Probably just a boring hatchback to you

[hertsbiker]

well, I got pissed off with my Smart. It now belongs to my wife, and she can have the joys of slow gears, and everything else I hated.

Didn't realise how much "quirky" stuff I was putting up with, until I test drove what you guys may call a boring hatchback...

Yep, a 307. Two box blob, but amazingly good on the handling, which surprised me a lot. Better than the Focus, or the Astra.

Cos I am going to be doing 12,000 miles on the motorway I have opted for the 2.0 TD model. It's got more toys than I know what to do with. And BETTER economy than the SMART !!! Also faster, which is welcome.

Ok, never gonna beat you guys with this thing on the straights, but pretty bloody good on the corners - and crosses speed bumps like they hardly exist ! good traction, hardly a hint of power-understeer. I have to hand it to Peugeot - they make a good chassis.

Well, am I mad?


Carl

[campbell]

Well some had to by one, but it is your choice and you have to live with it.
I must say i do prefer the 205 1.9gti and the 306 1.9tdi, but there are not bad cars for being French, and almost every this ealce that is French.

Happy driving

[hertsbiker]

I really wanted the 2.0 petrol model, but the oil burner is about twice as economical. Could have got another 206, but wanted something bigger for stability on those long boring commutes to work.

Ideally I want a Cerbie or Griff, but that'll have to wait until I am out of my bike phase !!

[Tabs]

Take it you've got a job now then?

[Whoozit]

quote:
I must say i do prefer the 205 1.9gti and the 306 1.9tdi

Did you see in this month's hot hatch article in EVO, apparently for £5k LAD will find you a clean 205 1.9, refurb the car and check out engine and transmission for at least another 80k miles. Quite a tempting offer

[JMGS4]

Hertsbiker, I seem to remember a handling survey done by TopGear with that large bloke in it (duuh grey cells slow today). The 205 was the best handling car in the whole group except the 120000pound ferrari....
Had the joy of throwing one around on empty roads in the Borders and wayhay............... so if yours is anything like as much fun then go fer it fella!

[kevinday]

JMGS4, I think you mean Jeremy Clarkson on one of his videos. Richard Burns, JC and one of the BTCC drivers tested various cars for handling and all thought the Pug 106 was best, but it came second to the 550 because 'We could not have a shopping trolley come top'

[hertsbiker]

I saw that program too ! yeah, I was amazed when the 106 came out so close to the Furry. Well, the 307 seems so bloody well planted on the road that what I lose in a straight line, I may reel some back on the corners.

The only problem is (engine aside) that by Exotic standards, it looks pretty ordinary. Ah well, such is the price of 50-60mpg, and 300,000 mile longevity.

Cheers lads!

[hertsbiker]

quote:
Take it you've got a job now then?

err, no, actually. But hope to be sorted soon.
The 206 is at the end of its 2 year agreement, and I needed a bigger car that can munch the miles without being a problem! (no reflection intended on Loti/Tvrs) Was almost cheaper to get a new car, than to keep the old one !!

C

[JMGS4]

Aaah but the cloaking!!!! nothing better than understatement (stick a BIG engine in it!)