It’s funny how times have changed. These days if your new hot hatch didn’t have a six-speed gearbox that would be something to talk about. But in the late nineties, when Peugeot created its latest hot 306, it was so pleased with the fact it had six ratios it put a number ‘6’ on the boot.
It was the 306 GTI-6 and the half dozen gears was a first for the hot hatch class and gave you previously unheard of levels of bragging rights down the Dog and Duck. Anyone who had driven the previous 306 GTI, with its laughable five-speed ‘box, will know that it was a good starting point for the GTI-6.
The new car received an even hotter version of Peugeot's proven 16-valve 2.0-litre powerplant with lighter internals, a new alloy cylinder head and harmonically optimised inlet and exhaust plumbing. Then Peugeot chucked in Magneti Marelli's latest sequential ignition and twin-jet fuel-injection system.
Power was increased to a respectable 167bhp at 6500rpm and peak torque increased by 10% to 145lb ft - albeit 2000rpm higher at 5500rpm. By adding a tall sixth ratio the carmaker was able to make the other gears much closer, which gave the car even more of a performance edge.
Ultimately the GTI-6 wasn’t as focused as the incredible 306 Rallye but it was a capable performance hatch, with 60mph arriving in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 130mph. It turned-in nicely and had the Peugeot trait of lift-off oversteer if required.
There was passive rear-steer at the back to make the car even livelier and point-to-point it proved to be both comfortable and sharp. Peugeot doesn’t seem so interested in making sporting versions of its range any more so this is possibly one of the last of a line, and could well be a classic of the future.
The R-reg model we found on Autotrader.co.uk seems like a bargain for a grand, with five months MOT and six months tax. Not entirely sure about the colour, but at this price who cares? It has a reasonably low 106,000 miles and has been recently serviced, as well as a cambelt change. Just £1,000 to join the six gear club – what are you waiting for?
Ad reads: '1997 PEUGEOT 306 2.0 16V GTi-6. Yellow, 3 Door Hatchback, Blaze Yellow, Petrol, Manual, 106000 miles, Service History up to 70000miles, Cambelt done at 95000, Recently Serviced receipts to prove it, 5months MOT & 6 months Tax, 6 CD Changer, VGC. £1,000.