Peugeot 306 Meridian in general

My first impression of this medium sized family hatchback was the stylish looks. The sills that run below the doors seem to curve in which gives a sleek aerodynamic look. On second glance I noticed the features that make the Meridian Special. The leather bound adjustable height steering wheel, the leather trim around the edges of the seats, the CD player, the CD control arm mounted on the steering column, need I go on. This car is packed with extras, air conditioning, twin air bags, and side impact air bags. It had all electric windows. A de-activation switch for the passenger air bag for if you put a baby carrier in. A switch to de-activate the rear electric ...

We were looking for a new car earlier this year and had made a list of all the 'must have' modifications. We toured the garages looking at all the medium sized hatchbacks. We ended up at Regal Motors in Tipton from where we had hired Peugeot cars over a number of years. There she was - a Peugeot 306 Meridian. V reg (it was June 2000) but only 9 miles on the clock. She has 5 doors, twin air bags, ABS, sun roof, electric windows, central locking, and change from £10k !! We have been very impressed with the driving, she handles well, is very nippy especially when it matters most and extremely economical on petrol. The only thing we would have ...

Hmm, the 306 is what can only be called a sensible car. It has reasonable room inside, it looks ok, it handles ok, the boot is a fair size, and the economy is fine. So whats wrong with it? I suppose the answer is nothing, and perhaps that's the problem. It does everything reasonably well except excite the owner! Its yet another Eurobland motor car that does what is says on the tin. A car is a big investment for most owners, and I would like to feel some pleasure in ownership, I would like to spot it easily in a car park, I would like it to do something other than being safe and boring. ...