristics. Offered solely in left-hand drive due to packaging constraints preventing right-hand drive adaptation it was not imported into UK markets because low sales potential compared to popular Peugeot205 GTI variants existed at that time. Its impressive power-to-weight ratio delivered exceptional performance for its era; catalytic converter-equipped versions produced up to148 PS while non-catalyzed production ended in1993.
- XA, XAD: Introduced in February1987 these three-door van derivatives featured minimal specifications without rear seating—XA initially powered by petrol Simca engines displacing1118 or1294 cc producing55 or65 hp respectively; XAD utilized typical1905 cc diesel units rated at65 hp. Following1989 facelift ("Phase2"), petrol powerplants were replaced by60 hp TU-series1124 cc units.
Noteworthy limited editions:
The Zest/Zest D and Trio/Trio D editions combined1124/1360 cc TU petrol engines or1905 cc XUD diesels alongside unique seat fabrics green seatbelts plus side decals.
The Look edition was offered in blue white plus rare black paint schemes featuring distinctive upholstery sunroof coloured bumper inserts.
The Green edition (1987–1991) provided three- or five-door variants painted "Blanc Meije" white complemented by white wheel hubs sunroof tinted glass rear wiper painted bumpers adorned with green stripes plus exclusive "Green" branding internally and externally.
The UK-exclusive Goodwood Limited Edition represented a GTI variant fitted standard with full black leather interiors plus optional wooden steering wheels gear knobs CD autochangers at no additional cost.Limited to398 units it showcased metallic pinewood green paint anthracite Speedline alloys highlighted by polished metal rims along with Goodwood race circuit badges positioned on wings tailgate steering wheel boss.High pricing delayed some sales until1994 for certain examples.
Models
The following models were specifically designed for the French domestic market.
| Peugeot 309 (1985–1993) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Trim Levels | Engine Type | Displacement cc |
Fuel Delivery | Output | Torque | Gearbox | Brake System | Mass | Maximum Speed | 0–100 km/h (seconds) |
Manufacturing Period | ||||||||
| 3-door | 5-door | PS | kW | at rpm | N⋅m | lb⋅ft | at rpm | front | rear | kg | lb | km/h | mph | ||||||
| Petrol-powered variants | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XE, XL | base, GE, GL | E1A | 1118 | Single-barrel carburettor |
55 | 40 | 6000 | 80 | 59 | 3400 | 4MT | Discs | Drums | 870 kilograms (1,920 lb) | 150 | 93 | 17.3 | 1985–1989 | |
| XA Van | - | 860 kilograms (1,900 lb) | 1987–1989 | ||||||||||||||||
| XE | GE | TU1 F2/K | 1124 | 60 | 44 | 5800 | 87.5 | 65 | 3200 | 870 kilograms (1,920 lb) | 1989–1992 | ||||||||
| XA Van | - | 860 kilograms (1,900 lb) | 146 kilometres per hour (91 mph) | ||||||||||||||||
| XL | GL | 5MT | 870 kilograms (1,920 lb) | 153 kilometres per hour (95 mph) | 16.5 | ||||||||||||||
| Vital | Vital | TU1 M/Z | electronic fuel injection | 6200 | 3800 | 4MT | 850 kilograms (1,870 lb) | 152 kilometres per hour (94 mph) | 15.4 | 1992–1993 | |||||||||
| XL, XR | GL, GR, SR | G1A | 1294 | Single-barrel carburettor |
65 | 48 | 5600 | 103 | 76 | 2800 | 5MT | Discs | Drums | 870 | 1920 | 159 kilometres per hour (99 mph) | 15.4 | 1985–1989 | |
| XL Profil | GL Profil | {{convert{165 km/h mph}}} | 14.8 | ||||||||||||||||
| XA Van | - | {{convert{860 kg lb}}} | {{convert{155 km/h mph}}} | 15.4 | 1987–1989 | ||||||||||||||
| XL Profil | GL Profil, GR | TU3A/K | 1360 | Single-barrel carburettor |
{{convert{70 PS kW}}} | 5700 | 111 | 82 | 3400 | 5MT | Discs | Drums | 870 | 1920 | {{convert{165 km/h mph}}} | 13.2 | 1989–1992 | ||
