Peugeot 307 Hatchback (01 - 09) review

In the Peugeot 307, there's lots of room up front, and, unless you're very strangely proportioned, you'll get a decent driving position, as the supportive seats have bags of adjustment. However, the long dash does nothing to help your view out, and it can make parking tricky.

You pay a further price for the design in the back, where the sloping roofline makes headroom tight, although there's no such problem with leg- or shoulder-room. The split-fold rear seats tumble to leave a well shaped and sizeable boot, but the narrow opening can make getting bulkier items in easier said than done.

The 307 is a tall, heavy motor - it's slow to respond and vulnerable to crosswinds. And, although the ride is firm, you won't be running off to the chiropractor. So, it's not exactly a rival for the Ford Focus in how it dirves, but it is at least safe and predictable.

On the plus side, the stiff bodyshell and soundproofing shut out most road noise, and the engines are quiet unless you're working one of the diesels hard. Unfortunately, the high body and large windscreen stir up plenty of wind noise.