Gr8 escape

HE present Peugeot 308 is classy, easy to live with and immensely capable. But the previous model, while not having the same looks, is still very capable and a much cheaper second hand buy.

It was available as either a three or five door hatch, a five door SW estate and as an electric-roofed coupe-cabriolet (CC).

I can’t say I love the earlier “gatemouth” grille, but on later cars this was changed to a smaller and more pleasing look and everything else about them is great.

Based on the preceding 307, a popular family car that found huge numbers of friends in this country, they have good road-holding and handling and also manage a comfortable ride as long as you steer clear of the higher powered models with sports suspension.

The steering is informative and a slickchanging five-speed gearbox, a light clutch and excellent brakes all help the driving experience.

Petrol engines range from a 98bhp 1.4, through a 120bhp 1.6 to the later 1.6 turbos with 156, 175 or 200bhp.

There are many more diesels on the second hand market because they sold in larger numbers new. These range up from a 90bhp 1.6, through 110 and 115bhp versions of the same engine, to a 2.0-litre with 150 or 163bhp.

Economy in the petrol models should be is in low 40s on a longer run, and the 1.6 diesels should be capable of the high 50s in real driving.

The three door models are cheapest but five door and estate are much more practical – especially if you have children.

The CC is great fun in the summer, but it’s only a two and a half seater and if you’re tempted by one, make sure the roof mechanism works perfectly.

Mid-range active models come with remote locking, air con, electric windows, height adjustable seat and height and reach adjustable column, traction control, alloys, audio remote and cruise.

Pay about £5,500 for a ’12 12-reg eHDi Active diesel, or £6,850 for a ’13 13-reg Sport with the same engine.