Peugeot 307
£6,000.00The 307 is a tall, heavy motor - it's slow to respond and vulnerable to crosswinds. And, although the ride is firm, you won't be running off to the chiropractor. So, it's not exactly a rival for the Ford Focus in how it dirves, but it is at least safe and predictable.
On the plus side, the stiff bodyshell and soundproofing shut out most road noise, and the engines are quiet unless you're working one of the diesels hard. Unfortunately, the high body and large windscreen stir up plenty of wind noise.