PEUGEOT is bidding to topple the Ford Mondeo from its position as Britain's best-selling estate car with the launch next Thursday (February 27) of the 406 estate. The 406's predecessor - the 405 - was the best-selling estate car in the UK in 1992 and 1993 and, despite being launched in 1989, it remains the second best-selling model today.

The 406 estate typically commands a £950 price premium over its saloon rival and has been priced to compete directly with the Mondeo. The estate line-up mirrors the 406 saloon line-up with the exception of no 2.0 Sri and 1.8 GLX models but the addition of a seven-seat family estate versions in L and LX trim with a choice of 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol and 1.9TD and 2.1TD engines. A total of 26 models with a choice of six engines, five trim levels and manual and automatic options are available.

Sample 406 estate on-the-road prices: 1.8 L £14,940, 1.9TD L £15,640, 1.8 LX £16,200 (with a/c), 2.0 LX (with a/c) £16,490, 1.9 LX TD (a/c) £16,910, 2.1 LX TD (a/c) £17,825, 2.0 GLX (a/c) £18,090, 1.9TD GLX (a/c) £18,545, 2.1TD GLX (a/c) £19,405, 3.0 GLX V6 £21,590, 2.0 turbo executive £21,580, 2.1TD executive £22,250. Family estate prices: 1.8 L £15,440, 1.8 LX (a/c) £16,700, 2.0 LX (a/c) £16,990, 2.1TD LX (a/c) £18,325.