In 1993, Peugeot introduced the 306 range that replaced the 309 lineup and, in the following year, it revealed the open-top version.
Like its predecessor, the 306 was often compared to the 205 model, which was a legend for the French carmaker. Peugeot tried to make things better and, since the 205 was available in a rag-top version, it created a convertible version for the 306 as well.
With the open-top version, the 306 lineup was complete. The compact vehicle was available as a 3- and 5-door hatchback, a sedan, a station wagon, and a cabriolet. At the front, it featured the new design language of the French Lion, with angled headlights and a pair of narrow cuts in the grille. Pininfarina designed the convertible and offered reasonable solutions to conceive the retractable fabric roof between the rear seats and the trunk. It managed to develop the car without the need of a B-pillar or a visible safety arch.
Inside, the design team put together a varied range of colors and materials better suited to be exposed to direct sunlight. The dashboard featured an angular-looking center stack with the audio controls and the ventilation system easy to reach. Its high-bolstered seats offered good lateral support, but there was little legroom for the rear passengers.
Peugeot installed a choice of three engines under the 306's hood. All of them were paired as standard to a 5-speed manual, while a 4-speed automatic was on the options list.