PEUGEOT has effectively cut the price of its LX specification 306 by up to 13% by offering fleets Meridian special edition versions of the medium segment hatchback and estate. Originally designed for the retail market, the 306 Meridian range is available with 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8-litre petrol engines and a 2.0-litre HDi diesel and has around £1,200 worth of extras compared with LX.

On-the-road prices start from £11,995 and features include climate control air-conditioning, remote control CD player, electric front windows, dual airbags, remote central locking, engine immobiliser and ABS with electronic brake force distribution. Body styling is similar to the sporty 306-GTi-6 with body-coloured bumpers and side skirts, alloy wheels and a choice of metallic or pearlescent paint finishes.

Peugeot fleet marketing manager Arnold Bailey said: 'The 306 Meridian has proved enormously popular within the retail sector. We decided to open it out to the fleet market because we think it will mirror that popularity among fleet users and offer fleet managers an excellent means of upgrading drivers without impacting significantly on their budgets.'