Peugeot 307 2.0 HDi

I get criticised a lot for not giving specs about the products I review. If you want specs, go read up on the car in one of the many magazines, or even the manufacturers web site.

This is about what it is like to actually drive the 307, over an extended period, not about the specs.

That said, my first initial reaction when starting the engine was to ask the bloke that delivered it if was really a diesel engine. It is that quiet.

Taking it out of the car park, and off down the nice piece of dual carriageway that leads to my first traffic jam, I usually get a good idea of what the urban driving experience is going to hold.

Acceleration is smooth, the engine remains quiet, and before you know it, you're off down the road at 70 miles per hour without actually realising it.

This is because the 307 is large enough that the sensation of speed is much reduced. I felt almost as high off the road as I had done in the Zafira, but not as out of touch with the rest of the traffic.

The windscreen is also large. Compared with something like an Astra or a Mégane (even the Zafira), you are closer to it, and it is very wide. This means that for basic driving, you can ignore it, and it really feels almost as if it isn't there.

Arriving at the tail end of the first jam gives me a chance to test the brakes. Sensitive would be the best way to describe them. Not much give, the car almost stops immediately. You get used to it.

The gearstick is comfortable, and the gear change action is wonderful. I like a good click between gears, and didn't get that with the Mégane, far too mushy a gear change. With the 307 each change felt solid and you knew it was in gear.

Again, being a short-term lease, no air conditioning, so I get a chance to play with the blower. Warms up fast if you need it, but again, the airflow around the interior is poor - especially if you are a passenger.

Nothing else about urban driving stands out. It is a quiet, comfortable, efficient car. Corners as one would expect, visibility is great (lots of windows).

Security wise, it compares as a cross between the Mégane and the Astra. Central console switch for the central locking is great (Vauxhall take note), and there are as many airbags as flats surfaces, or so it seems.

The boot feels smaller than the Astra, but the inside shell of the car is thinner, so it is actually wider, whilst not being quite as deep. (I've not measured them, it's just a feeling I have).

Steering is good. Crisp power-assisted turning circle, quite tight. Nothing to write home about, though.

Out on the open road, it flies along nicely. Engine noise, even at 80 mph remains nice and quiet. You can relax, the steering holds well (none of that juddering you get with some cars), and you can stretch out your left leg comfortably, or move it around, whatever you feel like.

All the instruments are well laid out. Nicely lit when it gets dark, and the indicator lever, one of my other frequent sticking points is adequate.

It is a car for driving around in a mixed environment, and if I had tested it out before the Astra, there's a chance I might have ordered it instead. Who knows.