Second Hand Sense: If you want to consider the epitome of competition in the car business, look no further than that which exists between the Ford Focus, the Volkswagen Golf and the Toyota Corolla.
These are the cars that sell in volume and represent the kind of motoring most of us actually do, rather than what me might aspire to. So, if you are a manufacturer preparing to venture into this arena you had better get it right.
Which is exactly what Peugeot did with the 307, an exceedingly smart looking car that has style to match, if not better, anything in its direct path. It does not, however, beat them when it comes to a number of key areas.
Originally introduced in 2001, the 307 was to replace the worthy but ageing 306. The car made an impact straight away for safety with class-leading multiple airbags and a very strong construction profile.
Its biggest impact, however, was with its styling and it managed to show the Golf's dated and sober image up. Fluid lines and front angles gave it a warm and modern appeal and the interior was well finished too, with a slightly elevated driving position. In fact, the 307 had more of an MPV than a car feel to it, making it an attractive alternative to the more standard design of competitors' cars. This was revealed in the attention paid to details like several small storage areas.
Engines started with a 1.4 petrol and then moved up to a 1.6 petrol and eventually a 2.0 litre, which was never really an option for the Irish market. A 1.4 diesel and a 1.6 diesel were also introduced. The smaller petrol units were fine and the diesel - mainly due to Peugeot's very strong diesel attraction in Ireland - were really good alternatives.
Ride is a bit soft for Irish roads, but cornering and handling are both very good. Perhaps the real attraction of the car, apart from its styling, is that it has something for everyone. It drives well, is practical and roomy.
The 307 has a four-star (out of a possible five) rating in the EuroNCAP crash tests but it did not get the extra star in 2001 because, during the frontal impact, the driver's chest struck the steering wheel and the passenger's head the fascia. The safety cell of the car was found to be very strong, however, and side impact performance was found to be very good.
The 307 does not have a great record when it comes to recalls. Large numbers have had to be brought back for various problems, including swivel joints on the front suspension and the sealing of electrical connections for the steering system.
A 2002 model with a 1.4 petrol engine and extras such as multiple airbags, CD player, metallic paint and air conditioning is on sale at €12,750 with 32,000 miles on the clock, while an equivalent diesel 1.4 is on offer for €500 more but with higher mileage. A 2004 model with the 1.4 petrol engine and just 8,500 miles on the clock will cost about €17,000. The same year diesel 1.4 with 57,000 miles will cost about €16,500.
FOR: Good styling, good range of options with petrol and diesel and good interior.
AGAINST: Soft ride, recall problems.