How to Open the Rear Seats of a Peugeot 301?
4 Answers
To open the rear seats of a Peugeot 301, follow these steps: 1. Lift the front edge of the seat to reveal the latch; 2. Use a key or screwdriver to lift upwards in the direction of the arrow; 3. Press against the latch to release and open the seat. The Peugeot 301 has the following dimensions: length 4442 mm, width 1748 mm, height 1476 mm, with a wheelbase of 2652 mm and a fuel tank capacity of 53 liters. It is equipped with a 1.6L naturally aspirated inline 4-cylinder engine, delivering a maximum power of 86 kW at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 150 Nm at 4000 rpm, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Last time when helping a friend move, I discovered that the rear seats of his Peugeot 301 couldn't fold down. Later, we found the release mechanism hidden in the seat cushion seam! You squat by the rear door and run your fingers along the seam between the cushion and backrest towards the center - you'll feel a nylon strap. Pull the strap upwards firmly while pushing the seatback forward with your knee, and you'll hear a 'click' as it unlocks. Remember that strap positions vary by model: the Classic version has one strap on each side (requires two people to pull simultaneously), while the Comfort version just needs its single center strap. After unlocking, don't fold it down directly - support the backrest and lower it slowly to prevent hinge jamming. I've successfully fit a 1.8-meter-long fishing rod case this way, instantly doubling the trunk space!
As a veteran Peugeot owner, here's a tip: There's a release loop hidden under the backrest of the 301's rear seats. Reach into the junction between the seat and the trunk, around the middle of the seat, and you'll feel a nylon pull handle. When pulling the loop with your left hand, use your right hand to push the seat forward simultaneously – these movements need good coordination. Note that on some models, the loop is next to the headrest, requiring you to lower the headrest fully to see it. It took me quite a while to figure it out initially, but now I'm much more skilled at installing child seat bases. I recommend wearing gloves during operation, as the nylon strap can easily cut into your hands.
Hands-on experience sharing: I've driven the 301 for three years, and every time I need to load large items, I have to fold down the rear seats. You kneel on the rear foot mat, press your face against the backrest to look down, and there's a 10 cm wide fabric strap at the base of the seat. Grip the strap and pull it vertically upward about 5 cm. Once you feel the resistance disappear, immediately flip the backrest forward. The key is to perform the action smoothly—the lifting and flipping must be done in one go, otherwise, it will get stuck halfway. Just last weekend, I managed to fit two folding bicycles inside. With the backrest flattened, the depth exceeds 1.5 meters, making it very practical for moving or transporting goods.
