PEUGEOT'S new 306 estate will cost £750 more than the hatchback when it goes on sale in October. With a starting price of £12,255 on the road, the newcomer looks competitive against mainstream competitors like the Astra and Escort.

Available in familiar L, LX, GLX and XS trims, the 306 estate comes with a choice of 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8 petrol engines and normally aspirated and turbocharged 1.9 diesels. It has more loadspace than the old 405 estate, which was popular with fleets and standard equipment includes roof rails, load area cover and luggage net.

Prices: 1.4L £12,255, 1.9L Diesel £12,815, 1.6LX (s/r) £13,945, 1.6LX (a/c) £14,295, 1.9LX (s/r) £14,005, 1.9LX Turbodiesel (a/c) £15,195, 1.8GLX (s/r) £15,195, 1.9GLX Turbodiesel (a/c) £16,145, 1.8XS (a/c) £15,290, 1.9 D Turbo (a/c) £15,790.