In the last few years, Peugeot has been a front-runner in terms of new models, updated models and styling cues. As the owner of more than one Peugeot in the dim and distant past, I was interested to see how the latest productions compare with the long-running but often, er, quirky earlier machines.

The new 308 seemed an appropriate choice as Peugeot's first offering in the company's 8 range.

It's available in five trim levels and there are six engine options - three petrols, from 1.4-litre 95bhp to 1.6-litre 150bhp units, and three Hdi diesels from1.6, 90bhp to 2.0-litres and 136bhp.

I borrowed an SE model with the mid-range 120bhp petrol engine.

My first thought was the striking metallic green colour of the car (it's called Lacerta, at £350). I like bright colours on cars - English winters are dark enough already.

My second was the feeling of quality and style given off as I climbed in. This is a very well equipped car, yet not the top-specced model.

Peugeot certainly seems to have continued its tradition of throwing in almost everything bar the kitchen sink...

The driver's seat is welcoming and the instruments and switchgear are well-positioned.

The dials are a particular delight, looking very stylish and easy to read, though I was disappointed the rims were silver plastic and not chrome.

The driving ergonomics are good, though the brake and throttle pedals were a little far apart for my liking and the left footrest was a little close to the clutch pedal for my hefty plates of meat.

Driving was an enjoyable experience, with a stiffish chassis and medium to firm suspension giving good, predictable handling and a slick gearshift, and I liked the responsive (but maybe a tad oversensitive) throttle.

But the brakes were over-servoed to the point of ferocity - no doubt you get used to it, but it certainly put the kybosh on any heel-and-toe action.

I thought the steering was good at lower speeds but became a little woolly at higher speeds with not enough feedback.

Fine for urban driving though, and the grip from the Conti 225x45 tyres set on 17-inch rims was excellent.

There are four sticks on the steering column and two, for cruise control and the hi-fi, are hidden by the steering wheel spokes. And I'd have liked them illuminated at night.

However, they work well enough and most owners will soon learn the functions of the different controls, which do fall nicely to hand.

In typical Peugeot fashion, performance is a little lacklustre until you get to around 4,000 revs when it becomes a sporty pleasure.

The 0-62mph time is a moderate 10.8 seconds with a top speed of 122mph which makes for comfy motorway work and a claimed combined economy of 42.1mpg.

Rear legroom was adequate rather than good - at six foot tall, I wouldn't have relished a run up to Rotherham in the back I was particularly enamoured with the charming chimes which broadcast a rather pleasant ditty when leaving a seatbelt undone or the keys in the ignition. So much cheerier than those bullying warning alarms that most cars seem to irritate us with nowadays.

And the ambient after-dark lighting lent an air of sophistication too.

Which, along with those bright colours, certainly brightened up my January.

The car holds up well on safety features with all models having front, side and curtain air bags, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters and various brake assistance gizmos. The sides have been specially strengthened and there are three frontal impact absorption structures.

Not surprisingly, the car gets five stars for occupant protection from Euro NCAP, with four for child and three for pedestrian protection.

Economy is reasonable, with the combined cycle at an official 42.1mpg, though you won't achieve this with a sporty right foot The range starts with the Urban 1.4-litre VTi three-door model, costing £11,995 with prices rising to £20,045 for the five-door GT Hdi 136 at £20,045.

The mid-range but well-equipped SE 1.6 VTi tested costs £15,895, with the metallic paintwork (£350) and elaborate multi-media system with satnav (£1,300) taking that up to £17,545.

The 308 is certainly not as quirky as the Peugeots of old, and I suspect the company has sorted the old problems of iffy electronics, making it a reliable workhorse.

It's a characterful and stylish car with more room than its size suggests and well worthy of a gander at the dealer.