NEXT year is shaping up to be the battle of the fleet estate car with Peugeot announcing further details of its 406 estate just two weeks before the Vauxhall Vectra goes on sale.

Next year estate car sales are expected to total around 60,000 units and with Ford aiming for around 18,000 units, Vauxhall 17,000 and Peugeot 15,000 the sales battle is expected to be fierce.

The new 406 estate is expected to sell at about an £1,100-£1,150 premium over 406 saloon models and in a bid to become one of the estate market leaders Peugeot can claim to have the largest load floor length among its rivals and a load volume second only to the Laguna estate. The estate model trim and engine line-up will mirror the current 406 saloon range, although the range will be supplemented by seven-seat family versions and the addition of a range-topping 192bhp 3.0-litre V6 engine which in new V6 trim is likely to cost £23,000. The V6 will also be available in the saloon range.