Peugeot 806 (1995-2002) Car Review

Buying an MPV is bewildering. All the main alternatives seem to look the same. Take Peugeot's 806. Most customers in this current MPV era have bought Ford Galaxys or that car's VW or SEAT clones; fine for the driving enthusiasts but in many ways not as practical as the Peugeot with its sliding side doors. The 806 too was cloned (Fiat's Ulysse and Citroen's Synergie are essentially the same car). It is, however, sometimes better specified than its stablemates - depending on the model you choose.

Opinion
Despite reasonably affordable prices, the specification is quite good. There's an airbag in the adjustable driver's steering wheel as well as controls for the four-speaker stereo. In addition, all models got power steering, central locking, an engine immobiliser, front electric windows, adjustable headlamps, tinted glass, front fog lights and, from December 1998, air conditioning.
The SL version could come complete with eight seats, but if you're planning to use them all on a regular basis, it would be as well to consider the optional roof bars and roof box available from dealers since luggage space will be restricted.
Either way, the sliding doors glide back to reveal a wider range of interior permutations than you could shake a stick at. The front seats swivel through 180 degrees to face backwards, the reason being that you can do just about anything you want with the others.
They can be relocated on alternative mountings to maximise legroom or reclined, swiveled, folded, converted into picnic tables and removed altogether. In a few minutes, your 806 can change from family taxi to removal van, executive mile-cruncher to impromptu conference room.
All this from a vehicle that takes up no more space on the road than the average medium range estate car. It sits a fair bit higher of course - and so do you, which takes a little getting used to. After a few miles however, the superb visibility offered by that vast expanse of glass begins to become a boon. Given a few more, you might even get used to the dashboard-mounted gearstick and locate the handbrake (on your right).
In day-to-day use, you and the family will notice a careful selection of thoughtful touches. There's even a sprung holder for the driver's spectacles or sunglasses in the driver's door. Whether you're using your 806 for a small children's party or simply somewhere to sleep, you'll find Peugeot have thought ahead.

By JONATHAN CROUCH.

Visit the Blog about peppermill peugeot

Peugeot 306 (1993-2002) Car Review

The Peugeot 306 was launched in 1993 and lasted until the 307 was introduced in 2001. Estate versions even ran on until Summer 2002. Until the Ford Focus arrived, it was the leading family hatchback for keen drivers and it remains satisfying for those who enjoy life at the steering wheel. Overall then, a fine used car - if you buy carefully.

Opinion
A five-door family car, that's still amongst the medium range class leaders. It's better than nearly all the more recent designs to drive and build quality has improved a great deal in recent years. So has the quality of materials used.
On all 306s, insurance costs tend to favour the customer more than you might expect; the cost of covering the car tends to be between 15 and 40% less than with any of its major rivals.

Overall
All in all, Peugeot's 306 is a family hatch, saloon or estate you can't afford to leave off the family shopping list. Who says that you need to forget driving enjoyment just because you've got family responsibilities? It may be getting on a bit now, but for those who want the driver's choice, the 306 is a good place to start looking.

By JONATHAN CROUCH.