Peugeot 306 s16 Information

The 306 s16 was first introduced in 1993 as the top-spec model of the Peugeot 306 range. The s16 model was powered by the Peugeot XU10J4 engine, a 2.0 litre 16 valve petrol unit producing either 150bhp or 155bhp as standard. Unlike it's 6-speed replacement the 306 GTi6, the Peugeot 306 s16 is fitted with a BE-3/5 5 speed gearbox that will propel this 90's hot hatch to an eventual 130mph+.

The s16 was only made available as a 3-door hatchback. Similar in design to the XSi model of the period, the s16 was given body-coloured sports bumpers and side-skirts, 15 inch alloy wheels and a slightly lower and stiffer suspension system. The interior spec was also very good with electric windows, a sunroof and figure-hugging half leather sports seats with unique split-fold rear seats incorporating built in headrests. The radio was fitted with uprated speakers in the front and rear and a standard fit alarm and immobiliser system was included to deter thieves.

Peugeot 306 s16 Fuel Economy

The XU10J4 engine from the s16 is not built for economy and as a result figures vary wildly depending on your driving style. Official figures suggest that even with 155bhp on tap the s16 is capable of over 40mpg on the extra-urban cycle, giving a realistic 450 miles per tank on a good run. Driving in town and on shorter journeys will see this figure drop to low 20's for a gallon taking the distance between fill-ups down to just over 200 miles.

Peugeot 306 s16 Power Tuning

If big power in a relatively small car is what you are looking for, the XU10J4 engine is a very good place to start. With 150bhp to start with you can expect to see healthy gains without spending too much on specialist engine work. Replacing the existing exhaust system with a free flowing system can gain as much as 15bhp if done properly, and replacing the air filter with a high flowing induction kit can squeeze in a few more horses. The video below is of a 306 s16 with a Longlife exhaust system and K&N filter along with good quality engine oil, spark plugs and super unleaded fuel achieving a power figure of 170.5bhp.

With a number of additional modifications it is possible to get the XU10J4 engine to power figures in excess of 300bhp, using uprated engine components such as long duration camshafts, flowed heads, lightened and balanced flywheels and pulleys as well as changes to the induction system for example throttle bodies and carbs or even superchargers or turbochargers. Peugeot engine specialists HiFlow Heads have a huge range of uprated parts and engine services developed specifically for the 306 s16 engine.