| GRX, Vital | GRX, Vital | PSA TU engine#TU3 TU3M/Z EFI {{convert{75 PS kW}}} 5500 {{convert{165 km/h mph}}} 11.1 1992–1993 | |||||||||||||||||
|
XR || SR, GR || PSA XU engine#XU5 XU5C || 1580 || Single-barrel carburettor || {{convert{80 PS kW}}} || 5600 || {{convert{132 Nm lbft}}} || 3800 || 5MT || Discs || Drums || 890 || 1960 || {{convert{170 km/h mph}}} || 12.5 || 1985–1988 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
XR, XS || GR, SR, SX || PSA XU engine#XU5 XU5 2C Double-barrel carburettor || 92 PS || 6250 rpm || 129 Nm torque || 95 lb-ft torque at 3250 rpm || 180 kg weight increase || 112 mph top speed || 10.7 sec acceleration || 1988–1992 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
-|| GRX|| PSA XU engine#XU5 XU5M/Z EFI|| 132 PS|| 97 kW|| 910 kg|| 10.5 s|| 1992–1993 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
-|| Automatic|| XU5C Single-barrel carburettor|| 80 PS|| 5600 rpm|| 3800 torque|| 3AT transmission|| 925 kg|| 165 km/h top speed|| 16.0 s acceleration|| 1987–1989 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
XU5 2C Double-barrel carburettor|| 92 PS|| 6250 rpm|| 129 Nm torque|| 3250 rpm torque|| 900 kg weight|| 170 km/h top speed|| 106 mph top speed|| 14.1 s acceleration|| 1989–1992 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
-|| GRX Automatic|| XU5M/Z EFI|| 132 Nm torque|| 930 kg weight|| 1992–1993 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
- || GT || PSA XU engine#XU9 XU9 2C Double-barrel carburettor || 1905 cc || 105 PS || 5600 rpm || 162 Nm || 3000 rpm || 5MT || Discs || Drums || 930 kg || 2050 lb || 190 km/h || 118 mph || 10.4 s || 1985–1989 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
XS || SX || 110 PS || 6000 rpm || 191 km/h || 9.9 s || 1989–1992 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
GTI || GTI || PSA XU#XU9 XU9JA EFI || 130 PS || 6000 rpm || 161 Nm torque|| 4750 rpm torque|| Vented discs front and rear|| 206 kg weight|| 128 mph top speed|| 8.0 s acceleration|| 1987–1989 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
950 || 2090 lb weight|| 1989–1992 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
PSA XU engine#XU9 XU9JA/Z EFI|| 122 PS|| 6000 rpm|| 153 Nm torque|| 3000 rpm torque|| 202 km/h top speed|| 8.7 s acceleration|| 1992–1993 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
GTI 16v|| -|| 160 PS|| 6500 rpm|| 177 Nm torque|| 5000 rpm torque|| 975 kg weight|| 2150 lb weight|| 220 km/h top speed|| 7.8 s acceleration|| 1989–1992 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
PSA XU engine#XU9 XU9J4/Z EFI|| 148 PS|| 6400 rpm|| 170 Nm torque|| 5000 rpm torque|| 214 km/h top speed|| 8.2 s acceleration|| 1992–1993 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Vital D || Vital D || PSA XUD#XUD7 XUD7/K Indirect injection || 1769 cc || 60 PS || 4600 rpm || 110 Nm torque || 2000 rpm torque || 5MT transmission || Discs front brakes || Drum rear brakes || 950 kg weight || 155 km/h top speed || 96 mph top speed || 15.9 s acceleration || 1992–1993 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
XAD Van |-| 890 kg weight |-| 1990–1993 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
- || SRDT, GRXD Turbo Diesel Turbocharged IDI PSA XUD#XUD7 XUD7T/K 78 PS 4300 rpm 157 Nm 2100 rpm 990 kg 175 km/h 13.0 s 1989–1993 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
XLD, XRD || GLD, GRD, SRD || PSA XUD#XUD9 XUD9A Indirect injection 1905 cc 65 PS 4600 rpm 120 Nm 2000 rpm 5MT transmission Discs front brakes Drum rear brakes 950 kg weight 160 km/h top speed 15.3 s acceleration 1986–1989 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
XAD Van |-| 890 kg weight |-| 156 km/h top speed |-| 1987–1990 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
XLD, XRD, Graffic, Vital | GLD, GRD, SRD, Graffic, Vital | 950 kg weight | 160 km/h top speed | 1989–1993 | |||||||||||||||||||