Peugeot released the survey findings this week following a series of nine fleet ride and drive days it hosted in February and March at Silverstone, Brands Hatch, Oulton Park and Donington Park race circuits and a stately home in Scotland (Fleet News March 8).

Fleet chiefs gave the 406 a near-perfect 90% evaluation for styling, driving environment, driving experience and comfort and convenience - almost 20% more than the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Vectra.

More than 13,000 companies were invited to the events and a total of 1,031 people from 831 companies attended and completed appraisal forms after driving the 406 against rival Mondeo and Vectra models. While Peugeot has carried out such surveys before, it is the first time the manufacturer has published the results.