Peugeot has added to its many accolades by winning the automotive industry's prestigious award of Car of the Year 2002, for its recently launched 307.

I was impressed with the car when I tested it briefly on launch and which I hope to test fully in the near future.

The car was the overall favourite of the 55 judges, all senior motoring journalists from 21 countries across Europe.

It took the title in the face of stiff opposition from six other finalists including the Swindon-built Civic - short-listed from 29 initial nomina-tions.

The judges were given extensive access to each car, driving them on roads and test tracks over a period of several months.

All aspects of the cars were evaluated, including performance, comfort and convenience, safety, build quality, design and handling.

When I tested the 307 at its launch in Wales, I was impressed by the amount of space and how smooth and quiet it was, not qualities always associated with Peugeot, especially smaller ones.

The 307 is one of the most techno-logically advanced and highly specified cars in its class, and boasts exceptional standards of safety and security combined with class-leading levels of space and equipment.

Its lines disguise the fact that it is actually one of the biggest cars in its class, with outstanding head and leg-room.

The 307 is also Peugeot's most environmentally friendly car ever.

Recycling and ease and safety of dismantling were prime considera-tions in the choice of materials and the construction of the vehicle.

The Car of the Year competition is now in its 39th year, and is inter-nationally recognised as one of the most prestigious events in the calendar.

Peugeot is no stranger to the Car of the Year award.

Previous winners include the 504 in 1969, and the 405 in 1988. Tod Evans, Managing Director of Peugeot said: "When we developed the 307, we knew that great things would be expected of it, as the successor to the best-selling 306.

"We are thrilled that it has not merely fulfiled, but exceeded those expectations, and are proud it has been awarded this significant title."

Some facts about the winner:

n The Peugeot 307 went on sale across Europe in mid 2001, and is now available in 90 countries worldwide.

n To date, 270,000 have been built at the company's Mulhouse and Sochaux production facilities in France.

n It achieved a UK market share of 2.01 per cent in October, just four months after its launch. 20,000 units have been sold.

n In 2002 the 307 will continue to increase sales with the introduction of further model derivatives and will aim for 550,000 sales internationally, far exceeding the best results obtained by the marque so far.

n Prices for the Peugeot 307 range from £10,860 for the Style 1.4 litre petrol model to £16,660 for the five-door Dturbo 2.0 litre HDi 110 with FAP.

The Car of the Year award is the second major accolade for Peugeot in as many months.

At the start of October its 206 consistently voted best retail car by private motorists spending their own money was acclaimed Best Used Car in the super-mini category by What Car? magazine.

A 1999 (T registration) Peugeot 206 1.4 LX five door with 27,000 miles on the clock was the model selected by the publication.

It beat stiff competition from Japan and Italy to scoop the title in the over £5,000 class of small car.

This is the second year running that the Peugeot 206 has won this prestigious What Car? award.

What Car? says in its October issue: "Used superminis simply don't come any more fresh-faced than the Peugeot 206, so it comes as no surprise that it retains the title in 2001.

"Those looks help to make it a real success as a new car and, as a result, it's becoming more and more popular on used car forecourts.

"The beauty of it is that a used 206 doesn't look old.

"It's every bit as smart as a new model, and you benefit from the same cleverly packaged cabin, decent drive and low running costs."

Andrew Didlick, director of public relations at Peugeot, said: "Whether it is sold new or used, the Peugeot 206 in three, five or two door Coup Cabriolet form, is a truly remarkable car.

"While enjoying tremendous sales success across Europe, the 206 is particularly well loved here in Britain where it's built more than 500,000 cars having now been made at our Ryton plant in Coventry."