THE 307 and I are now old friends in the world of our long term test fleet. We swap cars between staff every couple of weeks to ensure each is assessed fairly, but due to a mix of circumstances I've kept the keys to this Peugeot for nigh on a month – and I've no reason to complain.

In the last week alone I've done more than 700 miles due to a drive to – and around – the Lake District, plus a journey to Bradford, so I've got to know the car well thanks to these bouts of sustained driving. I'm pleased to report that the impressions are – but for a couple of minor quibbles – extremely positive.

I would say this is one of the best lower-medium sector cars I've driven, even compared to the 'giant' in that sector in sales terms, the Ford Focus. This view is on a driving basis alone rather than cost so I'm not picking a fight with the road testers here who in a group test pitting the petrol-engined 307 against the Focus and the Fiat Stilo, placed the Peugeot behind the Focus, although ahead of the Stilo.

Stand-out points on the 307 include the engine, the 2.0-litre 110bhp, the stalwart of the PSA Group's common rail line-up. Turn the key and the engine literally jumps into life with a loud gurgle.

This is a reminder that you're driving an 'oil burner' since the rest of the driving experience is one of ultra refinement – rapid in acceleration and smooth in thick traffic.

At motorway speeds in particular, noise levels are low and there is little shake or rattle in the cabin.

Interior comfort and spec is excellent. The 'toys' in the 307 should satisfy the most determined fiddler (me if I'm ever your front passenger), from the five-disc CD player – with steering wheel mounted controls – air conditioned glovebox, electric mirrors, automatic windscreen wipers and cruise control.

Load capacity is also impressive. The 307 swallowed up the paraphernalia of a week's holiday in the Lakes, plus my two guitars, a 35kg two-speaker cabinet, amplifier and partner for a recent gig.

One issue that continues to concern me is the mpg rate. Peugeot's combined figure is 54.1. I'm no Frankenstein's monster when it comes to the weight of my right foot and I'm getting nothing like this. The highest I've seen the dashboard mpg calculator reach is 49mpg.

Another bugbear is the braking system. In all weather conditions and whatever the journey length, they squeak like fingernails down a black board. The pads can't be worn yet, so it looks like it's time for a visit to our local Peugeot dealership.

The fault raised by Simon Harris in his long term test review has been fixed. He complained that the carpet kept coming away from the sill in the driver's footwell. Peugeot reacted quickly, took the car for a repair and it was returned the same day, fully fuelled and spotless. Highly impressive stuff – but was it customer care or the power of the press?