...a Peugeot 307SW of similar age and money instead of his Vauxhall Vectra. A day with his friends 307 made for an interesting comparison - how do the French fair at this age?

Hits:
1. The hdi engine at 137000 miles drives like it's just come out of the factory - a seemingly fine bit of engineering.

2. The Peugeot's paintwork is impressive - despite living by the sea the bodywork is absolutely rust free and in amazingly clean condition. Don't know how they do it, but it works.

And the misses:
1. Flimsy build - the Darklord lashed the doors shut every time by accident, until the owner threatened physical violence. But compared to the Vectroid, which is solid and reassuring, the French bodywork seems laughable.

2. The interior is rather naff - hard plastics, and seats with the consistency of marshmallow. The Darklord will have to lay off the pies methinks.

3. A gear change, in which the gear lever appeared to be attached to a lemon souffle rather than a mechanical device. Non, Mon petit.

Verdict? The Darklord will keep the big Vauxhall thanks. A better quality product overall!