PEUGEOT 306 2.0 HDi 90 D Turbo 3dr [AC] (1999)

Pininfarina design, Peugeot electrics.

I've had a few 306s and it probably is the only hatchback I'd ever own, but the most notable was my HDi. In standard form they pack enough punch in 90bhp, however as the first common-rail direct injection model from Peugeot they can be remapped easily to 120bhp.

I feel the 306 is the last decent car Peugeot made, one that weighed less than 2 tonnes and with a simple, clean design. Italian design house Pininfarina had a hand in the design (the people responsible for some classic Ferrari shapes), and it has aged surprisingly well. A late model still looks fresh on the road today, and combined with the sharp handling of the Dturbo 3-doors it really is a good all round car.

I used to return about 50mpg and it was reasonably comfortable considering it was a hatchback, but build quality was a bit of a let down. Usual cheap looking interior, and one that changed barely in design from the 306s introduction in 1993. However the 306 is renowned for its decent handling, with a remap you'll suffer from mild torque steer but you'll be glad of the extra bhp on the motorway.

French electrics are the real achilles heel with this car, they aren't likely to last many more winters. I got rid of mine about a year ago and the day I sold it the alarm starting going off when the door opened and the windows stopped working. Aircon will rarely work in 306s as the main pipe runs just behind the front of the bumper and corrodes very easily, so don't expect it to. The part is about £70 so not too expensive, as are most parts for Peugeots and second hand bits are easy to come buy in breakers yards.

Also luckily Peugeot galvanise panels, if there is any rust on a late model like this it's probably been repaired, or parked in the sea. Either way, I'd avoid a rusty one.