1999 Peugeot 306 Meridian HDi review from UK and Ireland

Radio reception terrible.

Airbag warning light flashed occasionally.

Bucketloads of torque, throttle response of a good petrol engine, and 56 mpg. "Real road" performance is not a million miles away from the Rover 216GTi I had before, and the car will do around 750 miles before the 13 gallon fuel tank needs refilling.

The HDi engine is brilliant, and works amazingly well in this light car. The car also handles superbly, and is surprisingly good fun to drive on a twisty road. The engine's massive and useable torque means even a quick hot hatch needs a hard thrashing if it is to pull away from this car on a twisty road.

Faults have been minor, and not worthy of major complaint. A pretty, fun and amazingly economical little car which can do so much more than the boring commute for which many people will buy it. Insurance is a steal as well.

Put your anti-diesel prejudices aside and try one. A little tip - on the test drive, stick it in 5th at 70 mph, nail the throttle and try to get your head around how quickly it tops the ton, what kind of machinery has just shrunk in the rear view mirror, and how you're still doing 50+mpg. I still can't believe I've fallen for a diesel!