Before we get into the details of the car, allow us to point out that the only indication that this car might be headed to India comes from Autocar Professional’s story here which mentions that a midsize sedan codenamed M3-M4 was being developed at its facilities in Spain and will start production from the plant at Vigo. The story was published in the month of February 2011. Much has happened since then. Peugeot broke ground for its plant in Sanand, then decided to drop the plans and share production capacity with the GM plant in Talegaon after their new alliance, then GM dropped the bomb on Peugeot saying their plant has only a spare capacity of just 61,000 units for three future models – the Sail (hatchback and saloon) as well as the Enjoy MPV.
While we wonder where people find the confidence to claim ‘New Peugeot 301 headed to India’ we cannot choose to not introduce you to the Peugeot 301. What you make of this story dear reader, is up to you.
The Peugeot 301 adopts the new design cues characteristic of the new Peugeots. The 301 is 4.44m long with a wheelbase of 2.65m. Compare that to the Ventos 4.38m length and wheelbase of 2.55m Boot volume is specified to be 506 litres.
The 3 cylinder 1.2 l VTi engine which makes 72 bhp will takes its place in the 301’s engine bay after its debut in the 208. Other engines on offer are the 1.6 l HDi 92 bhp diesel and the 1.6 l VTi 115 bhp petrol. The diesel is available only with a manual transmission.
ESP, ABS, up to four airbags, emergency braking assistance and ISOFIX ( the standard for fitting child seats in the rear) are the safety features on offer.
Remote boot unlock, electronic climate control and rear parking assistance are the other features of convenience on the 301.
Peugeot has explicitly mentioned a number of markets where the 301 will be introduced after its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show and not surprisingly India isn’t mentioned there. Of course, this might have to do more with the fact that there isn’t an official Peugeot presence here yet and it might not reflect on Peugeot’s plans for the 301 in India.